How to sign a bill of sale online
A bill of sale is a short document that records one person selling something to another: what was sold, for how much, and when. For equipment, furniture, a trailer or business assets, signing it online is quick and generally valid. Vehicles are the big exception to watch, because the title and your state's DMV forms follow their own rules.
Updated October 13, 2026 · 3 min read
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What a bill of sale includes
- The buyer and seller: full names and addresses.
- What's being sold: a clear description, plus serial numbers. For a vehicle, the year, make, model and VIN.
- The price and how it's being paid.
- The date of sale and, for vehicles, the odometer reading.
- Condition: whether it's sold as-is or with any promises about condition.
- Signatures of the seller, and usually the buyer, with dates.
Can a bill of sale be signed electronically?
Generally, yes. The federal ESIGN Act and state UETA laws say a contract or signature can't be denied legal effect just because it's electronic. Sales of goods are specifically covered: UETA excludes most of the Uniform Commercial Code but keeps Article 2, which governs sales of goods.
Vehicles: check your DMV first
When you sell a car, truck, boat or trailer, the bill of sale is usually only one piece. Ownership moves through the title, and the title follows your state DMV's rules, not general e-signature law:
- A paper title is signed on the title itself. An e-signed bill of sale doesn't replace signing the title.
- Some states require a notary. In Pennsylvania, for example, the seller's signature on the title must be notarized or verified by an authorized agent.
- Some DMVs want specific forms, or an ink-signed or notarized bill of sale in certain situations.
Before you e-sign anything for a vehicle, read the assignment section of the title and your state DMV's instructions for buying or selling a vehicle. Use the e-signed bill of sale as your own record of the deal, and do the title exactly as the DMV says.
Sign a bill of sale with SignMaster
Each send is an envelope: SignMaster's word for one or more documents going to one or more signers.
- 1
Upload your bill of sale
Start an envelope and upload the PDF, or snap a photo of a paper form. Save it as a template if you sell often.
- 2
Add buyer and seller
Add both people by name and email. Tap Add me if you're one of them.
- 3
Place the fields
Add text fields for the description, serial number or VIN, and price, then signature and date signed fields for each signer.
- 4
Sign together or apart
Meeting in person? Tap Sign in person and pass your phone to the other person. Otherwise send the link, which works on any phone or computer with no account.
- 5
Keep the record
Both of you get the signed PDF by email, with a certificate of completion showing who signed, from which device, and when.
Questions? Answers.
Is an electronically signed bill of sale legal?
Generally, yes, for most goods. The ESIGN Act and UETA give electronic signatures legal effect, and UETA keeps sales of goods covered. Vehicle titles and DMV paperwork follow your state's own rules.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
Usually not for everyday goods. For vehicles, some states require a notary on the title, the bill of sale or both, so check your DMV's instructions.
Can I e-sign a car title?
Not if it's a paper title: you sign the title itself, and some states require a notary. An e-signed bill of sale is a useful record, but it doesn't transfer the title.
Do both the buyer and seller sign?
The seller always signs. Having the buyer sign too gives both of you a record that you agreed to the price and condition.