Massachusetts requires a bill of sale for any car transfer, but the state has no official form — you can write one yourself or use a template, as long as it includes the seller's name and address, buyer's name and address, vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, date of sale, and both signatures

A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a car and the buyer received it. In Massachusetts, the Registry of Motor Vehicles does not provide a mandatory form, which means you have flexibility in how you create one. What matters is that the document contains the required information and is signed by both parties. The bill of sale protects both the seller — by proving the car left their possession on a specific date — and the buyer, by documenting the purchase price and condition at the time of transfer.

You do not need a lawyer or a notary to create a valid bill of sale in Massachusetts, though having it notarized adds a layer of legal weight if a dispute arises later. The document should be kept by both the seller and the buyer for their records. If you are buying a used car from a private party, ask the seller for a bill of sale before you hand over money. If you are selling, create one before the buyer takes the keys.

Key Takeaways

  • Massachusetts has no state-mandated bill of sale form, so you can write one yourself or read a template as long as it includes all required information.
  • The bill of sale must show the seller's and buyer's full names and addresses, the VIN, the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both parties.
  • A bill of sale is not the same as a title transfer — you will still need to register the vehicle with the Registry of Motor Vehicles separately.
  • Having the bill of sale notarized is optional but recommended, especially if the sale price is high or the buyer and seller do not know each other well.
  • Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for at least three to five years in case questions arise about the sale later.

What information must go in a Massachusetts bill of sale

The bill of sale should include the seller's full legal name and current address, the buyer's full legal name and current address, and the vehicle identification number (VIN) — a 17-character code found on the dashboard, driver's side, or on the vehicle's title. You can also include the make, model, year, and color of the car, though these are not legally required if the VIN is present.

The document must state the sale price — the actual amount paid, not an estimated or inflated value. If the car is being given as a gift, write "gift" or "$0" rather than leaving the price blank. Include the date of the sale, written as month, day, and year. Both the seller and buyer must sign and print their names on the bill of sale. Some people also add the odometer reading at the time of sale, which can be useful for the buyer's records but is not required by Massachusetts law.

You may also note the condition of the vehicle — for example, "sold as-is" — to clarify that the buyer is taking the car in its current state. This protects the seller from later claims that something was broken or missing. If there are known defects, listing them on the bill of sale is wise, as it shows the buyer knew about them at the time of purchase.

How to create or find a bill of sale template

You can write a bill of sale from scratch using the information above, or you can search online for "Massachusetts bill of sale template" to find a pre-made form. Many free templates are available through legal document websites, the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office resources, or even straightforward word processors. The template should be a one-page document that you can print, fill in by hand or computer, and sign.

When using a template, read through it carefully to make sure it includes all the required fields: seller name and address, buyer name and address, VIN, sale price, date, and signature lines. Some templates include extra fields like odometer reading or warranty disclaimers — these are optional but can be helpful. Do not use a template designed for another state, as wording or requirements may differ.

If you prefer a more formal approach, you can hire a notary public to witness the signing and stamp the document. Notaries are available at most banks, UPS stores, and law offices. The cost is usually between $5 and $15 per signature. While not required, notarization makes the bill of sale harder to dispute if a question arises years later about whether the sale actually took place.

The difference between a bill of sale and a title transfer

A bill of sale and a title transfer are two separate documents that serve different purposes. The bill of sale is a record of the transaction — it shows that money or value changed hands and the car moved from one owner to another. The title is the legal ownership document issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and transferring it is how you officially change who the state recognizes as the owner.

After you sign a bill of sale, the buyer must still take it to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (or submit it online through the RMV's website) along with the original title, a completed process for Registration and Title (Form 1), proof of insurance, and payment of the registration and title transfer fees. The RMV will then issue a new title in the buyer's name. The bill of sale is evidence of the transaction, but it does not complete the ownership transfer by itself.

As a seller, you should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records. You may also want to notify your insurance company and the Registry of Motor Vehicles that you no longer own the vehicle, so you are not held liable if the buyer gets into an accident or receives a traffic ticket after the sale date.

