What a Texas trailer bill of sale is and why you need one

A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a trailer to someone else, or that someone sold one to you. In Texas, it serves as proof of the transaction — who owned it, who owns it now, and what was paid. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles does not require a bill of sale to transfer a trailer title, but you should create one anyway because it protects both the buyer and seller if questions arise later about ownership, condition, or price.

The bill of sale becomes especially important if the trailer is financed, if there are liens against it, or if you need to show proof of purchase for insurance purposes. It also creates a paper trail that can protect you if the buyer later claims the trailer was damaged or misrepresented, or if the seller tries to claim they still own it.

Key Takeaways

  • A bill of sale for a Texas trailer should include the seller's and buyer's names and addresses, the trailer's VIN and description, the sale price, and the date of sale.
  • Texas does not require a notarized bill of sale, but having it notarized adds legal weight and is inexpensive — usually $5 to $15 per signature.
  • The seller keeps one copy, the buyer keeps one copy, and if there is a lender involved, the lender may need a copy as well.
  • A bill of sale does not transfer the title itself — you still need to file the title transfer with the Texas DMV using Form 130-U if the trailer is titled.

What information must go on a Texas trailer bill of sale

The bill of sale should include the seller's full name and address, the buyer's full name and address, and the date of the sale. It must describe the trailer clearly enough that there is no confusion about which trailer changed hands — include the year, make, model, color, and most importantly the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which appears on the trailer's title and on a metal plate attached to the trailer frame.

Write the sale price in both numbers and words (for example, "$2,500" and "Two thousand five hundred dollars"). If the sale included a trade-in, note that as well. State whether the trailer is sold "as-is" or with any warranty or may provide from the seller. Both the seller and buyer should sign and print their names, and include the date they signed.

You do not have to use an official form — a bill of sale can be handwritten on plain paper, typed on a computer, or filled out using a template. What matters is that the information is clear, complete, and signed by both parties.

Whether to have the bill of sale notarized

Texas law does not require a notarized bill of sale for a trailer. However, having it notarized — meaning a notary public witnesses the signatures and stamps the document — makes it much harder for either party to later claim they did not sign it or that the signature was forged. A notarized document carries more weight in court if a dispute arises.

Notarization is inexpensive. Most banks, credit unions, and UPS stores offer notary services for $5 to $15 per signature. If both the seller and buyer are present, you can have both signatures notarized at the same time. Some title transfer services and law offices also notarize documents.

How a bill of sale fits into the Texas title transfer process

A bill of sale is separate from the title transfer itself. The bill of sale proves the sale happened; the title transfer changes the legal owner in the state's records. In Texas, if your trailer is titled (meaning it has a certificate of title issued by the DMV), the seller must file Form 130-U with the Texas DMV to transfer ownership to the buyer. The bill of sale supports that process but does not replace it.

Some trailers — particularly older or homemade ones — may not be titled in Texas. If your trailer has never been titled, you may not need to file anything with the DMV, but you should still keep the bill of sale as proof of ownership. If you later want to title an untitled trailer, the DMV may ask for a bill of sale as part of the process.

If the trailer has a lien (meaning a bank or lender holds a security interest), the lienholder must release the lien before the title can transfer. The seller should contact the lender to request a lien release letter, which the buyer will need when filing the title transfer.

What to do with copies of the bill of sale

The seller should keep one signed copy for their records. The buyer should keep one signed copy. If the trailer is financed, the lender may request a copy as well — ask the lender whether they need one before the sale closes. Make copies before anyone signs, so both parties have identical documents to sign.

Keep the bill of sale in a safe place. The buyer will need it if they later sell the trailer, refinance it, or need to prove when and from whom they purchased it. The seller may need it to show they no longer own the trailer, especially if a problem with the trailer arises after the sale.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale

Do not leave the VIN blank or write it incorrectly — this is the one piece of information that uniquely identifies the trailer and prevents confusion if there are multiple trailers of the same make and model. Double-check the VIN against the title or the trailer itself before you write it down.

Do not skip the sale price, even if the trailer was a gift or traded for something else. Write what was actually exchanged. If it was a gift, write "gift" or "$0" and have both parties acknowledge it. This prevents later claims that the sale was invalid or that the buyer does not truly own the trailer.

Do not assume the bill of sale transfers the title. It does not. The buyer still needs to file the title transfer form with the Texas DMV to become the legal owner in state records. Without that step, the seller remains the registered owner even though the bill of sale shows the trailer was sold.

Where to get a bill of sale template for a Texas trailer

The Texas DMV website does not provide an official bill of sale form, but many free templates are available online through legal document sites, the Texas Secretary of State, and consumer resources. Search for "Texas bill of sale trailer template" to find examples. You can also ask a notary public — many keep templates on hand and can point you toward a straightforward one.

If you want a lawyer to review or prepare the bill of sale, you can contact a local title company or attorney, though this adds cost. For most straightforward sales, a straightforward written bill of sale with the key information listed above is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bill of sale instead of transferring the title?

No. A bill of sale proves the sale happened, but it does not change who the state records show as the owner. The buyer must file Form 130-U with the Texas DMV to become the legal owner. Without that step, the seller remains registered as the owner even though the bill of sale shows the trailer was sold.

What if the seller will not sign a bill of sale?

A seller who refuses to sign a bill of sale is a red flag. Do not complete the purchase. A bill of sale protects both parties and costs nothing. If the seller will not sign one, they may be hiding something about the trailer's condition, ownership, or liens.

Do I need a bill of sale if the trailer is not titled?

Yes. An untitled trailer still needs a bill of sale to prove who owns it and when the sale occurred. If you later want to title the trailer or sell it again, the bill of sale will be your proof of ownership and purchase date.

Can I handwrite the bill of sale or does it have to be typed?

Handwritten is fine. What matters is that the information is clear, complete, and signed by both parties. Many people handwrite bills of sale on plain paper. Make sure both the seller and buyer can read it clearly, and keep a copy for your records.

What happens if I lose the bill of sale after I buy the trailer?

If you have already filed the title transfer with the Texas DMV, the state records show you as the owner — the bill of sale is backup documentation. If you lose it, you can ask the seller for another signed copy, or you can request a certified copy of the title from the DMV. The bill of sale is helpful but not required once the title is in your name.