A North Carolina Bill of Sale is a legal document used by a North Carolina resident to transfer a piece of their property to another person.
A Bill of Sale can be used to sell personal property like cars, boats, guns, horses, and other items of value.
On a Bill of Sale in North Carolina, the individual selling the property is referred to as the seller, and the person buying that property is the buyer.
Once the seller gets their money and the buyer gets their new property, the bill of sale provides legal proof that the transaction took place (in the event of a dispute).
Types of Bill of Sale
North Carolina Vehicle 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 contact information of the buyer and seller, the description of the car, 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)
- A notarized vehicle title
- Lien release, if applicable
- A completed Odometer Disclosure Statement (MVR-180), if the vehicle is fewer than 10 years old
- Damage Disclosure Statement (MVR-181)
- A valid North Carolina driver’s license number
To register a vehicle that was purchased from a dealer, the following is required:
- A bill of sale, which lists the purchase price
- A notarized vehicle title
- A completed, notarized Title Application (MVR-1)
- A completed Odometer Disclosure Statement (MVR-180), if the vehicle is fewer than 10 years old
- Damage Disclosure Statement (MVR-181)
To register out-of-state vehicles with titles held by recorded lienholders, the following is required:
- Current out-of-state registration card
- Odometer reading, if the vehicle is fewer than 10 years old
- A completed, notarized Title Application (MVR-1)
Boat Registration Forms
- A completed NC Vessel Registration and Title Application
- Bill of sale
- Certificate of title
Trailer Registration Forms
- Driver’s License
- Proof of insurance on tow vehicle
- MCO or MSO (manufacturer’s certificate of origin or manufacturer’s statement of origin)
- Bill of sale
Gun Registration Forms
- License or permit from the sheriff of the county where the purchaser or receiver resides (or a valid North Carolina-issued concealed carry permit)
- Bill of sale
North Carolina Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of what a North Carolina bill of sale form looks like.
