A New Jersey bill of sale is a written record that documents the transfer of a vehicle from one owner to another
In New Jersey, a bill of sale serves as proof that you bought or sold a vehicle. It is not the same as a title — the title is the legal document that shows ownership and is issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The bill of sale is a separate record that both the buyer and seller should keep for their own protection and for MVC records.
New Jersey does not have a single state-mandated bill of sale form, which means you can use a private template, a form from a dealership, or create your own document. What matters is that the bill of sale contains the required information and is signed by both parties. The MVC does not require you to submit a bill of sale when you register a vehicle, but having one protects both buyer and seller if questions arise later about the sale date, price, or condition of the vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey does not require a specific state form for a bill of sale, but the document must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both buyer and seller.
- A bill of sale is separate from the title and is not submitted to the Motor Vehicle Commission, but you should keep a copy for your records.
- The buyer should obtain the bill of sale before or at the time of purchase to protect against disputes about the sale terms.
- If you are buying a used vehicle from a private seller, requesting a bill of sale in writing is standard practice and protects you if the seller later claims the sale never happened.
What Information Must Be Included on a New Jersey Bill of Sale
A valid bill of sale in New Jersey should contain the vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on the dashboard and on the title. It must also show the year, make, and model of the vehicle. The sale price should be listed, even if the vehicle was a gift — in that case, you can write "gift" or "$0" but the document should still be signed and dated.
Both the seller's and buyer's names, addresses, and signatures are required. The date of the sale must be included. Some bills of sale also note the vehicle's condition (for example, "as-is" or "with warranty"), the odometer reading, and whether any liens or loans are still attached to the vehicle. If the seller still owes money on the vehicle, this should be disclosed in writing.
You do not need to have the bill of sale notarized in New Jersey, though doing so adds an extra layer of proof. Many private sellers and buyers choose to have it notarized anyway for peace of mind, especially in higher-value transactions.
Where to Get a Bill of Sale Form
The Motor Vehicle Commission does not publish an official bill of sale form, so you have several options. Many online legal document services offer New Jersey-specific templates that you can read and fill in. Office supply stores and some banks also have generic bill of sale forms available.
If you are buying from a dealership, the dealership will provide its own bill of sale or sales agreement, which serves the same purpose. If you are buying from a private seller, you can ask the seller to provide a form, or you can bring your own. Some sellers may be more comfortable with a form they provide, but the content should be the same regardless of which template you use.
You can also write a bill of sale by hand on plain paper, as long as it includes all the required information and is signed and dated by both parties. Handwritten bills of sale are legally valid in New Jersey.
The Difference Between a Bill of Sale and a Title in New Jersey
The title is the official document issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission that proves legal ownership of the vehicle. When you buy a vehicle, the seller must sign the back of the title and give it to you. You then take the signed title to the MVC to register the vehicle in your name.
A bill of sale is a separate document that records the transaction itself — the date, price, and condition of the sale. It is not filed with the state and does not transfer ownership by itself. However, if there is ever a dispute about when the sale occurred, what was agreed to, or what condition the vehicle was in at the time of purchase, the bill of sale is your written proof.
Some buyers keep the bill of sale even after they receive the title, because the bill of sale shows the sale price and date, which can be useful for insurance claims, tax records, or if you later sell the vehicle yourself.
When You Should Request a Bill of Sale
If you are buying a vehicle from a private seller, you should request a bill of sale before you hand over any money. This protects you by creating a written record of the transaction. If the seller refuses to provide one, that is a red flag that something may be wrong with the sale.
If you are buying from a dealership, the dealership will provide documentation as part of the sales process. Read it carefully to make sure all the details are correct — the VIN, price, and any warranties or conditions of the sale.
If you are selling a vehicle, providing a bill of sale protects you as well. It shows that you transferred ownership on a specific date and for a specific price, which protects you from liability if the buyer gets into an accident or receives a traffic ticket after the sale.
What Happens After You Sign a Bill of Sale
Once both parties have signed the bill of sale, each should keep a copy. The buyer should take the signed title (from the seller) and the bill of sale to the Motor Vehicle Commission to register the vehicle. The MVC will issue a new title in the buyer's name.
The bill of sale itself is not submitted to the MVC. You keep it in your records. If you are the seller, keep your copy for at least a few years in case questions arise about the sale. If you are the buyer, keep your copy along with your title and registration documents.
If the vehicle has a lien on it (meaning the seller still owes money to a bank or lender), the lienholder must sign off on the title before the buyer can register it. The bill of sale should note whether a lien exists, but the lien release is handled separately through the title process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Bill of Sale
One common mistake is leaving the sale price blank or writing an incorrect amount. Even if you negotiated a lower price than the vehicle's market value, write the actual amount you paid. This protects both parties and is important for insurance and tax purposes.
Another mistake is not including the VIN or using an incomplete vehicle description. The VIN is the most important identifier and should be written exactly as it appears on the title and dashboard. If the VIN is wrong, there could be confusion about which vehicle was sold.
Forgetting to date the bill of sale or having only one party sign it makes the document incomplete. Both the buyer and seller must sign, and the date should be the actual date of the sale, not a date before or after.
If the vehicle is being sold "as-is" (meaning the buyer accepts it in its current condition with no warranty), this should be clearly stated on the bill of sale. This protects the seller from later claims that the vehicle was defective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying from a New Jersey dealership?
Dealerships provide their own sales agreements and documentation, which serve the same purpose as a bill of sale. You do not need a separate bill of sale, but you should keep the dealership's paperwork along with your title and registration.
What if the seller will not give me a bill of sale?
A seller's refusal to provide a bill of sale is unusual and suggests caution. A bill of sale protects both parties and is standard in private vehicle sales. If a seller refuses, consider walking away from the deal or consulting with a local attorney before proceeding.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state?
Yes, as long as it contains all the required information and is signed by both parties. New Jersey does not require a state-specific form. However, using a New Jersey template ensures you have included everything relevant to state law.
Is a bill of sale the same as a receipt?
A receipt shows that money changed hands, but a bill of sale is more detailed — it describes the vehicle, includes the VIN, and documents the terms of the sale. A bill of sale is the better document to keep for a vehicle purchase.
What should I do if I lose my copy of the bill of sale?
Contact the other party and ask for another signed copy. If you cannot reach them, your title and registration documents are your proof of ownership. A lost bill of sale is inconvenient but not a legal problem as long as you have the title in your name.