Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale

Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Maine?

Yes. Maine requires a bill of sale for all private vehicle sales. The bill of sale must include the date of sale, vehicle description (year, make, model), VIN, buyer's name, sale price, and the seller's name, address, and signature. The buyer presents the bill of sale along with the assigned title at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to register the vehicle and pay the applicable sales tax. For vehicles model year 1994 and older that are not titled, the bill of sale serves as the primary proof of transfer.

Does a Maine bill of sale need to be notarized?

No. A Maine vehicle bill of sale does not need to be notarized. Both the buyer and seller sign the document, and those signatures are legally sufficient. Notarization is optional and does not affect the validity of the bill of sale. The title assignment also does not require notarization in Maine.

How long do I have to register a vehicle after purchase in Maine?

Maine recommends registering the vehicle promptly after purchase, generally within 30 days. New residents moving to Maine must title and register within 30 days of establishing residency. Registration is handled at the buyer's local municipal office or a BMV branch. The buyer needs the assigned title (for vehicles model year 1995 and newer), bill of sale, proof of Maine liability insurance, and payment for the title fee, registration fee, and sales tax.

How much is the sales tax on a private vehicle sale in Maine?

Maine imposes a 5.5% sales tax on vehicle purchases, with no additional local vehicle taxes. The tax is calculated on the purchase price shown on the bill of sale. In addition to the sales tax, Maine assesses an annual excise tax on vehicles based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price and the vehicle's age, which is paid to the municipality at the time of registration and each annual renewal.

Is an odometer disclosure required in Maine?

Yes. The seller must provide an odometer disclosure for vehicles subject to the federal requirement — model year 2011 and newer for transfers through 2030. The reading can be recorded on the back of the title or on a separate Odometer Information sheet (Form MVT-32). The disclosure certifies whether the mileage is actual, exceeds mechanical limits, or reflects a discrepancy.

Does Maine require emissions testing for private vehicle sales?

Maine previously required emissions testing in certain areas, though the program has been scaled back. There is no statewide emissions testing requirement as a condition of private sale. Annual safety inspections are required for all registered vehicles in Maine. The buyer should confirm the vehicle has a current inspection sticker or plan for an inspection promptly after registration.

What if the vehicle has multiple owners?

If the vehicle is titled to more than one person, all owners on the title must sign the bill of sale. Use the "Add a co-seller" option on the form to add the second seller's name and address. Both sellers' names and signature lines will appear on the document. For electronic signing, each co-owner can sign on the same device in sequence, or the document can be passed from one device to another via QR code or shared link. Both buyers can likewise be named on the bill of sale using the "Add a co-buyer" option.