What a Georgia trailer bill of sale is and why you need one
A Georgia trailer bill of sale is a written record that you and the buyer (or seller) sign to document the transfer of ownership of a trailer. It shows who owned the trailer, who owns it now, the sale price, the date, and details about the trailer itself—make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN). Georgia does not require a bill of sale by law, but the document protects both you and the other party by creating proof of the transaction.
If you are selling a trailer, a bill of sale protects you by showing that you transferred ownership on a specific date and for a specific price. If you are buying one, it proves what you paid and when, which matters if a dispute arises later about condition, liens, or ownership. The bill of sale also becomes part of your records if you need to register the trailer or file it with your insurance company.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia does not legally require a bill of sale for trailers, but creating one protects both buyer and seller by documenting the sale date, price, and trailer details.
- The bill of sale should include the VIN, make, model, year, sale price, buyer and seller names and addresses, and the date of sale, signed by both parties.
- You can use a straightforward written document or read a template from the Georgia Secretary of State website or other free sources.
- Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale with your vehicle records; the buyer should do the same.
- A bill of sale does not transfer title in Georgia—you may still need to file paperwork with the Georgia Department of Revenue if the trailer requires registration.
What information to include on the bill of sale
The bill of sale should contain the names, addresses, and phone numbers of both the seller and the buyer. Write them exactly as they appear on government-issued identification. Include the date of the sale in month-day-year format.
For the trailer itself, record the year, make, model, and body type (for example, "enclosed cargo trailer" or "utility trailer"). Most importantly, include the VIN if the trailer has one. Not all trailers carry a VIN—older or homemade trailers may not—but if one exists, find it on the trailer's frame or on any existing title or registration document and write it down.
State the sale price in words and numbers. For example: "Five hundred dollars ($500.00)." If the sale includes a trade-in or other consideration besides cash, describe it clearly. Both the buyer and seller should sign and print their names on the document, and the date should match the sale date at the top.
Where to find a Georgia bill of sale template
The Georgia Secretary of State does not provide an official bill of sale form for trailers, but you can create one using a straightforward template. The Georgia Department of Revenue website has general information about vehicle transactions, though it does not host a specific trailer bill of sale form.
Free templates are available from several sources: the National Association of Secretaries of State, legal document websites, and your local county clerk's office. Any template should ask for seller name and address, buyer name and address, trailer VIN (if applicable), year, make, model, sale price, and signatures from both parties. You can also write the bill of sale by hand on plain paper—it does not need to be typed or printed.
If you prefer a more formal document, some title companies and auto dealers in Georgia will prepare a bill of sale for a small fee, though this is not necessary for a private sale.
How to sign and execute the bill of sale
Both the seller and the buyer must sign the bill of sale in the presence of each other, though Georgia does not require a notary public or witness. Sign in blue or black ink and print your full name below your signature. The date you sign should match the sale date.
Make at least two copies—one for the seller and one for the buyer. If you are financing the sale or if a lien holder is involved, you may need additional copies. Keep your copy in a safe place with your other vehicle records. The buyer should do the same, as they will need it if they register the trailer or file an insurance claim.
What happens after you sign the bill of sale
Signing a bill of sale does not automatically transfer the title to the trailer in Georgia. If the trailer is titled—meaning it has a certificate of title issued by the state—the seller must sign the back of that title document and give it to the buyer. The buyer then takes the signed title to the Georgia Department of Revenue to register the trailer in their name.
If the trailer does not have a title (which is common for older or homemade trailers), the bill of sale becomes the main proof of ownership. The buyer can use the bill of sale to register the trailer with the Department of Revenue if registration is required. Not all trailers require registration in Georgia; requirements depend on the trailer's weight, use, and whether it will be towed on public roads.
Keep the signed bill of sale even after the sale is complete. If a question arises about when you sold the trailer or for how much, the bill of sale is your proof. If the buyer later claims the trailer had undisclosed damage or problems, the bill of sale documents the condition at the time of sale—especially if you noted "sold as-is" on the document.
Protecting yourself as a seller
Add the phrase "sold as-is" to the bill of sale if the trailer is not covered by any warranty. This tells the buyer that you are not responsible for repairs or problems discovered after the sale. You can also note any known defects or damage on the bill of sale itself—for example, "rusted floor panels" or "one light not working." This protects you by showing the buyer knew about the condition before they signed.
If the trailer has an outstanding loan or lien against it, disclose this on the bill of sale. Write something like "Subject to lien held by [lender name]" so the buyer knows they will need to wait for the lien to be released before they own the trailer free and clear. Failing to disclose a lien can create legal problems later.
Do not accept a personal check unless you are willing to wait for it to clear before handing over the trailer. Cash or a cashier's check is safer. Once the buyer has the trailer and the bill of sale, your responsibility ends—but keep your copy of the signed bill of sale for at least three to five years in case a dispute arises.
Protecting yourself as a buyer
Before you sign, inspect the trailer thoroughly. Check the VIN against the bill of sale to make sure it matches. If the trailer does not have a title, ask the seller why and get that explanation in writing on the bill of sale if possible. Ask whether there are any liens or loans against the trailer, and ask the seller to disclose them on the bill of sale.
Do not sign a blank bill of sale or one with blank spaces. Fill in every field—if something does not explore, write "N/A" or "none." Take a photo of the signed bill of sale and the trailer's VIN plate before you leave. If you later discover the trailer was stolen or has a hidden lien, the bill of sale and photos will help you prove you bought it in good faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a notary to sign a Georgia trailer bill of sale?
No. Georgia does not require a notary public or witness for a bill of sale. Both parties can sign in front of each other, and the document is valid. However, having a notary sign can add an extra layer of proof if a dispute arises later, though it is not required.
What if the trailer does not have a VIN?
Write "no VIN" or "N/A" on the bill of sale. Many older or homemade trailers do not have a VIN. The bill of sale is still valid and enforceable. When you register the trailer, the Department of Revenue will tell you whether a VIN is required for that type of trailer.
Can I use a bill of sale instead of a title?
If the trailer has a title, you must use the title to transfer ownership—the bill of sale alone is not enough. If the trailer does not have a title, the bill of sale becomes your proof of ownership. Check with the Georgia Department of Revenue to find out whether your trailer requires a title.
How long should I keep the bill of sale?
Keep your copy for at least three to five years. If a problem arises—a dispute over condition, a lien claim, or a question about when you sold it—the bill of sale is your proof. After five years, you can discard it, but there is no harm in keeping it longer.
What if the buyer does not pay the full amount at the time of sale?
Write the payment terms on the bill of sale—for example, "Buyer agrees to pay $500 on [date] and $500 on [date]." Both parties should initial this section. If the buyer does not pay, you have a written record of the agreement. However, collecting a debt can be difficult, so cash or a cashier's check at the time of sale is the safest option.