What is Missouri bill of sale?
A Missouri bill of sale is a legal document that acts as a proof that certain object has been sold or purchased between two parties, the seller and the buyer. A Missouri bill of sale should include specific information about the sales object. Any bill of sale should include full, legal names of both the seller and the buyer, their physical addresses. Bill of sale Missouri should contain price of purchase as well and it must be signed by the seller, though it is always better to have signature of both parties. MO bill of sale should be notarized depending on the object being sold.
Commonly used bills of sale in Missouri
The most commonly used bills of sale in Missouri are:
- General bill of sale
- Bill of sale for a motor vehicle
- Bill of sale for a boat
- Bill of sale for a gun
How to write a Missouri bill of sale?
Writing a Missouri bill of sale is not complicated if you are aware of the elements that should be involved. It is not necessary to use sophisticated legal terminology. You just need to learn about the common elements of information that must be included in every type of Missouri bill of sale. You need to properly detail the selling objects through the bill of sale.
All Missouri bills of sale should include document drafting date, which can be placed at the top or in the sentence that identifies the seller and the buyer. If the document drafting date differs from the date when the buyer decides to pay for the item, then you should indicate the payment date where the price of the selling item is mentioned. The date, when both parties sign the document should also be included. If a Missouri bill of sale that you are using, needs to have stamp of notary public, do not date or sign it till you are in front of the notary public.
In a bill of sale Missouri, you need to list information as follows:
- Names of the seller and the buyer (full legal names)
- Physical addresses of the seller and the buyer (do not forget to include city name and zip/post code as well)
- Driver’s license number or the state identification (ID) card number of the seller and the buyer (though, it is not legal requirement)
Listed information can help you prove the legal right of the item possession; in case the item is stolen. The identification process is easier using the bill of sale.
Next step is to include a description of the object for sale. A Missouri bill of sale can be used if you decide to give the item as a gift, in this case, you should indicate in the Missouri bill of sale that the selling object will be gifted to the purchaser, so, it becomes a proof that the person receiving the gift is an owner. You should also include the information about the item, if you decide to trade. You should mention that payment is being made in the form of another object. When payment is mentioned, in a Missouri bill of sale, it should be firstly written in words and then in numbers, e.g.: four-hundred thirty-five dollars and zero cents ($435.00).
It is always a good idea to include a seller’s disclosure. A seller’s disclosure can be used to inform the purchaser of any defects, imperfections or problems that the item has. Those problems can be as insignificant as a chip or a scratch, some minor problems. By doing this, you, as a seller, prevent the buyer from buying something that needs major fix up or does not function at all. As the seller, even if you are certain that the buyer is aware of any issue with the item, still, including it in the bill of sale will help to protect you by notifying the buyer that the sale is “as is” and that you are not making any promises about the selling object.
In order to finalize the document, both the seller and the buyer should sign a Missouri bill of sale. Keep in mind, that some bills of sale must have signatures that have to be attested by the notary public.
Copies of the completed bill of sale Missouri should be kept by the both parties for personal records.
Missouri general bill of sale
A general bill of sale Missouri is used to sale an item besides a motor vehicle, boat, or a gun. Examples involve used appliances, bicycles, jewelry and used electronics.
You should tell of the selling item in a way that will best identify it. Main descriptors of the selling object include size and color. If you have item’s serial, registration or model number you should include them in the description of a Missouri bill of sale. If the item for sale has a model or make number (such would be found with a television, bicycle or laptop), you should cover that in the MO general bill of sale as well.
Note, that, notarization of the general bill of sale Missouri is not required.
Missouri vehicle bill of sale
When describing a vehicle in a Missouri vehicle bill of sale, you should include:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Title number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Odometer discloser statement (Form 3019) must be completed by the seller
Take into consideration, that notarization of the Missouri vehicle bill of sale is not a legal requirement.
Check out more free templates here.
Is a Missouri bill of sale necessary when registering a motor vehicle?
A Missouri bill of sale is required when registering a motor vehicle. The seller should hand over above document to the Department of Revenue. The seller is also required to complete:
- Notice of Sale – Form 5049.
- Manufacturer’s statement of origin or certificate of title should
- Application for Missouri title and license (signed) – Form 108
- Odometer inspection, filled out form of odometer disclosure
- Notarized lien release (if necessary)
Note, that you should be prepared to pay your sales tax and title fee.
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