Massachusetts Vehicle Bill of Sale
Generate your Massachusetts vehicle bill of sale
Fill in the vehicle details, sale price, and buyer and seller information below. The form satisfies Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90D requirements for documenting a private-party vehicle sale, including federal odometer disclosure. The buyer must obtain a Massachusetts insurance policy and have the Registration and Title Application stamped by an insurance agent before visiting the RMV.
*Electronic signatures are legally binding under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (15 U.S.C. §7001).
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Common questions about selling a vehicle in Massachusetts
Is a bill of sale required to sell a car in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts does not require a separate bill of sale form for a private-party vehicle transfer, but one is strongly recommended to document the transaction. The primary transfer documents are the properly assigned certificate of title and a completed Registration and Title Application (Form RMV-1). A bill of sale establishes the purchase price for the 6.25% sales tax calculation and serves as both parties' record of the transaction.
Massachusetts has an unusual pre-registration requirement: the buyer must obtain a Massachusetts automobile insurance policy and have the RMV-1 stamped by a licensed Massachusetts insurance agent before visiting an RMV service center. The buyer must register the vehicle within 7 days of the sale to be able to drive it legally.
Does a Massachusetts bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Massachusetts does not require notarization of a vehicle bill of sale or the title assignment for a standard private-party sale. The signed title and bill of sale, along with the insurance-stamped RMV-1, are sufficient to complete the transfer at an RMV service center.
What information does a Massachusetts vehicle bill of sale need to include?
A complete Massachusetts vehicle bill of sale should include the full legal names and addresses of both the buyer and seller, the date of sale, the agreed purchase price, and the vehicle's year, make, model, body style, color, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The odometer reading must be disclosed — Massachusetts requires odometer disclosure on the back of the title consistent with federal requirements (49 CFR §580.5) for vehicles less than 20 model years old. The as-is nature of the sale should also be stated in the bill of sale.
Why must the buyer get insurance before registering?
Massachusetts is one of the few states where the buyer must have a registered insurance policy before visiting the Registry of Motor Vehicles — insurance comes before registration, not after. The buyer must choose a carrier, purchase a policy, and have a licensed Massachusetts insurance agent stamp and sign the RMV-1 form to confirm the policy is in place. Only then can the buyer visit an RMV service center to complete the title transfer and registration.
This requirement exists because Massachusetts mandates minimum liability coverage for all registered vehicles and has tightly coupled its registration system with insurance verification. Bringing an unstamped RMV-1 to the RMV will result in the transaction being rejected.
What taxes and fees does the buyer owe?
Massachusetts imposes a 6.25% sales tax on private-party vehicle purchases (M.G.L. c. 64H). The tax is calculated on the purchase price and paid to the RMV at the time of registration. If the stated purchase price is below the vehicle's book value, the RMV may assess tax based on the NADA wholesale value instead. Gift transfers between immediate family members — spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild — are exempt from sales tax but require a completed affidavit documenting the relationship.
The title transfer fee and registration fees are separate from sales tax.
Governing law
Vehicle title transfers in Massachusetts are governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90D (Motor Vehicle Titles). The Massachusetts sales tax on motor vehicles is imposed under M.G.L. c. 64H. Federal odometer disclosure requirements are established by 49 U.S.C. Chapter 327 and 49 CFR Part 580.