A Massachusetts bill of sale is a legal document that indicates the transfer of the ownership rights over a motor vehicle between two parties. The vehicle bill of sale is required when performing a car title transfer procedure in certain situations.

However, the car bill of sale is usually optional when registering and titling a motor vehicle bought from a private seller. Still, the document is highly recommended for both the buyer and seller of a vehicle, as it can be a useful document for verifying ownership of a vehicle.

The auto bill of sale acts as proof of the sale of the vehicle because it holds information such as the selling price of the vehicle, the date of sale and the signatures of the seller and buyer. It may be useful if the seller is required to prove that he or she has sold the vehicle or if the buyer is required to verify his or her ownership of the vehicle. Learn more about the form by reading the sections below.

When is a bill of sale necessary in Massachusetts?

A DMV bill of sale is a necessary document in certain vehicle-related transactions. A standard bill of sale form may be required in addition to the title change application when registering and titling a motor vehicle purchased from the following:

  • Massachusetts car dealerships
  • Out-of-state dealers
  • Private sellers

If an MA bill of sale PDF is not available, residents have certain other options when registering and titling vehicles purchased from a private seller. Besides the vehicle bill of sale, the individual who is registering and titling the motor vehicle can also provide a previous registration, a manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin for new vehicles or a Certificate of Title from the previous owner together with a Dealer Re-Assignment form.

However, furnishing a simple bill of sale is one of the simplest options for those who need to verify their ownership of a vehicle. The form may also be required when an owner is transferring a motor vehicle as a gift to another person.

Who needs a Massachusetts bill of sale?

A sample bill of sale can be useful for both the seller and the buyer of a vehicle when completing a vehicle registration and title procedure through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Although the generic bill of sale is typically completed by the seller, the vehicle buyer is also encouraged to get involved in the process. This way, the document can be checked for accuracy by both parties before it is submitted along with the mandatory documentation.

Although the used car bill of sale is more important for the seller than the buyer when titling and registering a vehicle, the seller should also keep a copy. This allows him or her to have proof that the vehicle is no longer in his or her possession, which is important in case the seller commits a traffic violation before transferring the car’s auto title.

How to Complete a Bill of Sale Form in Massachusetts

A Massachusetts car bill of sale must be submitted along with the required documentation needed for performing a successful title transfer procedure through the RMV. A bill of sale copy should be kept by both the seller and the buyer in order to have a record of the transfer of rights over the vehicle in question.

After obtaining a bill of sale template in Massachusetts, complete it with the following information:

  • All relevant information about the vehicle
  • Car’s selling price and date of sale
  • Seller’s personal information
  • Buyer’s personal information

Completing the RMV bill of sale form with these four important pieces of information is recommended during a vehicle transaction. After the auto bill of sale is completed with the necessary information, it may be submitted to the MA RMV along with the car title transfer form, if required.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.