Texas Bill of Sale Forms (5)

A Texas bill of sale form involves the interchange of personal property from a private seller or dealer to a customer or individual. The form does not restrict the items a person can or cannot sell. In other words, both parties can use it for any object as long as it is legal in Texas. Most often, buyers and sellers often use the form for guns, boats, cars, or other general items that do not fit under another category.

• When exchanging a gun, both parties must use the state’s official firearm bill of sale.
• Texas advocates for residents to notarize bill of sale forms, but does not require it.
• Buyers and sellers need to sign the document to certify the purchase.

By Type (5)

Boat Bill of Sale – Testimony of a vessel purchase between a buyer and seller.

Firearm Bill of Sale – Reports the procurement of one or more guns from a private merchant or dealer.

General Bill of Sale – Provides a chronological timeline of when and how a person acquired an item of value from another person.

Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale – Represents the change of possession concerning a car, truck, or van.

Trailer Bill of Sale – Serves as a testament of the arrangement created by a buyer and seller to exchange a service trailer.

Signing Requirements

What is a Texas Bill of Sale?

A Texas bill of sale serves as a first-hand account of an event involving the transfer of an item from one person to another. After determining the deal’s specifics, the buyer and seller come together to fill out the document. Once signed, the buyer pays the seller, and the seller gives the buyer the property.

In some cases, the merchant must inform the state that they no longer have ownership of the item. For instance, when selling a car, the previous owner should notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about the transaction. This step protects them if the new owner gets in an accident, causes damage, accumulates parking tickets, or is involved in other liability situations.

Registration Forms: Boats

Residents can complete their vessel registration by visiting a county tax office.

Additional (Optional) Documents

• Affidavit of Fact (Form PWD 314) – For first-time boat registration only.
• Outboard Motor Application (Form PWD 144) – To acquire a title for an outboard motor or pay taxes on it.
• Release of Lien (Form PWD 231) – The owner must complete this form with the lienholder after paying off the vessel’s loan.
• Verification of Vessel or Outboard Motor Serial Number (PWD 504) – Needed for vessels without or with an out-of-state title and registration.

Registration Forms: Firearms

Texas does not require gun registration or a permit to purchase and carry. However, residents can still obtain a license if they wish to do so. The application is available online via the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website. The applicant must submit the requested documents and fees within this portal.

• Handgun Licensing Application (Form LTC-78A) – Enables the gun holder to provide the necessary information to the state.
• Fingerprinting – Applicants must go to an Identogo location to have their fingerprints taken and sent to the DPS.
• Payment – The person filling out the paperwork must include the correct amount of money with the application.
• Certificate of Training (Form LTC-100) – A form stating the applicant has taken and passed a handgun safety course taught by a certified instructor. The instructor must fill and sign the document for the DPS to acknowledge it.
• Personal Information – The applicant must disclose where they live, work, mental health and criminal history records, and contact information.

Registration Forms: Vehicles

Make an appointment with a county tax office to register a vehicle in Texas.

• Bill of Sale – A simple form that makes it possible for a buyer to establish their ownership.
• Odometer Disclosure Statement – To approve the mileage reading upon purchase.
• Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) – Necessary to request a Texas car registration.
• Payment – A list of registration fees, which depends on the vehicle’s weight and the county of residence.
• Inspection – All vehicles must pass a check at an authorized location before applying for registration.
• Insurance (Minimum Requirements) –
  • Bodily Injury (per person): $30,000 per accident
  • Bodily Injury (2+ persons): $60,000 per accident
  • Property Damage: $25,000 coverage

  Additional (Optional) Documents

  • Additional Liens Statement (Form VTR-267) – If two (2) or more liens exist for the vehicle.
  • Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer (Form 14-317) – For cars acquired by gift (i.e., not cash or trade).
  • Texas Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form VTR-271) – To allow a person to act in the car owner’s place.
  • Texas Motor Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346) – Completed by the seller to inform the state of their release of ownership for a car.
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Certification (Form VTR-270) – This waiver states that the car needs a VIN inspection instead of a safety inspection. Only applicable under specific circumstances.

  Registration Forms: Trailers

  All trailers in Texas must have a registration. Tow behinds that weigh 4,000 pounds (or under) gross weight only need a registration. If it weighs over 4,000 pounds, the owner also needs to obtain or possess a title. Owners must visit a county tax office to register and/or title the trailer.

  • Bill of Sale – A bill of sale used for trailers when transferring ownership.
  • Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)– The owner must use this form to obtain a registration and/or title for their trailer. If exempt from titling, the person completing the document must check the “Non-titled” box.
  • Identification (ID) – The registrar can use their Texas driver’s license or a government-issued document.
  • Payment – Each county tax office has a fee schedule for registration and titling.

  Additional (Optional) Documents

  • Manufacturer Certificate of Origin (MCO) – If the individual purchases the trailer new, they must have the MCO. This document describes the identifiers of the trailer and its shipping details.
  • Inspection – The trailer needs to pass inspection if it weighs more than 7,500 pounds unless the owner uses it solely for farming purposes.
  • Registration – Sellers of used trailers weighing 4,000 pounds or less must provide the buyer with the current registration and bill of sale.
  • Title – Used trailer sales must involve the transfer of a title if it weighs over 4,000 pounds.
  • Trailer Verification Statement of Fact (Form VTR-141) – The owner must fill out this document for homemade trailers that need a title.
  • Weight Certificate – The county tax office requires this form to confirm the weight unless it is present on the title or MCO.