Free Rhode Island Bill of Sale Forms and Templates

What Is a Rhode Island Bill of Sale?

A Rhode Island Bill of Sale is a legal document that records the fact of the transfer of various items from one party to another. Its main purpose is to establish basic terms of the deal, identify the counterparts, and describe the transferred property. Rhode Island Bills of Sale are divided into four categories:

1. Generic. Rhode Island did not issue any state-approved form to document the sale of personal items. However, any basic template is valid as long as it contains a full description of the goods, identification of the parties, and basic terms of the deal.
2. Vehicle. Use this template for all motor vehicle and car transactions. It will be required during the registration process at the Division of Motor Vehicles.
3. Boat. You may use this bill of sale to formalize the transfer of ownership of all motorized and non-motorized watercrafts in the state.
4. Firearm. It is allowed to customize any basic template if you identify the parties properly and indicate the main characteristics of the transferred gun.

Any bill of sale in Rhode Island should contain the following information:

1. Personal details of the seller and the purchaser. At a minimum, name the parties, state their mailing addresses and phone numbers, and add driver's license numbers to avoid possible confusion in the future;
2. A detailed description of the property. Write down its make, model, size, color, type, serial number or identification number, and customizations. If the item comes with accessories, list them as well;
3. Main terms and conditions of the deal. Traditionally, a bill of sale includes the date and location of the transaction;
4. Payment details. State the price paid for the item and the method of payment. If the goods are paid for in installments, specify the amounts and dates;
5. Seller's disclosure. The owner of the goods must tell the buyer about apparent and not immediately visible flaws and defects the item has. Generally, the purchaser takes the described property "as is" - in its current condition;
6. Signatures of the parties.

Once you sign the document, it becomes legally binding for both parties. Make two copies for your records, and the buyer will also use the bill of sale to register the property with an appropriate agency if necessary.

Does a Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized in Rhode Island?

The State of Rhode Island requires to notarize a boat bill of sale if you are selling or buying a used vessel. Otherwise, notarization is voluntary. However, it is recommended to obtain a notary seal or have two witnesses sign the document. This protects the transaction as valid and provides proof of the document's authenticity.