California Tractor Bill of Sale

How to sell a tractor in California

A tractor bill of sale records a farm tractor or implement sale by year, make, model, horsepower, hours and serial number, plus the implements that go with it. Tractors are not titled, so the signed bill of sale is the ownership document the buyer keeps, and the receipt for their farm records.

Seller steps

1. Confirm you hold clear title. If a lender is on the title, get the lien release before you list it.
2. Agree on the price and fill in the California tractor bill of sale above with the buyer. Record the Serial no..
3. Both parties sign and each keeps a copy. California does not require a notary.
4. Hand over any registration papers, manuals, receipts or health records that go with the tractor.
5. Hand over the tractor and keep your signed copy of the bill of sale for your records.

Buyer steps

1. Check the Serial no. against the tractor itself before you sign.
2. Keep the signed bill of sale with your records; it is your proof of ownership and purchase price.
3. If you bought it for a business, give the bill of sale to your bookkeeper for the asset record.

Before you sign

• The serial plate is on the frame, often by the clutch housing or under the hood.
• Record hours from the tachometer.
• List each implement with its own make and serial if it has one.
• If the sale is tax-exempt for agricultural use, note the buyer's exemption number.

Why a bill of sale matters for a tractor

• Tractors are not titled; this is the ownership paper.
• Farm buyers need a receipt for depreciation and ag exemption records.
• Loaders, mowers and other implements are a big share of the price and should be listed.
• Hours and condition on paper prevent disputes.

Want both parties to walk away with a signed copy and a notary page ready? The $9 ready-to-sign pack adds them.