Arkansas Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trucks, Trailers, and Boats
Buying or selling a boat or vehicle in Arkansas? Protect your investment by using a bill of sale to record the transaction. The bill of sale can be used as a legal document that protects the buyer and the seller against legal disputes and claims in the future.
Arkansas Bill of Sale Form
Be sure to use our accurate and legally binding bill of sale template during the car sale to ensure a smooth and legally protected transaction.
What’s the Use of an Arkansas Bill of Sale?
Every transaction must be recorded for legal purposes or to claim any insurance the product provides. The same goes for vehicle transactions. The bill of sale functions as a transaction record with both parties’ details, including the addresses, names, vehicle numbers and information, and purchase price.
Each state has its regulations regarding using a bill of sale. In Arkansas, this document serves as proof of ownership transfer and can be helpful for tax purposes, vehicle registration, and resolving disputes.
Get the Vehicle History Report in Arkansas
Buying a secondhand vehicle might come with risks if you are not careful. To avoid this, you need to get into the full details of the vehicle, such as getting the vehicle history report by decoding the VIN.
What Information Can You Find in the Vehicle Report?
When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle. Here’s what you’ll be getting on the report.
- Mileage
- Ownership History
- Sales History
- Usage History
- Accident History
- Lien & Loans
- Recalls History
- Flood Damage
- Title Brand
- Warranty Status
- Salvage Title
- Repair Cost
- Hail Damage
- Ownership Duration
- Accident History
- Maintenance Schedule
In addition, sellers can display the original factory specifications and features of their vehicles with window stickers. A window sticker shows the standard and optional features, packages, MSRP, safety ratings, and more.
Display accurate vehicle specs to all buyers easily with our window sticker lookup tool!
What's Included in a Window Sticker?
Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.
- MSRP & Pricing
- Optional Equipment
- Warranty Details
- Engine Specs
- Exterior Features
- Color Codes
- Standard Features
- Safety Ratings
- Fuel Economy
- Interior Features
- Packages & Options
- Manufacturing Info
What’s Inside an Arkansas Bill of Sale?
A standard Arkansas bill of sale includes the names and addresses of the seller and buyer, along with vehicle details, including:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Odometer disclosure
- Signatures
Both parties must sign the bill of sale; otherwise, it is invalid. Some buyers and sellers may choose to have the document notarized for added security, although this is not required under Arkansas law.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Does an Arkansas Bill of Sale Matter for a Seller?
A bill of sale is not merely a piece of paper for the seller; it’s solid proof that the vehicle or the vessel is no longer their responsibility and is no longer owned by the seller. Without the bill of sale, you could still be responsible for simple things such as a parking ticket, traffic violations, and other issues.
A bill of sale also helps prevent disputes over the sale price or condition of the car, keeping everything clear between you and the buyer. Plus, if the new owner delays registration, your bill of sale proves you had nothing to do with the vehicle after the sale, protecting you from future trouble.
Should Buyers Get the Bill of Sale?
For buyers, having a bill of sale is equally important because it serves as legal proof of purchase. Without this document, proving ownership may become difficult, especially in private sales, where a title transfer might not happen immediately. The bill of sale is useful for tax calculations, registration purposes, and resolving ownership disputes.
What to Check Before Buying a Car!
Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools.
Check the vehicle history
Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents, title issues, and undisclosed damages.
Look for flood damage
Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.
Verify the odometer reading
Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.
Be informed about the title
Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with a salvage history.
Check for theft records
You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.
Get the service record
Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.
How to Register a Vehicle in Arkansas?
Getting your car registered in Arkansas is simple, but there are a few steps you need to follow. These steps include:
Verify Vehicle Title
Before beginning the registration process, ensure the vehicle title is in your name, not the seller’s. A bill of sale may be required as proof.
Complete the Registration Application
Fill out the vehicle registration application with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). Some registrations can be completed online, while others require an in-person visit.
Submit Required Documents
Provide the necessary paperwork, including the bill of sale, vehicle title, odometer disclosure (if applicable), and proof of insurance, for processing.
Pay Registration Fees
Pay the required fees based on the vehicle’s type, age, and weight. Additional taxes may also apply, depending on the transaction details.
Receive Registration and License Plates
Once approved, you will receive your vehicle’s registration card and license plates, allowing you to drive on Arkansas roads legally.
Registering a Vessel in Arkansas
If you bought a vessel instead of a vehicle, you need to register the vessel in the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). Boats propelled by sail and motor (including trolling motors) must be registered when you want to operate the vehicle on public water.
Determine Registration Requirements
All motorised boats, including those with trolling motors, must be registered with the Arkansas DFA before being used on public waterways.
Complete the Boat Registration Application
Fill out the required registration application with accurate vessel details, including make, model, year, and hull identification number (HIN).
Provide a Bill of Sale
Submit a completed bill of sale as proof of purchase and ownership transfer to verify the boat’s transaction details.
Pay Registration Fees
The registration cost depends on the vessel’s length and type. Additional taxes or title transfer fees may apply in some cases.
Receive Registration Number and Decals
Once the application is processed, you will receive a registration number and decals, which must be displayed on the boat.
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write the bill of sale on a piece of paper?
You can create your own if your state lacks a bill of sale form. A handwritten version is legally valid if it contains all required information, is signed by both buyer and seller, and is notarized. For better use, you may use our bill of sale form.
Can I get the bill of sale notarized without the seller?
You can handwrite a legally valid bill of sale if your state doesn’t offer a form, provided it covers all essential aspects and is signed by both parties and a notary.
Is a receipt a bill of sale?
In some areas, ownership is established beyond physical possession. In these cases, a bill of sale acts as proof of ownership. While similar to a receipt, a bill of sale is usually a more formal document.