Free New York Bill of Sale Forms and Templates

Is a Bill of Sale Required in New York?

A New York Bill of Sale - also referred to as a New York State Bill of Sale - is a legal document where the change of ownership of personal items is stated in writing. There are certain goods that must be registered with the State of New York, in which cases this document is mandatory by law. In all other instances, the bill of sale is not necessary, although it is strongly recommended to draft this document because it protects both the seller and the buyer if any disagreement arises in the future regarding the property that is being sold.

1. If you wish to sell or buy general items such as appliances, furniture, clothing, or any other personal items, but not a vehicle, boat, or handgun, you may use a New York Generic Bill of Sale. It should state the basic information identifying the goods being sold, including its serial and identification numbers. Additionally, it has to include other terms and conditions the parties have negotiated; for example, whether the property is covered by a manufacturer's guarantee or not.
2. When selling or buying a motor vehicle or a vessel, you must use Form MV-912, Vehicle Bill of Sale. The specific information that you must put in writing is the vehicle's year, model, make, vehicle or hull identification number.
3. You will need a general or a county-specific New York Firearm Bill of Sale to sell and purchase guns, and the specific information required is the make, caliber, model, and serial number of the handgun. Note that this document must include the date of birth of the purchaser to ensure the gun is not being sold to a minor without the prior consent of their parent or legal guardian.

New York Bill of Sale Requirements

New York Bills of Sale must include the personal details and contact information of the seller and the buyer, the date and location of the transaction, a description of the personal items being sold, the price of the goods, and the signatures of the parties.

The description of the property should mention a serial number or any other data that will help to identify the item. You must state the date, method, and terms of payment, especially if the item is not fully paid at the time of the sale. If the transaction is a trade or a gift instead of a sale, indicate this in the document.

A Bill of Sale in New York must specify if the item is covered by a manufacturer's guarantee, the place, and date of delivery, and other conditions the parties will deem appropriate to write down. The agreement should be written in plain language to help the seller and the buyer to understand its provisions fully. Both parties have to sign the form and keep a copy of it for their records.