How to Write and Use a Bill of Sale for a Car in North Carolina

What a bill of sale is and why North Carolina requires one

A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a car to someone else. In North Carolina, it is the document that proves ownership changed hands. When you sell a car privately (not through a dealer), you and the buyer both sign it, and it becomes proof of the transaction for the DMV, insurance companies, and the buyer's lender if they are financing the purchase.

North Carolina law does not require a bill of sale before you can transfer the title at the DMV, but you should create one anyway. It protects both you and the buyer by documenting the sale price, the vehicle details, and the date the car changed hands. If a dispute arises later — about the condition of the car, the price, or who owns it — the bill of sale is your evidence.

The bill of sale also protects you from liability after the sale. Once you sign it over, you are no longer the registered owner, and you should not be responsible for anything the new owner does with the car. Having a signed, dated bill of sale makes that clear.

Key Takeaways

A bill of sale documents the sale of a car and protects both the seller and buyer by recording the price, vehicle details, and date of transfer.
North Carolina does not legally require a bill of sale, but creating one is strongly recommended to avoid disputes and protect yourself from liability after the sale.
You can use the official DMV form (Form MVR-180) or write your own bill of sale as long as it includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, names and signatures of both parties, and the date.
Both the seller and buyer should keep a signed copy of the bill of sale, and the buyer will need it when they register the car with the North Carolina DMV.

What information must go on a North Carolina bill of sale

Your bill of sale must include the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which you can find on the driver's side of the dashboard or on the title itself. You also need the year, make, and model of the car. These details prevent confusion if either party has multiple vehicles.

Write down the sale price in both numbers and words — for example, "Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00)". This matters because it affects the sales tax the buyer will owe when they register the car. Include the date of the sale, the full legal names of both the seller and the buyer, and their addresses. Both parties must sign and print their names.

You can also note the condition of the car (for example, "as-is" or "with warranty") and any known defects or repairs. This is optional but useful if either party wants to document what was discussed before the sale. Do not leave blank spaces on the form — cross out any unused lines or write "N/A" so someone cannot add information later.

Using the official North Carolina DMV form

The North Carolina DMV provides Form MVR-180, which is the official bill of sale form. You can read it from the DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. The form has all the required fields built in, which makes it simpler than writing your own.

Fill in the form completely, with the seller's information in one section and the buyer's in another. Both parties sign in front of a notary public — this is not required by law, but it adds a layer of protection because the notary verifies that both people signed willingly and that they are who they say they are. Some lenders and title companies ask for a notarized bill of sale, so having one notarized is often worth the small fee (usually $5 to $15 per signature).

Make at least three copies: one for the seller, one for the buyer, and one to keep with your records. The buyer will need their copy when they go to the DMV to register the vehicle.

Writing your own bill of sale if you do not use the DMV form

You do not have to use Form MVR-180. You can write a bill of sale on a blank piece of paper or create one on your computer, as long as it includes all the required information. Start with a straightforward heading like "Bill of Sale" at the top.

Write a sentence stating that the seller is selling the vehicle to the buyer. Include the VIN, year, make, model, and color. State the sale price in both numbers and words. Add the date and have both parties sign and print their names. If you want to add language about the car being sold "as-is" or note any known issues, you can do that in a separate line.

Keep the language straightforward — you do not need legal jargon. A straightforward, clear bill of sale is just as valid as a formal one. Once both parties have signed, make copies for each person and keep one for your records.

What happens after you sign the bill of sale

After you and the buyer sign the bill of sale, the buyer should take it to the North Carolina DMV along with the title, a completed process for Certificate of Title (Form MVR-1), and proof of insurance. The DMV will use the bill of sale to verify the sale price and process the title transfer into the buyer's name.

You should also notify your insurance company that you have sold the car, even if you have already removed it from your policy. This creates a record that you no longer own the vehicle. Keep your copy of the signed bill of sale in your records — you may need it later if a question arises about when you sold the car or what condition it was in.

If the buyer does not transfer the title right away, you can contact the DMV to remove yourself from the registration. This protects you if the car is involved in an accident or traffic violation before the new owner registers it. The bill of sale is your proof that you sold it and are no longer responsible.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale

Do not leave the sale price blank or write "cash" without a dollar amount. The DMV and the buyer's lender need a specific number. Do not sign the bill of sale before the buyer does, and do not let the buyer sign it before you do — both signatures should be on the same document at the same time, if possible.

Do not use a bill of sale that has blank spaces or lines that could be filled in later. This creates an opportunity for fraud. If you use a printed form, cross out any unused sections or write "N/A" on them. Do not forget to include the VIN — without it, the document is much less useful to the buyer and the DMV.

Do not assume that signing a bill of sale is enough to transfer the title. You still need to sign the back of the title certificate itself. The bill of sale and the signed title work together — one without the other is incomplete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does North Carolina require a notary on a bill of sale?

No, North Carolina does not legally require a notary. However, having a notary sign off adds credibility and is sometimes requested by lenders or title companies. A notary costs $5 to $15 per signature and is available at most banks, UPS stores, and some DMV offices.

What if I lost the bill of sale after I sold the car?

If you no longer have a copy, you can contact the buyer and ask them to provide one. If that is not possible, you can file an affidavit with the DMV explaining that you sold the car and no longer have the bill of sale. Keep records of any communication with the buyer as backup.

Can I use a bill of sale if I am selling a car with a loan still on it?

You can write a bill of sale, but the title transfer is more complicated. The lender holds the title until the loan is paid off. You and the buyer should work with the lender to arrange payoff and title release. The bill of sale documents your agreement, but the lender must release the lien before the buyer can register the car.

What if the buyer and I disagree on the sale price after we sign?

The signed bill of sale is a binding record of what you both agreed to. If a dispute arises, the bill of sale is the evidence of the agreed-upon price. This is why it is important to make sure the price is correct and clear before both parties sign.

Do I need to report the sale to the North Carolina DMV?

You do not have to report the sale separately, but you should notify your insurance company and keep your copy of the bill of sale. The buyer will report the sale when they explore for the title transfer at the DMV. If you want extra protection, you can file a "Notice of Sale" with the DMV, which formally removes you from the registration.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.