A North Carolina Bill of Sale is a legal document a North Carolina resident uses to transfer a piece of their property to another person.
Once the seller gets their money and the buyer gets their new property, the bill of sale provides legal proof that the transaction occurred (in case of a dispute).
Bill of Sale – By Type (5)
A form to buy or sell a motor vehicle in the state of North Carolina. In many states, a bill of sale is required to register a vehicle at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Vehicle Bill of Sale
A document to transfer ownership of recreational water vehicles (such as motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and jet skis) in the state of North Carolina.
Boat Bill of Sale
A form to buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle) in the state of North Carolina and register it at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Trailer Bill of Sale
A document to transfer ownership of a gun (such as a handgun, rifle, or shotgun) in the state of North Carolina, and avoid legal or criminal issues involving the weapon after it is sold.
Firearm Bill of Sale
A form to record the transfer of a motorcycle in the state of North Carolina. By detailing information about the bike being sold, you can protect yourself from fraudulent sales.
Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Bill of Sale Requirements
North Carolina requires a car bill of sale to register a vehicle that was purchased from a dealership — it is not required for a private sale.
Also, North Carolina requires all motor vehicle dealers, factory branches, distributors, and wholesalers to keep a record of vehicles traded, manufactured, sold, received, or junk for at least four years.
These parties must keep records, including disclosures, the buyer and seller’s contact information, the car’s description, and the bill of sale, in case they never need to be inspected by the state.
Information to Include in a North Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale
Though a bill of sale is required for some transactions in North Carolina, the state’s DMV doesn’t provide a form for buyers and sellers.
Instead, buyers and sellers can create their own by including the following information:
- Buyer’s and seller’s names, addresses, phone numbers, and signatures
- When the final payment was made
- A description of the vehicle, including the make, model, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Date and location of the vehicle sale
- Vehicle sale price
- Odometer reading
Language Requirements
The North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles accepts bills of sale in English and Spanish. Also, the DMV offers many of its forms in Spanish.
Number of Copies
The buyer and seller should keep copies of the document as proof that the transaction was completed and ownership was transferred.
Notarization
North Carolina does not require a bill of sale to be notarized, though notarization gives the document greater integrity.
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- A completed, notarized Title Application (MVR-1)
- Emission & Safety Inspection
- Certificate of Title
- A completed Odometer Disclosure Statement (MVR-180), if the vehicle is fewer than 10 years old
- Damage Disclosure Statement (MVR-181)
- Valid driver’s license
- Registration fees and taxes
- Proof of insurance
To register out-of-state vehicles with titles held by recorded lienholders, current out-of-state registration card is required additionally.
Boat Registration Forms
Firearm/Gun Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- License or permit from the sheriff of the county where the purchaser or receiver resides (or a valid North Carolina-issued concealed carry permit)
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