What a Massachusetts bill of sale must contain
A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a vehicle and the buyer received it. In Massachusetts, the bill of sale is not the same as the title — it is a separate document that proves the transaction happened. The Registry of Motor Vehicles does not require a specific form, but the document must include certain information or it will not protect either you or the buyer if a dispute arises later.
The bill of sale must show the date of the sale, the names and addresses of both the seller and buyer, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year and make of the vehicle, the odometer reading at the time of sale, and the sale price. If you are selling the car "as-is," that phrase should appear on the document. Both the seller and buyer must sign and date the bill of sale in front of a witness or notary public — Massachusetts law does not require notarization, but having it done protects both parties by confirming the signatures are genuine.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts does not have an official bill of sale form, but the document must include the VIN, year, make, sale price, odometer reading, and signatures of both buyer and seller.
- A notary public can witness the signatures, which is not required by law but provides proof that both parties actually signed the document.
- The bill of sale and the title are two separate documents — you need both to complete a legal vehicle sale in Massachusetts.
- The buyer will need the bill of sale when registering the vehicle at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, so keep a copy for your records.
How to write a bill of sale that protects you
Start with the date at the top. Write out the full date — for example, "January 15, 2025" — rather than using numbers only, because it prevents confusion about the order of month and day. Below that, write "Bill of Sale" as a heading.
In the body of the document, write "I [your full name], residing at [your full address], hereby sell to [buyer's full name], residing at [buyer's full address], the following vehicle:" Then list the year, make, model, color, and VIN. The VIN appears on the title document and on the vehicle itself, usually on a sticker inside the driver's side door frame or on the dashboard. Include the odometer reading — this is the number of miles showing on the instrument cluster at the moment of sale. Write the sale price in both numbers and words to prevent later disputes: for example, "Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00)."
Add a line stating the condition of the sale: "This vehicle is sold as-is, with no warranties expressed or implied" is standard language. If you are providing any warranty or if the buyer is aware of specific mechanical issues, note that here instead. Both you and the buyer should sign and print your names at the bottom, with the date. Leave space for a witness or notary to sign as well.
When you need a witness or notary public
Massachusetts does not legally require a witness or notary for a bill of sale, but having one present when both parties sign creates a record that the signatures are genuine. This matters if the buyer later claims they never agreed to the sale, or if you need to prove you sold the vehicle on a specific date.
A notary public can be found at most banks, credit unions, and some post offices. Many charge a small fee — typically $5 to $15 per signature. If you use a notary, they will watch both you and the buyer sign the document and will add their seal and signature to confirm they witnessed the signing. A witness does not need to be a notary; any adult who is not related to either party can serve as a witness, though a notary's seal carries more weight if there is ever a legal question.
What happens to the bill of sale after the sale
You should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records. The buyer will need the original (or a certified copy) when they register the vehicle at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The Registry does not file the bill of sale — it is the buyer's responsibility to keep it with their registration documents.
If you are trading in the vehicle at a dealership, the dealer will usually prepare the bill of sale and handle the paperwork. If you are selling privately, you are responsible for creating the document. Make a photocopy or take a photo of the signed bill of sale before handing it to the buyer, because you may need proof of the sale later if there are questions about the vehicle's history or ownership.
The difference between a bill of sale and a title
The title is the legal document issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles that proves ownership of the vehicle. The bill of sale is a record of the transaction — it shows that you sold the car and the buyer received it. You need both documents to complete a legal sale.
When you sell the vehicle, you sign the back of the title to transfer ownership to the buyer. The buyer then takes both the signed title and the bill of sale to the Registry of Motor Vehicles to register the vehicle in their name. If you do not sign the title, the buyer cannot legally register the car. The bill of sale alone does not transfer ownership — it only documents that the sale occurred.
What to do if you have already sold the car without a bill of sale
If you sold a vehicle and did not create a bill of sale, you can still create one after the fact. Write the document with the actual date of the sale, have both parties sign it, and keep a copy. This protects you by creating a record of when the sale happened and what was agreed to.
If the buyer has already registered the vehicle in their name, the Registry has a record of the transfer. You can request a copy of the registration transfer from the Registry of Motor Vehicles to confirm the sale date and the buyer's name. If you cannot locate the buyer to sign a bill of sale retroactively, the registration transfer itself serves as proof that you sold the vehicle, though a signed bill of sale is stronger evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a template or form from online?
Yes. Many websites offer free bill of sale templates for Massachusetts. The template should include spaces for the VIN, year, make, sale price, odometer reading, and signatures of both parties. Fill in the blanks with the actual information from your sale, and have both parties sign. A template is just as legal as writing the document from scratch, as long as it contains all the required information.
What if the buyer does not have a current address?
Write the address where the buyer can be reached at the time of sale. If they are homeless or do not have a permanent address, write "no permanent address" or the address of a shelter or temporary location where they can be contacted. The goal is to have a way to identify the buyer if there is a question about the sale later.
Do I need to report the sale to the Registry of Motor Vehicles?
No. The buyer is responsible for registering the vehicle in their name. However, you should keep a copy of the bill of sale and the signed title transfer for your records. If the vehicle is later involved in a crime or accident and you are contacted, you can prove you sold it and when.
What if I sold the car for less than I paid for it?
Write the actual sale price on the bill of sale, regardless of what you paid for the vehicle originally. The bill of sale documents what the buyer paid you, not the vehicle's market value or what you paid for it. The sale price is between you and the buyer.
Can I sell a vehicle without a title in Massachusetts?
No. You must have the title to sell the vehicle legally. If you have lost the title, you can request a duplicate from the Registry of Motor Vehicles before you sell. If the title is held by a lender because you have an outstanding loan, you cannot sell the vehicle until the loan is paid off and the lender releases the title to you.