What Is a Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Maine vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership whenever a vehicle is sold. It protects both parties by serving as written proof of the transaction and clearly outlining the terms of the sale. It lists important details about the car sale, including:
- The full names and addresses of both the buyer and seller
- The vehicle make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- The date of sale and the agreed purchase price
- The odometer reading at the time of sale
- Any existing liens on the vehicle
Note that a bill of sale does not replace the vehicle title in the state of Maine. The buyer must still transfer the title and register the vehicle with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to complete the ownership change.
When to Use a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale in Maine
You should use a vehicle bill of sale in Maine whenever you sell or buy a car, truck, or other motor vehicle, especially in private sales. It helps document the transfer and also protects both parties if questions about the sale or ownership of the car arise later. Here are some common situations where you may need to prepare a vehicle bill of sale:
- Private Party Sales: If you’re buying or selling a vehicle without a dealership, a vehicle bill of sale can provide written proof of the sale and help with title and registration with the Maine BMV.
- Missing or No Title: Although a bill of sale does not replace a vehicle title, it may be used in rare cases to support a claim of ownership.
- Out-of-State Dealer Purchases: If you buy a car from a dealer in another state and don’t have the title yet, a vehicle bill of sale can help document the sale during registration. You will still need to meet Maine’s title and registration requirements.
- Sales from Maine Dealerships: Most Maine dealers handle registration and title transfers, but they may also issue a bill of sale as proof of purchase for your personal records.
- Excise Tax Payment: You are required to pay excise tax when registering a vehicle in Maine. Your local municipal office may request a bill of sale to help calculate the tax.
Usually, a handwritten vehicle bill of sale is considered valid in the state of Maine if it includes all required details. With that said, consider using Legal Templates’s free Maine vehicle bill of sale template instead to save time. Our questionnaire makes it easy to fill out your form in minutes, covering all the required details required by the Maine BMV and Maine Revenue Services.
Does a Vehicle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized in Maine?
Maine does not legally require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. However, notarizing the bill of sale is strongly recommended. A notarized form adds an extra layer of protection by verifying the identities of both the buyer and the seller. It can help prevent fraud and reduce the risk of legal disputes. Notarization is especially useful in cases involving:
- A high-value vehicle
- A buyer or seller from out of state
- A missing title or unclear ownership history
Notarizing your bill of sale can also help limit future liability for both parties. For sellers, it proves when ownership officially ended, which can protect against responsibility for tickets, taxes, or accidents that may occur after the sale is complete.
For buyers, a vehicle bill of sale helps prove they legally own the vehicle, which can make registration and title transfers easier. If you choose to have the form notarized, you can use a free Maine notary acknowledgement form to complete the process.
Sample Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale
View a sample Maine vehicle bill of sale form to see how to fill out your document correctly. Then use our step-by-step questionnaire to create your own bill of sale for a car in Maine. Then, download your completed document as a PDF or a Word file.
