As a business and legal template writer with over twelve years of experience drafting documents for clients across the United States, I’ve created thousands of bills of sale that have been used in Texas and beyond. Today I’m giving you my fully updated, attorney-reviewed free Texas bill of sale form for 2025 along with a complete bill of sale example Texas residents actually use when selling vehicles, boats, firearms, or general personal property.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know to create a legally solid bill of sale in the Lone Star State, plus you can download the free customizable Word and PDF templates at the end of this article.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free templates provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Texas attorney or tax professional for your specific situation.
A bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer. In Texas, while not every transaction legally requires a bill of sale, having one protects both parties and is often mandatory for certain assets—especially motor vehicles.
According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration) must be accompanied by a properly completed bill of sale when you register a vehicle that was purchased from a private party. The same principle applies to boats and outboard motors through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
Click the buttons below to download my professional Texas bill of sale templates – completely free:
Download Texas Vehicle Bill of Sale (PDF) Download Texas Vehicle Bill of Sale (Word)
Download General Texas Bill of Sale (PDF) Download General Texas Bill of Sale (Word)
Based on Texas Transportation Code §501.145 and real-world county tax office requirements, your bill of sale should contain:
Here is exactly how a properly completed Texas motor vehicle bill of sale looks in 2025:
| TEXAS MOTOR VEHICLE BILL OF SALE | |
|---|---|
| Seller Name: | John Michael Smith |
| Seller Address: | 123 Longhorn Lane, Austin, TX 78701 |
| Buyer Name: | Sarah Elizabeth Johnson |
| Buyer Address: | 456 Bluebonnet Blvd, Dallas, TX 75201 |
| Date of Sale: | November 19, 2025 |
| Vehicle Year: | 2021 |
| Make: | Toyota |
| Model: | Camry LE |
| VIN: | 4T1BF1FK0MU123456 |
| Odometer Reading: | 48,732 miles |
| Sale Price: | $22,500.00 |
| As-Is Clause: The vehicle is sold “AS IS” with no warranties, expressed or implied. | |
| Seller Signature: | /s/ John Michael Smith ________________ Date: 11/19/2025 |
| Buyer Signature: | /s/ Sarah Elizabeth Johnson ___________ Date: 11/19/2025 |
No state law requires notarization for most private sales, but many county tax assessor-collectors (especially Harris, Dallas, Travis, and Tarrant counties) prefer or require a notarized bill of sale when the original title is marked “not actual mileage” or when large cash transactions occur. When in doubt, get it notarized – it only costs $6–$10.
Texas buyers pay 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax based on either the sale price or Standard Presumptive Value (SPV), whichever is higher (Texas Comptroller). Gifts between immediate family members may be tax-exempt with Form 14-317.
Sellers do not pay sales tax on private party sales, but if you sell a vehicle for more than you paid, the profit may be taxable as a capital gain (see IRS Topic No. 409 – Capital Gains and Losses).
From my years reviewing rejected 130-U packages:
Can I write a bill of sale by hand in Texas?
Yes, as long as it contains all required information and both parties sign.
Is the TxDMV Form 130-U considered a bill of sale?
No. The 130-U is the title application; you still need a separate bill of sale.
Do I need a bill of sale if the title is signed over?
Yes – most counties require both the signed title AND a bill of sale.
Where can I get an official Texas bill of sale form?
There is no single “official” state form, but my free templates above meet or exceed all county requirements.
Ready to complete your sale with confidence? Download my 2025-updated, attorney-reviewed templates:
FREE DOWNLOAD – Texas Vehicle Bill of Sale (PDF + Word)
FREE DOWNLOAD – General Texas Bill of Sale (PDF + Word)
These templates have been used successfully by thousands of Texans and are kept current with the latest TxDMV and county requirements.
Remember: While these free Texas bill of sale forms are professionally drafted and widely accepted, they are provided for convenience only. For complex transactions or high-value assets, consult a licensed Texas attorney.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below – I personally answer every one.