Idaho Bill of Sale Form – Download Free Template
One simple document can save you trouble later! A bill of sale does more than just record a transaction – it protects buyers and sellers from legal issues and fraud. Download a bill of sale template and secure a smooth, documented transaction, and avoid unnecessary complications.
What is the Idaho Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is an important document that records the sale of a vehicle or vessel in Idaho. For buyers, it serves as proof of purchase and may be required for registration or title transfer. For sellers, it provides legal protection, showing they are no longer responsible for the vehicle.Â
Keeping a copy of the bill of sale ensures both parties have evidence of the transaction, which can help in case of disputes, tax purposes, or future ownership verification.
Why Do Sellers Need a Bill of Sale in Idaho?
Getting a bill of sale is recommended for sellers and buyers to have a solid proof of transaction and transfer history to register the vehicle.
For Seller
- Sale and Ownership Transfer Proof: The bill of sale clearly records the transaction details, including the buyer’s and seller’s information, the item’s details, the agreed price, and the date of sale.
- Protection from Liability: Once completed, the seller is no longer the item’s owner. This ensures the seller is not responsible for any fines or penalties that show up after the sale date.
- Fraud Protection: The document includes the agreed price, the item’s condition, and the terms of sale. If a dispute happens, this document serves as evidence of what both parties agreed upon.
For Buyers
- Proof of Ownership: The bill of sale is a written record documenting the sale and the legal transfer of the vehicle or vessel from the seller to the buyer.
- Legal Protection: It includes key information like the price, item description, and signatures. This information can be crucial if any dispute arises in the future.
- Registration and Compliance: In many states, a bill of sale is required when you go to register the vehicle or vessel, which helps confirm that the buyer is the legitimate new owner.
Types of Idaho Bill of Sale
Idaho provides different types of bills of sale depending on what is being sold. For vehicles, a motor vehicle bill of sale is used and must include important details like the VIN and odometer reading. For other personal property, such as boats, firearms, or equipment, a general bill of sale can be used. Both forms help record the transfer of ownership and protect both parties.
Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale
- Purpose: Used when selling or buying a vehicle, boat, or mobile home.
- Key Information: Must include the vehicle’s year, make, model, VIN, sale price, date, buyer’s and seller’s names and addresses, and odometer reading.
Boat Bill of Sale
- Purpose: Used for personal property other than motor vehicles.
- Examples: Can be used for items such as furniture, tools, or electronics.
- Items Written on the Document: Should include a description of the item, sale price, date, and contact information of both parties.
- Requirement: Some transactions may need the general bill of sale to be notarized in Idaho.
What Information Should be Written in the Idaho Bill of Sale?
An Idaho Bill of Sale must include essential details to legally validate the transaction. These include:
- Buyer and Seller Information: Full names and addresses of both parties to document who is involved in the transaction.
- Vehicle or Vessel Description: Key details such as make, model, year, VIN (for cars/trailers), or HIN (for boats) to identify the item being sold.
- Purchase Price and Date of Sale: The amount paid and the sale date to confirm transaction terms.
- Odometer Reading: The vehicle's current mileage to meet Idaho’s odometer disclosure requirements.
- Condition and Disclosures: Notes on whether the item is sold "as-is" or if the seller provides any warranties.
- Signatures: Both buyer and seller must sign to finalize the agreement.
Registering the Vehicle in Idaho
Once you have purchased the vehicle, you need to register it with the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles. Follow the steps below to register your vehicle:
Complete the Title Transfer
The seller must sign over the vehicle title to the buyer, ensuring the legal transfer of ownership before the vehicle can be registered in Idaho.
Provide a Bill of Sale
A bill of sale may be required for private sales, serving as proof of purchase and helping resolve potential ownership disputes in the future.
Submit an Odometer Disclosure
Most vehicles require an odometer disclosure to verify mileage accuracy, which is crucial for assessing the car’s condition and preventing odometer fraud.
Pay Registration Fees
Registration fees depend on the vehicle’s weight, type, and registration period. Additional taxes or county fees may also apply.
Obtain Idaho License Plates
To legally drive on Idaho roads, you must obtain and properly display valid Idaho license plates issued during the registration process.
Idaho VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy
If you plan to buy a used vehicle in Idaho, make sure you check the VIN and secure the vehicle history report to examine the vehicle’s specifications and its records, like accidents, auctions, or recalls.
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.
FAQs About Idaho Bill of Sale
Can a bill of sale be scanned?
Yes, a bill of sale can be scanned and saved as hard copies or electronically. Scanning a physical bill of sale into a PDF format makes it secure and accessible remotely, particularly in urgent situations.
Does Idaho require a bill of sale to be notarized?
No, for a general transaction, an Idaho bill of sale does not need to be notarized. This is not a required thing by the law, but both the person who is buying and the person who is selling should put their signature and date on the document paper.
Does a notarized letter have to be typed?
Notaries have the option to handwrite or use a machine to create the notarial certificate, even if the main document is typed or handwritten.
What would happen if I lost my bill of sale?
If a bill of sale is lost, you should contact the relevant state department, which is most often the DMV, especially for vehicle transactions.
Do I need a lawyer for a bill of sale?
In most cases, you don’t need a lawyer to create a bill of sale. However, for complex or high-value transactions, getting legal help can ensure the document is accurate and protects both parties.
