Delaware Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trucks, Trailers, and Boat
While the Delaware bill of sale is not always mandatory, having one on hand could prevent future disputes arising from ownership issues, delayed registration, or being held liable for a vehicle you no longer own.
Delaware Bill of Sale Form
This simple bill serves as legal proof of the sale, protecting buyers and sellers while ensuring a smooth transfer process. Get the downloadable bill of sale now to document your sales.
What’s the Delaware Bill of Sale Used For?
The bill of sale is a document used to document the transaction process when buying or selling a vehicle or vessel as a proof of ownership transfer, which can be useful in several situations, such as registering a vehicle under the buyer’s name.
Although Delaware doesn’t require a bill of sale, you should ensure you have one, especially if you bought a car from a private seller. If the title is lost or missing, this document can help confirm ownership. It also clarifies the sale price, which can be useful for tax purposes.
Check For Hidden Vehicle Records Before You Buy
When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle.
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.
- 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
Don’t risk buying a damaged vehicle – run a VIN check to uncover hidden damages, past owners, reported recalls, and potential fraud.
In addition, sellers can display their vehicles’ original factory specifications and features 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 Does the Delaware Bill of Sale Contain?
A Delaware bill of sale includes key details about the transaction, ensuring both parties have a written record of the sale. Here’s what you will find on a bill of sale:
- Buyer and seller details: Full names, addresses, and contact information
- Vehicle details: Make, model, year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and color
- Sale date: The exact date the transfer took place
- Purchase price: The agreed amount paid for the vehicle, trailer, or boat
- Odometer reading: Required for vehicles under 10 years old
Having all these details in writing ensures that the buyer and seller are protected if any issues arise later.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Sellers Need a Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is more than just a receipt—it’s a safeguard for sellers, confirming that ownership has officially changed hands and preventing future complications.
Proof of Ownership Transfer
This document serves as undeniable proof that the seller no longer owns the vehicle, preventing disputes or false claims down the line.
Protection from Future Liability
If the buyer fails to register the vehicle, any fines, accidents, or legal issues could still be linked to the seller. A bill of sale helps prevent unwanted responsibility.
Useful for Tax Reporting
Sellers may need to report the sale for tax purposes, and having a Bill of Sale ensures accurate financial records for personal or business use.
Avoids Legal Troubles
A Bill of Sale provides legal protection if the vehicle is misused after the sale, proving that the seller is no longer associated with the vehicle.
Why Buyers Need a Bill of Sale
For buyers, a bill of sale is a crucial document that ensures a smooth registration process and provides legal protection in disputes.
Required for Registration
Many states, including Delaware, require a bill of sale to transfer ownership and register the vehicle under the buyer’s name.
Resolves Title Issues
If there are problems with the title, such as a missing or improperly signed document, a bill of sale can serve as supporting evidence to correct registration issues.
Confirms Transaction Details
A bill of sale records critical information like the sale date, purchase price, and both parties’ details, ensuring that everything is documented clearly.
Prevents Ownership Disputes
With a signed bill of sale, the buyer has proof of purchase, eliminating confusion over legal ownership and protecting their rights in case of future claims.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 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 bad title.
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.
Registering Vehicle in Delaware
After buying the vehicle, the next step is to register the vehicle under your name. The registration must be completed within the Delaware DMV. Sometimes, a dealership handles the process. However, if you bought the vehicle from a private seller, you must take care of it.
Steps to register a vehicle in Delaware:
- Obtain the signed title from the seller
- Complete a bill of sale if necessary
- Provide proof of insurance
- Pass a vehicle inspection (if applicable)
- Pay the registration fees and applicable taxes
More details on the process can be found on the Delaware DMV website.
How to Register a Vessel in Delaware?
If you’ve purchased a boat or other watercraft in Delaware, you must register it with the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife. Some boats, such as those used only on private property, may be exempt from registration.
Steps to register a vessel in Delaware:
- Fill out a Boat Registration Application
- Provide a bill of sale as proof of ownership
- Submit proof of residency if required
- Pay the registration fee based on vessel size
For more information, visit the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Boat Registration page.
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
To complete a title transfer in Delaware, you need the current title, a completed title application, a bill of sale, a lien release (if applicable), and valid identification for both the buyer and seller. Ensure all documents are accurate to avoid any issues during the transfer.
A bill of sale is legally binding when it includes essential details like buyer and seller information, transaction date, item description, sale price, signatures, and if required, notarization. It serves as proof of ownership transfer and protects both parties.
Both parties don’t need to be present for a notarization. You can notarize the person’s signature with you, and the other person can have their signature notarized at a different time.”