Livestock Bill of Sale

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A standard livestock bill of sale is an essential agreement proving the legality of the livestock purchase and sale between a buyer and a seller. This type of bill of sale ensures the safe transfer of numerous farm animals (cows, horses, sheep, pigs, cattle, etc.) along with the agreed amount to a new owner. Fill out this Lawrina template to outline the key agreement details and easily download it in PDF.
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Template Description
What Is a Bill of Sale for Livestock?
What Should a Livestock Bill of Sale Include?
How To Write a Livestock Bill of Sale
The Dos and Don’ts of Selling Livestock
When Do You Need a Livestock Bill of Sale?
State Law

Template Description

farmer holding apples

Download and use this printable livestock bill of sale template from Lawrina for your next cattle purchase and sale deals. This template contains general necessary terms and conditions for both parties — buyers and sellers. You can edit this livestock bill of sale form online with all essential details and ensure that the prepared legal document will fully provide for your situation.

What Is a Bill of Sale for Livestock?

A standard livestock bill of sale is a legal contract for the sale and purchase of livestock between a buyer and a seller. This livestock sale template can be used to ensure the safe transfer of numerous farm animals (e.g., chickens, cows, sheep, pigs, cattle, etc.) to a new owner in return for an agreed amount of money. 

Insight

A well-written livestock sale form can help both buyers and livestock owners understand their legal obligations so they will be on the same page regarding the sale and purchase deal. This livestock bill of sale example also helps third parties identify the seller and purchaser in case of miscommunications or procedural complications.

Buyers may need a bill of sale for livestock to register their new ownership and handle state and local sales tax matters.

Warning

It’s important to note that the bill of sale for livestock only applies to cattle and domestic animals. This template is not meant for exotic or wild animals. This document works as legal evidence of the sales agreement, ensuring the safe transfer of livestock assets from one party to another. 

Parties of the Livestock Bill of Sale

  • Seller — The seller has the current possession of the livestock and, after signing the livestock sale form, will have transferred ownership of the livestock to the buyer for an agreed fee. 
  • Buyer — The buyer, through signing the bill of sale for livestock, pays the seller a sum of money to gain possession of the livestock. 

Key Terms

Below are important general terms to know if you will be signing a livestock bill of sale:

  1. Livestock — Livestock refers to farm animals, such as cattle, sheep, horses, goats, and pigs. A livestock bill of sale is necessary for the transfer of any of these animals from one owner to another. 
  2. Class/Breed — The class may be the type of animal, its species, or its breed. The breed within a particular species of animal has a definitive appearance. Buyers should determine what breed or type of animal they are purchasing before signing a livestock bill of sale. 
  3. Registration papers — A livestock registration certificate is legal proof that the animals to be sold are as advertised. The registration paper will typically indicate which association the animal is registered under, which can be verified if necessary.
  4. Brands, markings, and description — Brands and marking are provided in the description of livestock because they help to verify the identity of the animals being purchased. Distinct marks or symbols are placed on the livestock by the owner and must be noted if ownership is being transferred.
  5. Vet clearance — A veterinarian may clear an animal for sale, meaning that the animal is fit to be sold. The opinion of a vet may be sought to determine the market readiness of an animal that is subject to a potential sale and purchase agreement.
  6. Evidence of ownership — Various documents can prove that the seller owns the livestock, including:
  • Bill of sale from the previous purchase of the animal (e.g., a signed and dated cattle livestock bill of sale form);
  • Brand inspection certificate; and
  • Recorded brand registered in the name of the owner or person in possession of the livestock.

7. Indemnification — This term refers to the responsibilities and liabilities of each party. Indemnification may include additional expenses, such as veterinary expenses in case the buyer discovers that the animal was infected or injured at the time of purchase. 

What Should a Livestock Bill of Sale Include?

livestock bill of sale coins calculator

A general cattle bill of sale with payment plan template should include the following information:

  • Type of livestock –– sheep, cows, goats, chickens, cattle, etc.

  • Detailed description –– age, color, weight, sex, class, current health condition, medical records, etc.

