A North Carolina motor vehicle bill of sale is a document that records a transaction when someone buys or sells a vehicle. The document includes all the information to identify the buyer, the seller, and the vehicle, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
In North Carolina, you are only required to create a bill of sale when buying from a car dealership. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Office (DMV) requires a bill of sale and/or the title when performing certain transactions, such as titling a vehicle. Without those documents, you cannot register your vehicle to drive on public roads in the state.
To transfer the ownership of a vehicle in North Carolina, buyers and sellers must sign the document.
If the vehicle is newer than 2011, under 16,000 pounds, and self-propelled, the bill of sale must be accompanied by an Odometer Disclosure Statement (MVR-180).
Vehicle Registration
Vehicles must be registered with the NC. Division of Motor Vehicles within 60 days from the purchase date.
Registrations should be renewed annually, either online, by mail, or at a DMV location. North Carolina requires an annual safety inspection before owners can renew the vehicle registration. A licensed mechanic will look at the headlights, signals, brakes, steering, windows, and tires.
An emissions inspection is also necessary for vehicles registered in 19 North Carolina counties.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
Owners can register their vehicles in person at a local license plate agency or by mail at the following address:
Vehicle Titles/Liens, Duplicate Registration
3148 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
Documents Required by the DMV Office
The North Carolina DMV requires the following documents to transfer ownership of a motor vehicle:
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (MVR-180)
- Title Application Form (MVR-1)
- Emission & Safety Inspection
- Certificate of Title
- North Carolina Motor Power of Attorney Form (if signing on behalf of another person)
- Valid driver’s license
- Registration fees and taxes
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Proof of insurance that meets the minimum requirements
- $30,000 for bodily injuries per person
- $60,000 for bodily injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
As part of North Carolina’s Tag & Tax Together program, under state law, transfers the responsibility of motor vehicle tax collection to NC. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).
Sample Vehicle Bill of Sale Form
Download a fillable vehicle bill of sale template below:
