A Massachusetts bill of sale is a written record that documents the transfer of a vehicle from one owner to another.
Massachusetts does not have a state-mandated bill of sale form, but the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) recognizes bills of sale as supporting documents for title transfers. The document protects both buyer and seller by creating a record of the sale price, vehicle details, and the date of transfer. Without one, you have no proof of when ownership changed hands or what was agreed to.
You can write a bill of sale on plain paper or use a template. What matters is that it contains the specific information the RMV expects and that both parties sign it. The document itself does not transfer the title — that happens when you submit the RMV's title process form — but it serves as evidence that the sale took place.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts does not require a specific bill of sale form, but the RMV accepts handwritten or typed bills of sale as proof of ownership transfer.
- Both the seller and buyer must sign the bill of sale, and it should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, odometer reading, and date of sale.
- The buyer needs the signed bill of sale to explore for a new title at the RMV, along with the existing title or a form if the seller cannot provide it.
- Keeping a copy protects both parties if a dispute arises about the sale price, condition, or timing of the transfer.
What Information Must Be on the Bill of Sale
The bill of sale should include the seller's full name and address, the buyer's full name and address, and the date of the sale. Include the vehicle's year, make, model, and color. Most importantly, write the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) exactly as it appears on the existing title or registration — even a single digit wrong can cause problems at the RMV.
Add the sale price in dollars and cents. If the sale price is zero (for example, a gift from a family member), write "zero dollars" or "$0.00" — do not leave it blank. Include the odometer reading at the time of sale. Both the seller and buyer should sign and print their names on the document. Some people add the date each person signed, which can be helpful if there is a gap between when the seller signed and when the buyer signed.
You can add a line describing the vehicle's condition (for example, "sold as-is") if you want to document that the buyer accepted it in its current state. This is optional but useful if the buyer later claims the seller misrepresented the vehicle's condition.
Where to Get a Bill of Sale Template
The Massachusetts RMV does not provide an official bill of sale form on its website, but you can find templates through several sources. The American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a bill of sale template for Massachusetts that includes all required fields. Your bank or credit union may also have a template if you are financing the purchase through them.
You can also create your own on a blank sheet of paper or in a word processor. The format does not matter — what matters is that all the required information is there and both parties have signed it. If you use a template, print it out, fill it in by hand or type, and have both parties sign with a pen (not electronically, unless you are both comfortable with that and can verify the signatures later).
How to Use the Bill of Sale When Transferring the Title
The buyer brings the signed bill of sale to the RMV along with the seller's existing title (or a duplicate title if the seller has lost the original). The buyer also completes the RMV's title process form, which is called the "process for Certificate of Title" (Form 1). The bill of sale serves as proof that the buyer now owns the vehicle.
If the seller cannot locate the original title, the bill of sale becomes even more important — it shows the RMV that a legitimate sale occurred. The RMV may ask for additional proof, such as a copy of the registration or a notarized statement from the seller, but the bill of sale is the primary document that establishes the transfer.
The buyer should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for their records, even after the new title arrives. If a dispute arises later — for example, if the seller claims the buyer owes money or if the buyer discovers undisclosed damage — the bill of sale is the written proof of what was agreed to and when.
Whether You Need a Notary
Massachusetts does not require the bill of sale to be notarized. A notary's signature adds a layer of verification that both parties signed in front of a neutral third party, but it is not legally necessary for the RMV to accept the document. Many people skip the notary step because it costs money and takes extra time.
However, notarizing can be worth the cost if you are concerned about the buyer or seller later denying they signed, or if the sale involves a large sum of money. A notary is available at most banks, credit unions, and some UPS stores. The cost is usually between $5 and $15 per signature.
What Happens If You Sell Without a Bill of Sale
If you sell a car without a bill of sale, the buyer can still transfer the title using just the existing title and the RMV's process form. However, without a bill of sale, there is no written record of the sale price, the date, or the condition of the vehicle at the time of transfer. This creates risk for both parties.
The seller has no proof of when they stopped being responsible for the vehicle. If the buyer gets into an accident or receives a parking ticket before transferring the title, the seller could be contacted. The buyer has no proof of the agreed-upon price if a dispute arises later. If the seller claims the buyer still owes money or the buyer claims the seller misrepresented the vehicle, neither party has a document to point to.
A bill of sale takes a few minutes to create and costs nothing. It is the simplest way to protect yourself in either role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write the bill of sale by hand or does it have to be typed?
Handwritten is fine. The RMV does not require a specific format or font. As long as all the required information is there and both parties have signed it, a handwritten bill of sale is just as valid as a typed one. Make sure the handwriting is legible and the VIN is written clearly.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
The seller must sign for the bill of sale to be valid. If the seller refuses, you should not complete the purchase. A bill of sale without the seller's signature is not proof of anything. If you have already paid for the vehicle, you have no legal document showing you own it.
Do I need the bill of sale if I am buying from a dealer instead of a private seller?
Dealers provide their own sales documents, which serve the same purpose as a bill of sale. The dealer's paperwork will include the vehicle details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. You do not need a separate bill of sale, but keep the dealer's documents in the same way you would keep a private bill of sale.
What if I lost the bill of sale after I bought the car?
If you have already transferred the title into your name, the bill of sale is no longer needed for the RMV. However, keep it anyway in case you sell the car later or if a dispute arises about the original sale. If you have not yet transferred the title, contact the seller and ask for a copy or ask them to sign another one.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state?
A bill of sale from another state can work, but it is better to use one that matches Massachusetts requirements. The key information — seller name and address, buyer name and address, VIN, sale price, odometer reading, and signatures — is the same everywhere. If you have a bill of sale from another state, make sure it includes all of those details before submitting it to the Massachusetts RMV.