Arkansas Bill of Sale Form – Download Free Template
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.
What is an Arkansas Bill of Sale?
An Arkansas Bill of Sale is a legal document that shows the transfer of ownership for goods such as vehicles, boats, or livestock. It works as proof that a sale took place between a buyer and a seller. This document helps protect both parties by providing important details, such as the date of sale, purchase amount, and a description of the item sold.
In Arkansas, a bill of sale is especially important for vehicle transactions. It is often required when registering or transferring a vehicle title and must be included when applying for a bonded title. Having a proper bill of sale ensures the ownership is clear and helps avoid any future disputes or confusion about the sale.
Why Do You Need an Arkansas Bill of Sale?
For Seller
A bill of sale is not just a piece of paper for the seller; it is solid proof that the vehicle or vessel is no longer your responsibility and is no longer owned by you.Â
- Proof of Transfer: It confirms you legally got rid of the item.
- Liability Protection: It shows you are not responsible for tickets, tolls, or violations after the sale.
- Prevents Disputes: It helps stop arguments over the sale price or the item’s condition.
- Future Protection: If the buyer delays registration, the bill of sale proves you were not involved with the vehicle after the sale.
For Buyers
Having a bill of sale is equally important because it acts as legal proof that you purchased the item. Without this document, it may be difficult to prove you own the item, especially in private sales where transferring the title might take some time.
- Legal Proof: It serves as solid, legal proof of your purchase.
- Ownership Confirmation: It makes proving your ownership easier, especially before the title is fully transferred.
- Registration and Taxes: It is useful for tax calculations and for vehicle registration purposes.
- Dispute Resolution: It helps you resolve any disagreements about ownership quickly.
Bill of Sale Types in Arkansas
In Arkansas, a few types of bills of sale are used to record any transaction, not limited to vehicles or vessels. The most common ones are the general bill of sale for personal property and the motor vehicle bill of sale for cars or trucks. Other versions are used for boats, firearms, livestock, and mobile homes.
General Bill of Sale
The general bill of sale is mostly used to record a transaction on personal property like furniture and equipment. The bill of sale must include details such as the item description, sale price, and the names of both the buyer and seller.
Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale
Required when selling or buying a vehicle in Arkansas, especially if the title does not include space for certain details. It must include:
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- The current odometer reading
- The purchase price and date of sale
- The names and signatures of both buyer and seller
- An odometer disclosure, if the vehicle is less than 10 years old and under 16,000 pounds
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) provides an official form, Form 10-313, for this purpose.
Other Types of Bills of Sale
- Boat or Watercraft Bill of Sale: Used to record the sale and transfer of ownership of a boat.
- Firearm Bill of Sale: Documents the sale or transfer of a gun or firearm.
- Livestock Bill of Sale: Used when selling animals such as horses, cattle, or other livestock.
- Mobile Home Bill of Sale: Used for the sale and transfer of a mobile home.
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
How to Register a Vehicle in Arkansas?
To register a car in Arkansas, you need to gather the required documents and complete the process within 30 days of purchasing the vehicle or moving to the state.
Required Documents and Information
You must have the following items ready for registration:
- Proof of Ownership: The original out-of-state title signed over to you, or a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO). A bill of sale is also required as proof of purchase.
- Proof of Insurance: A valid, current Arkansas-compliant auto insurance policy.
- Property Tax Proof: A receipt showing you have paid your personal property taxes or an official exemption certificate.
- Completed Application: The official Vehicle Registration Application (Form 10-381).
- VIN Inspection: The vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must be inspected.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for any vehicle that is ten years old or newer.
How to Register?
- In-Person: Visit any local State Revenue Office with all your documents to register your vehicle.
- Online: You can handle renewals or apply for new registration online by visiting the official MyDMV Arkansas website.
Arkansas VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy
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 in the report.
Mileage History
Title Brand
Ownership History
Warranty Status
Sales History
Salvage Title
Usage History
Repair Cost
Auction History
Hail Damage
Ownership Duration
Recalls History
Accident History
Flood Damage
Lien & Loans
Maintenance Schedule
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!
Arkansas Bill of Sale FAQs
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.
Does the Arkansas bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, an Arkansas bill of sale does not generally need to be notarized. Having this bill of sale document is a good practice for proof of ownership, but the notarization is not a demanding legal requirement for general transactions inside the state.Â
Is the bill of sale necessary in Arkansas?
Yes, a bill of sale is required in Arkansas when the transferring of a vehicle title is transferred if the space is not on the title for writing the purchase price and the odometer reading.Â
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) uses the completed title document for property transfers, but if the title does not have enough space for these details, a separate bill of sale, which is properly filled out, is necessary for the title to be valid and to achieve vehicle registration.
