Translation guide
A document that records the transfer of ownership of goods from a seller to a buyer. In Japanese, the term depends on the context—whether it's for a vehicle, real estate, general goods, or a simple receipt.
A document proving the sale and transfer of ownership of movable property (e.g., furniture, equipment).
A general sales contract or agreement. Often used for larger transactions. It is a formal document.
中古車の売買契約書を作成した。
I prepared a bill of sale for the used car.
A transfer certificate. Used when ownership is transferred, sometimes without a sale (e.g., gifts). Common for vehicles.
バイクの譲渡証明書を発行してもらった。
I got a bill of sale (transfer certificate) for the motorcycle.
A less common term for a document certifying sale and delivery. May be used in some business contexts.
売渡証に署名してください。
Please sign the bill of sale.
A simple receipt that serves as a bill of sale for everyday purchases.
A standard receipt. In many casual transactions, this functions as the bill of sale, especially if it includes seller/buyer details and item description.
領収書が売買の証明になります。
The receipt will serve as a bill of sale.
A cash register receipt. Less formal, but can act as proof of purchase for small items.
Specifically for cars, motorcycles, or other vehicles. Often required for registration.
A vehicle sales contract. The standard document when buying/selling a car.
自動車売買契約書に車両情報を記入した。
I filled in the vehicle information on the bill of sale.
As above, commonly used for vehicle ownership transfer, especially when not a dealer sale.
名義変更に譲渡証明書が必要です。
You need a bill of sale (transfer certificate) for the title change.
For land or buildings. Note: In Japan, real estate transactions use a different set of documents.
The real estate purchase agreement. This is the primary document, often accompanied by a separate deed.
不動産の売買契約書を取り交わした。
We exchanged the real estate bill of sale (purchase agreement).
The old-style registration certificate (now replaced by registration identification). Historically served as proof of ownership, similar to a deed.
登記済証は権利証とも呼ばれます。
The registration certificate is also called a title deed.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'bill of sale' in all contexts. The appropriate term depends on what is being sold and the formality of the transaction. Using 領収書 for a car sale would be insufficient; using 売買契約書 for a small flea market purchase would be overly formal.
When selling a car privately, you typically need a 譲渡証明書, a 印鑑証明書 (seal certificate), and the 車検証 (vehicle inspection certificate). The combination serves the function of a bill of sale.
このレシートを保管しておいてください。
Please keep this receipt (as your bill of sale).