Missouri Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trailers, Trucks, and Boats
Worried about proving the ownership after you bought the vehicle in Missouri? Buying a used vehicle from a dealer requires a bill of sale to record the transaction. The bill of sale provides a clear transaction record, including important details like buyer and seller information, sale price, and vehicle specifics.Â
What is the Missouri Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is a formal legal document that confirms the transfer of ownership of a property, such as a vehicle or vessel, between a buyer and a seller. While the state of Missouri does not always mandate the use of this document for all transactions, it is widely considered an extremely valuable record.
Furthermore, retaining a signed bill of sale is important for several practical reasons. For instance, it can greatly assist in official processes such as vehicle registration and declaring the sale price for tax purposes.
By accurately documenting the terms, the sale price, and the details of both the item and the parties involved, the bill of sale provides necessary evidence in the event of any legal issues or disputes concerning the transaction.
Why Do You Need a Missouri Bill of Sale?
Even though a bill of sale is not always required for every single transaction in Missouri, both the seller and the buyer benefit greatly from having this document. It serves as a necessary legal record that protects all parties involved long after the sale is complete.
For Seller
- Prevents Liability Issues: A bill of sale proves that ownership has been transferred, meaning the seller is no longer responsible for any accidents, traffic violations, or crimes committed with the vehicle after the date of sale.
- Provides Proof of Sale Price: For tax purposes, the document officially records the exact amount received for the vehicle, preventing disputes with the buyer or tax authorities regarding income reporting.
- Helps Resolve Ownership Disputes: If any disagreements arise about the transaction later on, a bill of sale acts as key evidence that the sale occurred, protecting the seller from potential legal complications.
For Buyers
- Confirms Ownership Transfer: A bill of sale proves that the buyer is the new legal owner of the vehicle, trailer, or boat, which is useful evidence before completing the final title registration.
- Protects Against Fraud: By verifying all essential details, the bill of sale helps ensure the buyer gets exactly what was promised, significantly reducing the chances of scams or misrepresentation.
- May Be Required for Registration: Since the bill of sale is proof of the transaction, it might be a required document that must be used to register the vehicle with the Missouri DMV.
Types of Missouri Bill of Sale
Missouri uses specific forms for motor vehicles, but for other items, a general, well-detailed document is recommended to confirm ownership and provide legal protection.
For Motor Vehicles
The Missouri Department of Revenue provides the necessary forms for legally documenting the sale of cars, trucks, and motorcycles:
- Missouri Vehicle Bill of Sale (Form 1957): This is the official and primary document used to record a vehicle sale between private parties and is a critical part of transferring ownership.
- Missouri Notice of Sale/Transfer (Form 5049): Sellers are required to file this form (or the official Bill of Sale) with the Department of Revenue (DOR) within 30 days of the sale to report the transfer.
- Missouri Reassignment of Ownership by Registered Dealer (Form 2447): This form is specifically used by licensed dealers to legally reassign a title for a subsequent sale or when selling a vehicle with an out-of-state title.
For Other Property
For items outside of standard motor vehicles, Missouri gives buyers and sellers flexibility, though using a document is strongly recommended:
- General Bill of Sale: This template is used for transactions involving items like boats, trailers, firearms, furniture, or animals. It is not legally required, but it is vital for proof of purchase.
- Custom or Template Bills of Sale: You can use a professionally designed template or create a custom one. Ensure the document includes all essential details, such as the buyer/seller information, a full property description, the sale price, and the signatures of both parties.
What Should be Written in the Missouri Bill of Sale
The Missouri bill of sale typically includes the following information that needs to be disclosed on the document
- Buyer and seller details: Names, addresses, and contact information of both parties.
- Transaction date: The exact date the sale took place.
- Vehicle, trailer, or boat details: Information like make, model, year, VIN/HIN, and odometer reading.
- Sale price and payment method: The amount paid and whether it was in cash, check, or another form.
- Signatures: Both parties must sign to confirm the agreement.
How to Register a Vehicle in Missouri
You have 30 days from the date of purchase to title and pay sales tax on a newly acquired vehicle. The registration process requires a visit to a Missouri license office.
Required Documents
You must gather the following items before visiting the office:
- Proof of Ownership: The vehicle title, registration form, or an application for title.
- Proof of Insurance: Valid insurance coverage for the vehicle.
- Valid Safety Inspection: A current safety inspection certificate (some new vehicles may be exempt).
- Personal Property Tax Receipt: A current receipt showing personal property taxes are paid, or a certificate of non-assessment.
- Completed Application: The signed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108).
- Out-of-State Inspection: A separate Identification Number and Odometer (ID/OD) inspection is required if the vehicle is being transferred from another state or country.
- Lien Release: A notarized Lien Release (Form 4809) is needed if the vehicle title shows a lienholder.
Important Fees
Be prepared to pay the necessary fees, which include:
- State and local sales tax on the vehicle’s purchase price.
- A title fee.
- Registration fees are calculated based on the vehicle’s taxable horsepower or weight.
Missouri 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
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Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Missouri Bill of Sale FAQs
Is a bill of sale legally binding?
A legally sound, written agreement, the bill of sale, details the transfer of goods or property, proving ownership change for items like vehicles and machinery.
Will a notarized bill of sale hold up in court?
Notarizing a bill of sale adds weight to your ownership claim, providing irrefutable evidence in disputes due to its documented and unbiased nature.
What does a handwritten bill of sale need to say?
For a complete bill of sale, provide the buyer’s name, address, and phone number, a full item description (serial number, make, model, condition), the sale price, and how the payment was made.
Does the Missouri Bill of Sale need to be notarized?
However, it’s important to know that some other documents related to a vehicle sale, like applying for a duplicate title, do require notarization. Even though the state doesn’t legally require notarization for the bill of sale itself, it’s completely fine to notarize the bill of sale especially for high-value items, to add an extra layer of official authenticity to the transaction.
