Bill of sale only — What You Need to Know
No title is being transferred at the time of sale. This occurs for very old vehicles never previously titled, junk/scrap vehicles, or in states that allow bill of sale as proof of ownership for certain vehicle classes.
Seller guidance
If you are selling a vehicle that was never titled (common for pre-1975 vehicles in some states), a bill of sale is the primary ownership document. The buyer must present the bill of sale to the DMV to apply for an original title. Ensure the bill of sale contains full VIN, make, model, year, and both party signatures with dates.
Buyer guidance
A bill of sale alone does not guarantee you can register the vehicle. Check with your state DMV to confirm the process for obtaining an original title using a bill of sale. You may need a VIN inspection, a surety bond, or a court order depending on the vehicle's history and your state's rules.
Legal note
Vehicles manufactured before 1975 were not required to be federally titled, and some never entered a state title system. States have varying procedures for issuing an original title for un-titled vehicles (e.g., California: Reg 343 form; Texas: Form VTR-141). The NMVTIS may not have records for older un-titled vehicles, so ownership chain documentation is critical.
Bill of sale only checklist
- Document the full ownership chain (prior bills of sale if available)
- Include complete vehicle description: VIN, year, make, model, color, engine number
- Both parties sign and date the bill of sale in front of a notary if possible
- Research your state's original title application process for un-titled vehicles
- Request a VIN inspection from law enforcement or a licensed inspector
Trailer Safety & Recall Information
Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases
Average Safety Rating
0 / 5
Avg. Price Range
$1,500–$15,000
Odometer Disclosure
Not required
Safety checkpoints for trailer buyers
- Inspect hitch coupler and safety chains for wear and proper rating
- Check all lighting connections — trailer lights are the #1 reason for roadside stops
- Verify axle alignment and tire wear patterns
- Test electric or surge brakes if equipped
- Confirm breakaway switch and battery function on braked trailers
- Verify VIN/serial plate is intact and matches title
- Check D-ring tie-down ratings and weld integrity
- Inspect ramp gate hinges and locking pins for safe operation
Common recall categories
TiresElectrical (lighting)Axle/SuspensionCouplingBrakes
On average, each trailer model has approximately 1.5 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.
Golden Valley Bill of sale only trailer generator — when to file
Minnesota requires title transfer within 10 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For bill of sale only transactions specifically, file at DVS Deputy Registrar – Golden Valley (Visit https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs for the nearest Golden Valley, MN office) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Miss the 10-day window and Minnesota typically charges a late-transfer penalty plus accrued use tax, and the seller can remain on the title for civil liability until the buyer completes retitling. Bring the signed title, the completed Golden Valley bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $8.00 title transfer fee plus 8.00% sales tax on the purchase price.
Generator reminder. Whether you keep your generator as a generator-produced document, both buyer and seller should leave the signing with an identical executed copy. The buyer needs the original to present at DVS Deputy Registrar – Golden Valley; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.