What Is a New Jersey Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A New Jersey vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that proves that ownership of a motor vehicle has changed. It is an important record for any car sale in the state. The form includes details like the vehicle description, sales price, and the names of both parties.
New Jersey law does not always require a bill of sale if the title already lists the purchase data and price. Still, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC) strongly recommends completing one. A completed NJ motor vehicle bill of sale form gives both parties clear proof of the transaction. It can also help resolve disputes about ownership, payment, and even registration later.
When Do You Need a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale in New Jersey?
A New Jersey motor vehicle bill of sale is required whenever you buy or sell a car. You may need one in the following cases:
- Registering and titling pre-owned vehicles purchased through private sales, at auction, or when buying abandoned cars
- Showing proof of sale when the title does not list the purchase price or sale date, since the New Jersey MVC requires a bill of sale during registration
- Handling paperwork for a private vehicle sale
While dealers usually handle paperwork for new car sales, private buyers and sellers are responsible for providing a bill of sale. The document can be handwritten or typed, provided it includes all legally required details.
Instead of drafting one from scratch, you can use Legal Templates’s free New Jersey vehicle bill of sale template, which is simple to complete and ensures your document follows state rules.
Does a New Jersey Vehicle Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?
Notarization is not required for most vehicle bill of sale forms in New Jersey. For standard car sales, a signed bill of sale is usually enough to prove ownership transfer. However, notarization may be required in certain situations, such as:
- Auction sales
- Sales of abandoned vehicles
Even when it isn’t required, having a bill of sale notarized can provide an extra layer of legal protection. It helps confirm the identities of the buyer and the seller, which can reduce the risk of future disputes about ownership or payment (NJ MVC – Transfer of Ownership).
Considerations for a New Jersey Vehicle Bill of Sale
When buying or selling a car in New Jersey, there are a few important rules to keep in mind:
- Registration Deadline: Vehicle registration must be completed within 10 working days of purchase in NJ. The bill of sale may be required as supporting documentation during this process.
- Recordkeeping: The New Jersey MVC may require you to show a bill of sale if the title is missing the sale date or purchase price. Both parties should keep a copy if the MVC requests it during registration.
- Title Requirements: When transferring ownership, the seller must sign the back of the title in the seller’s section, and the buyer must fill in their details in the buyer’s section. The bill of sale serves as extra proof of the sale alongside the signed title, helping both parties avoid disputes.
Sample New Jersey Vehicle Bill of Sale
View a sample New Jersey motor vehicle bill of sale form to understand the details required to transfer a motor vehicle in the state. You can download our NJ bill of sale in PDF or Word format and use it for easy filing with the MVC.
