New Jersey requires a bill of sale for most vehicle transfers, but the state does not provide an official form — you and the seller can write one yourself or use a template, as long as it includes the required information
A bill of sale is a written record that you bought a vehicle and the seller transferred ownership to you. In New Jersey, it serves as proof of the transaction and protects both you and the seller by documenting the sale price, vehicle details, and the date of transfer. The state does not mandate a specific form, which means you can create one on plain paper, use a template from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), or read one from a third party — what matters is that it contains the information the MVC requires.
You will need this document when you register the vehicle with the MVC or explore for a title. The seller may also need it for their records and to show they no longer own the vehicle. Without a bill of sale, you have no written proof of purchase, which can create problems if a dispute arises later or if the seller claims they never sold you the car.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey does not require a specific bill of sale form, but the document must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, date of sale, and signatures from both buyer and seller.
- The MVC website offers a sample bill of sale template that meets state requirements, though you can also write one yourself or use a private template.
- Both the buyer and seller should keep a signed copy for their records, and you will need to bring yours when you register the vehicle or transfer the title.
- A bill of sale does not transfer ownership in New Jersey — the title transfer happens through the MVC when you register the vehicle, but the bill of sale proves the sale took place.
What information must go on a New Jersey bill of sale
The bill of sale must include the vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number), which appears on the dashboard, the title, and the registration card. It should also show the vehicle's make, model, and year, though the VIN alone is enough to identify it. Include the sale price — write the actual amount paid, even if it was a gift or a trade-in (in a gift situation, some people write "gift" instead of a price, though this can complicate insurance and registration).
Add the date of the sale and the full names and addresses of both the buyer and the seller. Both parties must sign and print their names. If the seller is not the registered owner — for example, if a spouse or co-owner is signing — that person should also sign. Some people add the odometer reading at the time of sale, which is not required but can be useful if questions arise later about the vehicle's condition or mileage.
The bill of sale does not need to be notarized in New Jersey, though having it notarized adds an extra layer of proof that both parties signed it willingly. If you are buying from a private seller, a notarized copy can protect you if the seller later disputes the sale or claims the signature is not theirs.
Where to find a bill of sale template
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission provides a sample bill of sale on its website under the forms section. You can read it, print it, fill it out by hand or computer, and have both parties sign it. This template includes all the fields the MVC expects to see and is designed to work with the state's registration process.
If you prefer not to use the MVC template, you can find bill of sale forms from other sources — legal document websites, auto dealer associations, and even some banks offer templates. The key is to make sure the template includes all the required information: VIN, vehicle details, sale price, date, buyer and seller names and addresses, and signatures. Avoid templates that ask for information New Jersey does not require, as this can slow down registration.
You can also write a bill of sale from scratch on plain paper. Write it clearly, include all the required information, and have both parties sign and date it. There is no penalty for a handwritten bill of sale as long as it contains what the MVC needs.
How a bill of sale differs from a title transfer
A bill of sale proves the sale happened, but it does not transfer ownership in New Jersey. The actual transfer of ownership occurs when you submit the title and registration documents to the MVC and pay the registration fee. The bill of sale is evidence that you have the right to request that transfer.
The seller keeps the title until you complete the registration process. Once you register the vehicle in your name, the MVC issues a new title with your name on it. The bill of sale stays in your records as proof of purchase, but the title is the legal document that shows you own the vehicle.
This is why both documents matter: the bill of sale protects you during the transaction, and the title protects you after registration is complete. If you buy a vehicle and the seller refuses to sign the bill of sale, you have no written proof of the purchase, which can make it difficult or impossible to register the vehicle or prove you own it if a dispute arises.
What to do with the bill of sale after you buy the vehicle
Keep your signed copy of the bill of sale in a safe place — a file folder, a safe deposit box, or a digital scan stored securely. You will need it when you go to the MVC to register the vehicle. Bring the original or a certified copy, along with the title, proof of insurance, and proof of identification.
If you are financing the vehicle, your lender may also ask for a copy of the bill of sale as part of the loan paperwork. Some insurance companies request it when you add the vehicle to your policy. Having a copy readily available saves time and prevents delays.
The seller should also keep a signed copy. If they are asked later whether they sold the vehicle, they can produce the bill of sale as proof. This protects the seller if someone claims the seller still owns the vehicle or if there is a dispute about when the sale took place.
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale
Do not leave the sale price blank or write "as is" instead of a price. The MVC needs to see an actual dollar amount to process registration. If you are buying the vehicle as a gift, check with the MVC about how to handle the price field — some people write "gift," but this can trigger questions during registration or affect insurance rates.
Make sure both the buyer and seller sign the bill of sale. A bill of sale signed by only one party is not valid proof of a mutual transaction. If the seller is not available to sign, do not proceed with the purchase — an unsigned bill of sale will not protect you if problems arise later.
Do not use an outdated or incorrect VIN. Double-check the VIN against the title, the registration card, and the vehicle itself. A mismatched VIN can cause the MVC to reject your registration process or flag the vehicle as potentially stolen.
Avoid writing in pencil or using faint ink. Use a pen so the signatures and information are permanent and clear. If you are creating a digital version, make sure it prints legibly and that signatures are visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying from a car dealer?
No. Car dealers provide their own sales documents and paperwork, which serve the same purpose as a bill of sale. The dealer's paperwork will include the vehicle details, price, and signatures, and you will use that when you register the vehicle with the MVC. You do not need a separate bill of sale.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
Do not complete the purchase. A bill of sale signed by both parties is your only proof that the seller agreed to sell you the vehicle. Without it, you have no legal protection if the seller later claims they did not sell it to you or if there is a dispute about the price or condition.
Can I register the vehicle without a bill of sale?
You can attempt to register it, but the MVC may ask for proof of purchase. If you cannot provide a bill of sale or other documentation showing you bought the vehicle, the MVC may delay or deny your registration. It is much easier to get the bill of sale signed at the time of purchase than to try to obtain one later.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. A bill of sale is proof that you bought the vehicle; a title is the legal document showing you own it. The seller holds the title until you register the vehicle. Once you register, the MVC issues a new title in your name. You need both the bill of sale and the title to complete the purchase and registration process.
What if I bought the vehicle years ago and do not have the bill of sale anymore?
Contact the MVC. If the vehicle is already registered in your name, your registration records serve as proof of ownership. If you need a copy of the bill of sale for insurance or other reasons, ask the seller if they still have one, or contact the MVC to see what documentation they can provide based on your registration history.