Illinois Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trailers, and Boats
Buying or selling a vehicle or vessel in Illinois? A bill of sale is a document that records the transaction details to ensure proof of ownership, proof of payment, and legal protection.
This simple bill of sale form helps prevent disputes, supports tax calculations, and offers peace of mind to both buyers and sellers in any vehicle or vessel sale. Get the bill of sale template now to protect your purchase!
What is the Illinois Bill of Sale For?
A bill of sale records the transaction between the buyer and seller. It provides the written proof of sale, including the key details like the date, price, and parties involved.
The seller and buyer have to keep a copy of the bill of sale for different but kind of same purpose – it acts as proof of purchase and may be required if the buyers want to register or title the vehicle.
Get a Vehicle History Report in Illinois
Before buying a used vehicle, checking its history is essential to avoid hidden issues like accidents, title problems, or odometer fraud. A vehicle history report details past owners, maintenance records, and any reported damages, helping buyers make informed decisions.
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
Instantly check for past accidents, mileage discrepancies, maintenance history, and potential fraud before making a purchase decision.
For sellers, displaying a window sticker lets them showcase the vehicle’s original factory specifications, including standard and optional features, trim details, MSRP, and safety ratings. This helps attract buyers and ensures transparency in the sale.
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 Illinois Bill of Sale Contain?
The Illinois bill of sale shows a clear record of the sale, protecting both the buyer and the seller.
A typical Illinois bill of sale includes:
- Buyer and Seller Information: Both parties’ full names, addresses, and contact details.
- Vehicle or Vessel Details: Make, model, year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or HIN (Hull Identification Number) for boats, and any other identifying features.
- Date of Sale: The exact date when ownership is transferred.
- Sale Price: The agreed purchase amount, which may be needed for tax purposes.
- Payment Terms: Whether the transaction is paid in full, financed, or involves a trade.
- Odometer Reading: Required for vehicle sales to disclose the mileage at the time of sale.
- Seller’s Disclosure: A statement confirming that the vehicle or vessel is sold “as-is” or noting any known defects.
- Signatures: Both the buyer and seller must sign to make the document legally valid.
In some cases, a notary public may also be required to witness and authenticate the document, depending on local regulations.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why do Sellers Need an Illinois Bill of Sale?
For the seller, the bill of sale is a legal protection and proof of the transaction. Here’s why getting the bill of sale is important.
Liability Protection
Once the vehicle or the vessel is sold, the seller is no longer responsible for accidents and violations tied to it. A bill of sale documented the transfer of the vehicle to the buyer, and it’s solid proof that the vehicle is no longer the seller’s responsibility.
Proof of Transaction
If the buyer fails to register the vehicle under their name, the seller still has the documented sale of the vehicle. This can be helpful if there’s a case in tax inquiries or titles.
Odometer Disclosure Compliance
Illinois requires accurate odometer reporting. A bill of sale ensures sellers disclose the correct mileage, protecting them from fraud accusations.
Why do Buyers Need a Bill of Sale?
For buyers, a bill of sale is just as important as it is for sellers. It offers protection and proof of purchase, which will help in the future.
Ownership Verification
If there’s a title transfer or discrepancies, the bill of sale will be used as proof that the buyer bought the vessel or vehicle legally.
Fraud Prevention
The bill of sale documents the agreed price and condition of the items at the time of purchase. If any disputes arise later, the buyer has written proof of what was promised.
Assist with Registration and Titling
While Illinois does not always require a bill of sale registration, some counties may request it for tax assessments. Having it on hand ensures a smoother registration process.
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 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.
Taking a few minutes to check a car’s background can save you from expensive surprises down the road.
How to Register a Vehicle in Illinois
To register a car, truck, or trailer in Illinois, buyers must complete the following steps:
- Obtain a signed title from the seller.
- Complete an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) form.
- Pay applicable registration and title fees.
- Provide an Odometer Disclosure Statement, if required.
- Submit documents to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.
Get more details on the official Illinois Vehicle Registration site.
Registering a Vessel in Illinois
Registering a boat in Illinois is important so the boat can operate in the state’s water. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) oversees boat registration, and all motorized boats must be registered, regardless of size. Here’s what you need to do:
- Completing the Illinois Watercraft Registration Application.
- Provide a Bill of Sale as proof of purchase.
- Paying the registration fees based on boat size and type.
- Applying to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
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
You can use a handwritten or digital bill of sale; both are acceptable if the document has all the necessary information and mutual consent.
Yes, a bill of sale can be handwritten; although digital versions are typical, a handwritten document is also acceptable. The key is ensuring all details are included to protect the buyer and seller.
Selling a car without a bill of sale or title transfer is risky. You could be liable if the buyer doesn’t register it or has an accident.