Ohio Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trucks, Trailers, and Boats
Buying or selling a car in Ohio? A bill of sale isn’t just another piece of paperwork—it’s proof the deal happened. While not always required for registration, it protects both buyers and sellers from legal disputes.
Ohio Bill of Sale Form
A bill of sale protects both buyers and sellers during vehicle transactions. Download our free template to create a legally sound document that records all essential details of your sale.
What is the Ohio Bill of Sale For?
A bill of sale is essential for private sales, where buyers and sellers handle the paperwork themselves. It serves as legal proof of the transaction, documenting key details such as the sale price, date, and vehicle or vessel information.
Even when purchasing from a dealership, it serves as an extra layer of protection, helping to resolve disputes, clarify terms, and provide a backup record if any issues arise later.
Get a Vehicle History Report in Ohio or a Window Sticker
Before signing anything, wouldn’t you want to know about the vehicle’s condition? A bill of sale records the transaction, but it won’t tell you if the car has hidden problems. That’s where a vehicle history report comes in.
What Details Are Included in the Vehicle History Report?
Running a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History provides comprehensive insights into the vehicle.
- Mileage
- Ownership History
- Sales History
- Usage History
- Accident History
- Lien & Loans
- Title Brand
- Warranty Status
- Salvage Title
- Repair Cost
- Flood Damage
- Recalls History
In addition, sellers can display the original factory specifications and features of their vehicles 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 is the Ohio Bill of Sale For?
A good bill of sale isn’t just a handshake in writing—it’s a clear, detailed document. It should include:
Buyer and Seller Information
Full names and addresses of both parties
Vehicle Details
Make, model, year, VIN, mileage
Sale Price
The amount paid for the vehicle
Date of Sale
When ownership officially changes hands
Signatures
Both parties must sign to make it official.
Additional Terms
Any special conditions or agreements.
Including these details ensures both parties have proof of the agreement, reducing the risk of misunderstandings.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Sellers Need a Bill of Sale
If you’re selling a car, the last thing you want is to be held responsible for what happens after it leaves your hands. A bill of sale helps protect you by proving you’re no longer the owner. Imagine selling a car and later getting parking tickets or toll violations—without a bill of sale, that could be a headache to sort out.
It’s also important if a buyer delays title transfer. In Ohio, the title must be transferred within 30 days, or the buyer faces late fees. A bill of sale provides proof that you sold the vehicle on a specific date, which could save you from any legal or financial issues down the road.
Why Buyers Need a Bill of Sale
As a buyer, a bill of sale serves as your proof of purchase and ownership. This document is essential when registering the vehicle in your name and can help prevent disputes about the purchase price, condition, or date of sale.
A detailed bill of sale also protects you by documenting the vehicle’s condition at the time of purchase and any agreements made with the seller. This can be invaluable if you discover issues with the vehicle that weren’t disclosed during the sale.
What to Check Before Buying a Car?
Buying a used car? Make sure you’re not inheriting someone else’s problem. Hidden issues like flood damage or odometer fraud can turn a great deal into a costly mistake.
Flood Damage Check
Check for past flood exposure that could lead to major mechanical failures.
Odometer Rollback Report
Verify the mileage to avoid paying more for a car with hidden wear and tear.
Ohio License Plate Lookup
See past ownership details, registration status, and any red flags.
Service Records
Review maintenance history to ensure the car has been properly cared for.
Title History Check
Confirm there are no liens, salvage titles, or undisclosed problems.
Stolen Record Check
Check for theft records and avoid stolen vehicles and legal issues.
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 Ohio?
Once you buy a car, follow these simple steps to register it in Ohio:
Step 1: Gather What You Need
Before heading to the BMV, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready:
- Signed Title – The seller must sign it over to you.
- Valid ID – A state-issued driver’s license or ID.
- Proof of Insurance – Required for registration.
- VIN Inspection – Only if the car is from out of state (available at the BMV or a dealership).
- Registration Fees – Costs vary by vehicle and location.
Step 2: Visit the BMV
Head to your nearest Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) with your documents.
Step 3: Register Your Car
Once you have all the necessary documents, it’s time to make it official. Head to the BMV with everything in hand and follow these steps:
- Submit your paperwork
- Pay the fees
- Get your license plates and registration sticker
Step 4: Transfer the Title
Make sure the title is officially transferred to your name. Do this within 30 days to avoid penalties.
Step 5: Keep Your Documents Safe
Once registered, keep your registration, title, and plates in a secure place.
How to Register a Vessel in Ohio
If you’re buying or selling a boat in Ohio, follow these steps to register it:
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Before heading to register your boat, make sure you have everything ready. Missing paperwork can delay the process, so double-check this list:
- Bill of Sale – Proof of purchase signed by both buyer and seller.
- Boat Title – Required for vessels 14 feet or longer.
- Valid ID – A state-issued driver’s license or ID.
- Proof of Payment – Receipt for registration fees.
- HIN Verification – Some boats need a Hull Identification Number (HIN) check.
Step 2: Visit an Ohio Watercraft Registration Agent
Take your documents to a BMV office or authorized watercraft registration agent.
Step 3: Register Your Boat
Once you have all the required documents, it’s time to complete the registration process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Submit your paperwork
- Pay the registration fees
- Get your boat registration number and decals
Step 4: Keep Your Registration Up to Date
Ohio boat registrations expire every three years, so be sure to renew on time to stay compliant.
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
No, but the bill of sale is highly recommended for both buyers and sellers.
Yes, as long as it includes key details like buyer/seller info, vehicle description, price, date, and signatures.
Not by itself. You still need a properly transferred title to prove ownership of a vehicle.
You can download a copy of the bill of sale template directly from this page.