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Free Alabama Bill of Sale Template

Finalize the sale of a vehicle, firearm, boat, trailer, motorcycle, or personal item with confidence. Use our customizable Alabama bill of sale template to create a clear, legally valid record in minutes.

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1,109 Ratings
  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Select Your Template

Choose the template that fits your needs (vehicle, boat, trailer, firearm, or motorcycle).

2

Answer a Few Questions

Enter the buyer’s and seller’s information, along with details about the item being sold.

3

Review and Sign

Double-check your information, sign the document, and finalize your sale.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is an Alabama Bill of Sale?
  2. When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in Alabama?
  3. Does an Alabama Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?
  4. Alabama-Specific Tips and Common Scenarios

What Is an Alabama Bill of Sale?

An Alabama bill of sale documents the legal transfer of personal property between a seller and a buyer. It acts as a receipt and includes key details like:

  • Names and contact information
  • Description of the item sold
  • Purchase price and payment method
  • Sale date
  • Signatures

You can use it to sell:

  • Cars, motorcycles, and trailers
  • Boats and watercraft
  • Firearms
  • Used electronics, equipment, or other property

A signed bill of sale helps protect both parties and serves as written proof of the transaction. It’s especially important when a title is missing or ownership might be questioned later.

When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in Alabama?

A bill of sale is commonly used when:

  • Selling or buying a vehicle without a title
  • Transferring ownership of a boat, trailer, or motorcycle
  • Selling a firearm in a private transaction
  • Recording the sale of personal items for legal or tax purposes

If you already have a valid Alabama title for a vehicle, the bill of sale may not be required, but it’s still recommended for your records. If the title is missing or coming from out of state, a bill of sale may be necessary to register or transfer ownership.

  • In Shelby County, a bill of sale is required for vehicle sales even when a title is present.
  • In Mobile County, a bill of sale is required to determine sales tax liability when registering a vehicle.
  • In Calhoun County, a bill of sale is required whether you purchase from a dealer, an individual, or out of state, and it becomes mandatory proof of ownership if the vehicle is over 35 years old and not titled.

Does an Alabama Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?

Not always, but it depends on what you’re selling and where you’re located in Alabama.

Here’s what to know:

  • Vehicles: Some counties require notarization for vehicle sales. For example:
    • Shelby County requires a notarized bill of sale when registering a vintage vehicle purchased from an individual.
  • Boats: In some counties, a notarized bill of sale is required to register a new vessel. For example:
    • Escambia County requires a bill of sale that is either notarized or signed by two witnesses when transferring boat registrations.
    • Shelby County requires a notarized bill of sale for vessels purchased from an individual.
  • Firearms: Notarization isn’t required by law, but adding a notary or two witness signatures can help confirm the transfer was lawful.
  • Trailers and motorcycles: Requirements vary by county and the type of trailer or bike. When in doubt, notarization is a safe option.

If your county doesn’t require a notary, you may be able to use two witnesses instead. Check with your local licensing or probate office to be sure.

Alabama-Specific Tips and Common Scenarios

  • Vehicles less than 35 years old must be registered within 20 days of purchase. If a title is unavailable, a bill of sale is often required to apply for a new one.
  • In many counties, boats must be registered within 3 days (new) or 10-15 days (used). A bill of sale is generally required for new vessels and strongly recommended for all others (e.g., Talladega, Tuscaloosa, Geneva, etc.).
  • Trailers under 20 years old used for travel or camping must be titled. Utility trailers may not need titles, but still benefit from a bill of sale.
  • Motor vehicles not more than 35 model years old in Alabama must have a certificate of title. This includes motorcycles; older ones may rely on a bill of sale for ownership proof.
  • Firearms don’t require registration in Alabama, but a bill of sale protects both parties by showing proof of lawful transfer.
  • If the title is missing, a properly completed bill of sale may help you apply for a replacement title through your local county office.