What a Georgia Trailer Bill of Sale Does
A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a trailer to someone else. In Georgia, it documents the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer and protects both parties by creating proof of the transaction. The bill of sale shows the date of sale, the trailer's description, the sale price, and the signatures of both the seller and buyer.
Georgia does not require a bill of sale by law, but the Georgia Department of Revenue strongly recommends using one. If you sell a trailer without a bill of sale and the buyer later causes damage or breaks the law with it, you may still be held liable because there is no written proof you no longer own it. A bill of sale protects you from this risk and gives the buyer proof of ownership to show when they register the trailer.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale is a written record of the trailer sale that protects both seller and buyer, even though Georgia does not legally require one.
- The bill of sale must include the trailer's VIN, description, sale price, date, and the signatures of both the seller and buyer.
- You can use a form from the Georgia Department of Revenue or write your own bill of sale as long as it contains all required information.
- The buyer will need the bill of sale when they register the trailer with the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Information to Include on the Bill of Sale
The bill of sale must contain specific details about the trailer and the transaction. Start with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is stamped on the trailer frame. Include the year, make, model, and color of the trailer so there is no confusion about which trailer is being sold.
Write the full name and address of the seller and the full name and address of the buyer. Include the sale price in dollars and cents. Add the date the sale took place. Both the seller and buyer must sign and print their names on the bill of sale. Some people also include the odometer reading if the trailer has one, though this is not required for trailers.
If the trailer has a lien on it (meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it), note that on the bill of sale. The buyer should know whether the trailer is free and clear or if they will need to pay off a loan.
Using a Georgia Department of Revenue Form
The Georgia Department of Revenue provides a bill of sale form that you can read and print. This form is designed specifically for Georgia trailers and includes all the fields you need. You can find it on the Georgia Department of Revenue website by searching for "bill of sale" or "form for trailer sale."
Print the form and fill it out by hand or on a computer. Make sure both you and the buyer sign the form in front of each other if possible. Some people have the signatures notarized, which adds an extra layer of proof, though Georgia does not require notarization for a bill of sale.
Keep a copy for your records. Give the original to the buyer so they have it when they register the trailer. If you notarize the form, the notary will stamp it and the buyer can take that stamped copy to the Department of Revenue.
Writing Your Own Bill of Sale
If you do not want to use the Georgia Department of Revenue form, you can write your own bill of sale on plain paper. Start at the top with the words "Bill of Sale" or "Trailer Bill of Sale." Include all the information listed in the "Information to Include on the Bill of Sale" section above.
Write it in clear, straightforward language. For example: "I, [Seller Name], sold the trailer described below to [Buyer Name] on [Date] for [Price]. The trailer is a [Year] [Make] [Model] with VIN [Number]." Then add the seller's and buyer's signatures and printed names.
A handwritten bill of sale is just as valid as a printed one in Georgia, as long as it contains all the necessary information and both parties sign it. Keep a copy for yourself and give the original to the buyer.
What Happens After You Sign the Bill of Sale
Once you and the buyer have signed the bill of sale, your responsibility as the owner ends. The buyer now owns the trailer and must register it with the Georgia Department of Revenue. They will need the bill of sale, proof of ownership (such as a title if one exists), and proof of insurance to complete the registration.
You should keep your copy of the signed bill of sale for at least three to five years. If a problem arises later — such as the buyer using the trailer illegally or causing damage — you have written proof that you sold it and no longer own it. This protects you from liability.
If the trailer had a title issued by Georgia, the buyer will need to transfer that title into their name. The bill of sale is the first step in that process. If the trailer never had a title, the bill of sale and registration with the Department of Revenue create the official record of ownership.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not leave the sale price blank or write "as is" instead of an actual amount. The Department of Revenue uses the sale price to calculate taxes, and the buyer needs to know what they paid. Write out the full price in dollars and cents.
Do not skip the VIN or trailer description. If you later need to prove you sold a specific trailer, a vague description will not be enough. Make sure the VIN matches the trailer you are actually selling by checking the frame or any existing title.
Do not sign the bill of sale before the buyer is present and ready to sign. Both signatures should happen at the same time, ideally in front of each other. This prevents disputes about when the sale actually took place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a notary to sign a Georgia trailer bill of sale?
No, Georgia does not require notarization for a bill of sale. However, having a notary stamp the document adds extra proof that both parties signed it willingly. This can be helpful if a dispute arises later, but it is not necessary for the bill of sale to be valid.
What if I lost my copy of the bill of sale?
Ask the buyer for a copy of their signed version. If you cannot get one, write down the details of the sale (date, buyer's name, trailer description, price) and keep that record. For future sales, make multiple copies before signing and keep one in a safe place.
Can I sell a trailer without a bill of sale in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia does not legally require a bill of sale. However, without one you have no written proof you sold the trailer, which can create legal problems if the buyer damages property or breaks the law with it. A bill of sale protects you by showing you no longer own it.
Does the buyer need the bill of sale to register the trailer?
Yes, the buyer will need the bill of sale when they register the trailer with the Georgia Department of Revenue. It serves as proof of ownership and helps the Department of Revenue process the registration and calculate any taxes owed.
What if the trailer has a lien on it?
Note the lien on the bill of sale so the buyer knows the trailer is not free and clear. The buyer should understand that they may need to pay off the lender before they can fully own the trailer. Discuss this with the buyer before signing.