What Is a North Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A North Carolina vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that serves as written proof of a vehicle sale. It lists the buyer, seller, purchase price, vehicle make and model, and the date of sale.
Although North Carolina does not legally require a bill of sale for private vehicle sales, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCSMV) recommends using one. It serves as proof of purchase, prevents misunderstandings, and gives buyers and sellers peace of mind. It can also help provide the sale price and provide a clear record if there are ever any tax questions or disagreements later (NC DMV – Title and Registration).
You can customize LegalTemplates’s free North Carolina vehicle bill of sale template to create a complete record of your sale.
When Do You Need a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale in North Carolina?
Although North Carolina doesn’t require a bill of sale for private car sales, it is still helpful to use one. A bill of sale can:
- Protect the seller if the buyer doesn’t register the car and later gets tickets or is involved in an accident
- Protect the buyer if the seller has unpaid tickets or if there are issues with the title transfer
- Confirm the sale price for tax purposes
Buyers must apply for a new title and register their vehicle with the NCDMV within 28 days of purchase (NC Gen Stat § 20-73). While a bill of sale does not replace the title, it can support the process by showing proof of the sale and confirming the purchase price if needed during the transaction.
Does a Vehicle Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in North Carolina?
A bill of sale does not need to be notarized in North Carolina, whether the sale is private or through a dealer. However, notarizing the document can give both parties extra legal security and confirm that both parties signed the document without coercion.
Remember that the Title Application (Form MVR-1) must be notarized when the buyer applies for a new title with the NCDMV.
Sample North Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale
Review a free North Carolina vehicle bill of sale form to see what details you need to include in your document. You can customize and download the template in PDF or Word format to keep a record of your vehicle transaction.