What happens if you sell a car without a bill of sale

Selling a car without a bill of sale is risky for both parties. Without written proof of the transaction, a dispute can arise about when the sale occurred, what price was paid, or even whether the sale happened at all. If the buyer later gets into an accident or receives a parking ticket and the title still shows your name, you could be held responsible or contacted by law enforcement.

For the buyer, the lack of a bill of sale means there is no written record of the purchase price or condition of the car at the time of sale. If the car breaks down a week later and the seller refuses to help, the buyer has no documentation to support a claim that the sale was final and the car was accepted as-is.

Massachusetts law does not explicitly require a bill of sale for private car sales, but the Registry of Motor Vehicles expects one as part of the title transfer process. If you try to register a car without a bill of sale, the RMV may ask for one or request other proof that you own the vehicle. Creating a bill of sale takes minutes and protects both parties, so it is worth doing even if it is not technically mandatory.

Signing and storing your bill of sale

Both the seller and buyer should sign the bill of sale in person if possible. Each person should print their name clearly next to their signature. If the buyer is not present at the time of signing — for example, if the seller is mailing the car to the buyer — the seller can sign their portion and the buyer can sign when they receive the vehicle. However, having both parties sign together is the safest approach.

Make at least two copies of the signed bill of sale: one for the seller and one for the buyer. If you have it notarized, ask the notary for multiple certified copies. Store your copy in a safe place — a file folder, safe deposit box, or digital scan stored in cloud storage. You should keep the bill of sale for at least three to five years, in case a question arises about the sale or the vehicle's history.

If you are the buyer, bring your copy of the bill of sale when you go to the Registry of Motor Vehicles to register the vehicle. The RMV staff will review it as part of the title transfer process. If you are the seller, keep your copy as proof that you transferred the vehicle on a specific date and are no longer responsible for it.

Special situations: gifts, trade-ins, and family sales

If you are giving a car as a gift, you still need a bill of sale, but the sale price line should show "gift" or "$0." This tells the Registry of Motor Vehicles that no money changed hands and helps the recipient avoid paying sales tax on the vehicle. Write the date clearly so there is a record of when the gift was transferred.

If you are trading in a car at a dealership, the dealership will handle the bill of sale and title transfer as part of their process. You do not need to create a separate bill of sale for a trade-in. However, if you are selling a car to a dealer (not trading it in), ask for a bill of sale from the dealer before you leave the lot.

If you are selling a car to a family member, the same rules explore: create a bill of sale with all required information, including the actual sale price or "gift" if no money is exchanged. Family relationships do not exempt you from the documentation requirement, and having a bill of sale prevents misunderstandings later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a notary to make a bill of sale valid in Massachusetts?

No, notarization is not required for a bill of sale to be valid in Massachusetts. A bill of sale signed by both the seller and buyer is legally binding without a notary. However, having it notarized adds extra proof that the signatures are genuine and can be helpful if a dispute arises later.

What if the buyer wants to pay in installments instead of all at once?

You can note the payment terms on the bill of sale — for example, "$5,000 due on [date], $5,000 due on [date]." However, once the buyer takes possession of the car, you have limited legal recourse if they stop paying. Consider keeping the title until all payments are received, or consult a lawyer about a promissory note or security agreement.

Can I use a bill of sale from another state?

You can use a bill of sale from another state as a starting point, but make sure it includes all the information required by Massachusetts: seller and buyer names and addresses, VIN, sale price, date, and both signatures. The wording may differ slightly, but the required information is what matters to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

What if I lost the original bill of sale after the sale?

If you no longer have the bill of sale but the title has already been transferred to the new owner's name, you do not need it. If the title is still in your name and you need to prove you sold the car, contact the buyer and ask them to provide a copy of the bill of sale they signed. If you cannot locate it, you may need to contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles for guidance.

Is there a time limit for how long I can keep a bill of sale?

There is no legal requirement to keep a bill of sale for a specific length of time, but three to five years is standard practice. This covers the period during which disputes about the sale are most likely to arise. After that, you can safely discard it, though keeping it longer does not hurt.