  • Agreed fees –– livestock price and deposit

  • Due dates –– the payment date and the agreement date

  • Parties’ contact information –– full names, phone numbers, email addresses, and mailing addresses

Before you start filling in a livestock sale template, be sure that all the information is  correct and that the figures are accurate and relevant to the document.

How To Write a Livestock Bill of Sale

For Buyers

  1. Download the easy-to-use printable PDF livestock sale form and customize it to create your bill of sale. 

  2. Consider what type of livestock you are selling, as this is an essential term in a bill of sale for livestock.

  3. Input the details of the livestock being sold, including the breed, age, and sex of the animals.

  4. Add to the livestock sale template any upcoming payments, documents to be confirmed pre-sale, and the date of purchase.

  5. Include each party’s contact information.

  6. Leave the field for signatures for later. Only after both parties have agreed to the terms and conditions will they sign the livestock bill of sale. Signatures make the document legally valid. 

For Sellers

  1. Download the easy-to-use livestock bill of sale template in PDF format and customize it to create a complete legal document.

  2. Specify the type of livestock that is being sold as clearly as possible, as this information is essential to the livestock bill of sale.

  3. Include details about the livestock being sold, such as the breed, age, and sex of the animals. 

  4. Indicate other relevant information, including any payments expected or documents to be confirmed pre-sale. 

  5. Include contact information for both parties.

  6. Sign the livestock bill of sale after final negotiations and any document revisions have been completed. 

The Dos and Don’ts of Selling Livestock

There are some crucial points to know about selling livestock. These can be divided into things a seller should do and things a seller should avoid altogether.

Do
  1. Check the health of your animals and update their medical history if needed (e.g., check and record recent vaccinations).
  2. Research average livestock prices in your state and determine a competitive price.
  3. Advertise your livestock with clear, high-quality pictures on specialized marketplaces (LivestockMarket, EmpireLivestock, Facebook groups, etc.)
  4. Be honest with potential buyers regarding the health and price of your animals.
  5. Update your livestock listing regularly and take it down when you have sold out.
Don't
  1. Overpromise in your marketplace listings.
  2. Sell animals that are unhealthy, too old, or have not had a vet inspection. The “as is” type of bill of sale, such as for cars, does not work for livestock purchase contracts.
  3. Offer a price that is too high or low.
  4. Close your purchase and sale deal without a livestock bill of sale.
  5. Sell your livestock to persons with criminal intentions or who lack the necessary experience or space to care for the animals.

When each aspect of the legal process is agreed between the parties and the terms of the agreement correspond with each party’s needs and relevant state laws, the sale of livestock typically will not result in disputes or confusion.  

When Do You Need a Livestock Bill of Sale?

Whether it’s private or auction sales, a livestock sale form is essential for both parties. The bill of sale for livestock implies specific responsibilities on the seller and the buyer. For instance,Whether it’s private or auction sales, a livestock sale form is essential for both parties. The bill of sale for livestock implies specific responsibilities on the seller and the buyer. For instance,

  1. The buyer must possess a bill of sale that describes the important details about the purchased livestock, including the price and the animal type, breed, etc.
  2. Likewise, the seller must confirm that the buyer has agreed to the selling price. Typically, the seller must have the agreement signed by the buyer as a legal proof of purchase.
Insight

Sellers and buyers must always make copies of the livestock bill of sale and present them when needed for registration and transfer of the animals. Buyers should usually apply for title ownership with the state after the purchase, whether the livestock was purchased by private sale or at auction. 

Common Use Cases

A bill of sale for livestock is a necessary document in the livestock business. Prepare a livestock sale template that will help you transfer ownership in any of these common situations: 

  1. Farm-to-farm transfer — A livestock bill of sale typically applies when farm animals, such as horses and donkeys, are bought by one farm from another.

  2. Dairy farming — Often, farmers breed their dairy livestock (cattle, buffaloes, or goats) and sell the offspring to dairy production farms and companies to be used for milk production. 

  3. Farm to private owner — Farmers may sell their animals to private owners who wish to keep them on the farms, giving them ownership but not possession.

