What Is a North Dakota Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A North Dakota vehicle bill of sale (Form SFN 2888) is a legal document used to show that a vehicle has been legally sold and purchased. It proves that vehicle ownership went from the seller to the buyer. Key elements of this document include the following:
- Buyer’s and seller’s signatures
- Date of sale
- Purchase price
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Vehicle’s make, model, and color
- Odometer reading at the time of the sale
Do I Need a North Dakota Bill of Sale for a Car?
A bill of sale for a car is not required in North Dakota in most situations. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) uses a bill of sale alongside other key documents, such as a signed title, registration application, and insurance proof, to process the transfer of vehicle ownership. Note that an ND motor vehicle bill of sale may be necessary if the vehicle title is missing.
An Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle (SFN 2872) is the main required form for ownership transfer.
Even though an ND vehicle bill of sale is not required in most cases, it’s still highly recommended. It offers significant benefits, such as a clear designation of who owns the vehicle. It also:
- Protects against liability
- Serves as a receipt
- Shows issues that were present at the time of sale
- Helps the buyer obtain a certificate of title, especially if a previous title is not available
Does a North Dakota Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?
North Dakota motor vehicle bills of sale do not need to be notarized in private party transactions. Notary acknowledgment is only required if one of these two conditions is true:
- When using the official state form
- When no title exists (North Dakota Century Code § 37-12-04-01)
Even if an ND vehicle bill of sale is not legally required to be notarized, notarization can improve the document’s legitimacy. It proves the signers’ identities and shows they consented to the sale.
Sample North Dakota Vehicle Bill of Sale
View a North Dakota vehicle bill of sale to understand how to fill it out and what key elements to include. Then, use Legal Templates’s questionnaire to input your details and write your own. Download copies in PDF or Word format.
