In short
A trailer bill of sale records the sale of a utility, cargo, flatbed, or boat trailer, including the make, type, VIN or serial number, length, axles, and price.
What is a trailer bill of sale?
A trailer bill of sale documents the sale of a utility, cargo, flatbed, dump, or boat trailer. It records the trailer’s description, VIN or serial number, weight, and the agreed price.
Whether a trailer must be titled and registered depends on its weight and your state. Even small utility trailers benefit from a bill of sale as proof of ownership and purchase price.
When do you need one?
Use a trailer bill of sale in situations like these:
- Selling or buying a utility, cargo, flatbed, dump, or boat trailer.
- Registering a trailer that exceeds your state’s weight threshold for titling.
- Documenting the sale of a homemade or unbranded trailer.
What information goes on a trailer bill of sale?
A complete trailer bill of sale should include all of the following. Our generator collects each one and flags anything you miss:
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, and trailer type
- VIN or serial number
- Length, number of axles, and empty weight
- Price, date, and signatures
How to write a trailer bill of sale
- 1 Open the trailer bill of sale generator
Start the free generator with the Trailer Bill of Sale type already selected and choose the state where the sale takes place.
- 2 Enter the seller, buyer, and item details
Add full legal names and addresses, then describe the trailer — the live preview builds the document as you type.
- 3 Add the price and terms
Record the agreed price (or mark it as a gift), the payment method, and whether the sale is "as-is."
- 4 Check, sign, and download
Reach 100% on the completeness score, copy or download the document for free, then follow the signing checklist for your state.
Legal considerations
- Many trailers have a 17-character VIN; small utility trailers may use a manufacturer serial number.
- Homemade trailers often need a separate inspection and a state-issued VIN before titling.
- Weight thresholds for titling and registration vary by state.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Read our disclaimer.
State-specific requirements
Vehicle-type documents are tied to state title law. The biggest difference between states is whether the transfer must be notarized. These states require a notarized title transfer for a private sale:
Several more states require notarization only in specific tax situations. Pick your state for the exact rule, the official form, and what to bring to the DMV:
Trailer Bill of Sale — FAQ
Do I need to title a trailer?
It depends on the trailer’s weight and your state. Heavier trailers usually require a title and registration; many small utility trailers only need registration. Check your state page.
What if my trailer has no VIN?
Homemade or older trailers may need a state inspection to be assigned a VIN before they can be titled. The bill of sale still documents the sale in the meantime.
Can I use one bill of sale for a boat and its trailer?
You can list both, but because the trailer often has its own VIN and registration, a separate trailer bill of sale keeps the paperwork clean.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.
Can a bill of sale be handwritten?
Yes. A handwritten bill of sale is legal as long as it includes the required details — the parties, a description of the item, the price, the date, and both signatures. Using a structured template simply makes sure nothing important is left out.