What Is a Delivery Note? Free UK Template and When You Need One
If you supply materials or goods as part of a job — whether you're a builder bringing materials to site, a supplier delivering to a tradesperson, or a contractor handing over equipment — a delivery note protects both sides if there's ever a dispute about what was actually delivered.
What Is a Delivery Note?
A delivery note is a document that accompanies goods when they're delivered, listing exactly what's been supplied. Unlike an invoice, it doesn't show prices — its purpose is to confirm what arrived and when, signed by whoever receives it as proof of delivery.
When You Need One
- Supplying materials to a job site — confirms what was dropped off, useful if there's a later dispute about quantities
- Receiving a supplier delivery — lets you check what arrived against what was ordered before signing
- Handing over completed work or equipment — confirms the customer received everything agreed
- Multi-stage deliveries — when materials arrive in batches across a project, each delivery note tracks what's been received against the total order
What to Include on a Delivery Note
- Delivery note number (for tracking)
- Date of delivery
- Supplier name and address
- Delivery address (if different from the customer's billing address)
- A list of items delivered, with quantities
- Reference to the related order or quote number, if applicable
- A signature line for the person receiving the goods
No prices are typically shown on a delivery note — pricing belongs on the invoice, which may be issued separately or after several delivery notes have been collected for a single billing period.
Free UK Delivery Note Template
DELIVERY NOTE — No. 001
From: [Supplier name/address]
Deliver to: [Site/customer address]
Date: [Date] | Order/Quote ref: [Reference]
Item Quantity
[Item description] [Qty]
Received by: ___________________ Signature: ___________________
Delivery Notes vs Invoices vs Quotes
It's worth being clear on the difference: a quote proposes a price before work starts, a delivery note confirms what was physically supplied, and an invoice requests payment for goods or work already provided. Some trades businesses issue a delivery note for materials, then a separate invoice once the full job — materials and labour — is complete.
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Download free on Android Download free on iOSA delivery note confirms what goods were physically delivered and doesn't show prices. An invoice requests payment and includes pricing, totals, and payment terms. The two are often issued separately — a delivery note at the point of delivery, an invoice afterward.
No, a delivery note isn't a legal requirement, but it's good practice for any business supplying materials or goods, as it provides evidence of what was delivered if a dispute arises later.
Not for every job — they're most useful when supplying physical materials or goods, particularly for larger orders, multi-stage deliveries, or when working with a third party who needs proof of what was received.