When Not To Use a Livestock Bill of Sale

Livestock bill of sale applies to the sale and purchase of domestic animals. If you wish to give livestock to someone as a gift, there is no need for a livestock sale form. In such cases, the transfer of ownership is enough for legal compliance. The bill of sale simply applies only when there is a financial transaction along with the transfer of ownership of the livestock. 

State Law

Most states do not require the livestock bill of sale to be notarized. However, there are some states that require a bill of sale to be notarized. Use this easy reference table to check whether you need to get your bill of sale for animals notarized in your state.

State Law
Alabama
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Alaska
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Arizona
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Arkansas
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
California
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Colorado
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Connecticut
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Delaware
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Florida
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Georgia
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Hawaii
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Idaho
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Illinois
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Indiana

Notarized Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.

State Law
Iowa
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Kansas
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Kentucky
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Louisiana
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Maine
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Maryland
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Massachusetts
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Michigan
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Minnesota
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Mississippi
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Missouri
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Montana
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Nebraska
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is required.
State Law
Nevada
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
New Hampshire
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
New Jersey
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
New Mexico
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
New York
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
North Carolina
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
North Dakota
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Ohio
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Oklahoma
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Oregon
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Pennsylvania
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Rhode Island
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
South Carolina
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
South Dakota
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Tennessee
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Texas
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is required.
State Law
Utah
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Vermont
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Virginia
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Washington
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
West Virginia
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Wisconsin
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.
State Law
Wyoming
  1. Bill of Sale is required to validate the livestock purchase & sale.
  2. Notarized Bill of Sale is NOT required.

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Please note that Lawrina does not provide any legal services. The information on Lawrina’s Site and its downloadable content, including legal articles and templates, shall not be considered legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, and up-to-date. If you require legal advice on your issue, we recommend you contact a qualified attorney licensed in your state. You personally assume full responsibility for any consequences, damages, and costs associated with your use of any content of Lawrina Services available on Lawrina’s Site.

By using Lawrina’s Site you agree with mentioned above and give your irrevocable consent to comply with and to be bound by the provisions of Lawrina Service terms. 

Also Read

The Farmer's Guide To the Cattle Livestock Bill of Sale
The Farmer's Guide To the Cattle Livestock Bill of Sale
October 5, 2023
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Do You Need a Bill of Sale for Barter of Livestock?
Do You Need a Bill of Sale for Barter of Livestock?
September 19, 2023
Article
Do You Need a Registered Livestock Bill of Sale?
Do You Need a Registered Livestock Bill of Sale?
September 18, 2023
Article

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the next steps after drafting a livestock bill of sale?

Once you have drafted the livestock sales template, make sure that both parties sign the document and take a copy. If you’re a buyer, you will need the livestock bill of sale to register the ownership of the new livestock. Otherwise, there is no need to submit the document unless asked by a relevant external institution. As a seller, you might need a livestock bill of sale as proof of the sale. 

How do you fill out a livestock bill of sale?

Start filling out your livestock sale template with the most essential details (e.g., the livestock description, medical history, price, due dates for payments, etc.). Add in the contact details for both parties. Finally, make sure to review the document and revise as needed, checking every piece of information.

Is a handwritten bill of sale for livestock legally binding?

Once a cattle purchase contract has been signed by both parties, it automatically becomes legally binding and enforceable. All U.S. states accept either handwritten or electronic signatures, but the bill of sale is more easily understood if it is typed.

Should I hire an attorney to review my livestock bill of sale?

Consulting with a local attorney to review your livestock bill of sale may be helpful. Even though livestock sale form templates cover all the essential points of the agreement, an attorney may be able to provide legal expertise and advice for appropriate customization and changes to the bill of sale if needed. 

Does a livestock sale form need to be notarized or witnessed?

A livestock bill of sale can have an additional section for witnesses. Though optional, this section can add validity to the document. Typically, a livestock sale form may include space for two witnesses.

Likewise, the parties can have their signatures notarized. Notarization may be optional, but a notary public will provide the essential notarization text along with his or her name, signature, and official seal.