Vehicle Bill of Sale: VIN, Price and Signatures – New York

New York Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ

What is a Vehicle Bill of Sale?

A Vehicle Bill of Sale is a legal document that records the sale and transfer of a vehicle from the seller to the buyer.
It serves as an official receipt confirming the change of ownership and outlining the agreed-upon terms of the transaction — even if payment isn’t made immediately.
While there’s no national standard form, using a complete and accurate Vehicle Bill of Sale template helps protect both parties and simplifies title transfer or insurance documentation with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV).

When to use a Vehicle Bill of Sale?

In New York, a Vehicle Bill of Sale is required for most private vehicle sales. The official form — MV-912 (Bill of Sale) — must be completed and signed by both the buyer and the seller. This document records important details of the transaction, including the purchase price, date of sale, and both parties’ information. It is also used to calculate sales tax when the buyer registers the vehicle at the DMV. Without it, the buyer may not be able to complete registration, and the seller could face difficulties proving that ownership has been transferred.

What should be on a Vehicle Bill of Sale?

To ensure a smooth title transfer and proper documentation, your New York Vehicle Bill of Sale should include:

• Full names, addresses, and signatures of both the seller and the buyer

• Vehicle details: make, model, year, color, and VIN

• Date of sale and sale price

• Payment method

• Odometer reading (required by law for vehicles under 10 years old)

• A statement that the vehicle is sold “as-is” (unless a warranty is provided)

• Any additional terms or disclosures (such as included accessories or known defects)

It’s recommended to use the official MV-912 form provided by the NYSDMV to make sure all required details are included and properly formatted.

What if the vehicle’s condition doesn’t match what’s stated in the Bill of Sale?

If the vehicle’s condition doesn’t match what’s stated in the Bill of Sale, first contact the seller in writing to try to resolve the issue — for example, by requesting repairs, a refund, or a price adjustment.
If that doesn’t work, document the issues with photos or a mechanic’s report and consider your legal options.
Providing false or misleading information about the vehicle’s condition, mileage, or title can be considered fraud or misrepresentation, giving the buyer grounds to cancel the agreement or take legal action.
You can also file a complaint with the New York State Attorney General’s Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau.
Always make sure the Bill of Sale accurately describes the vehicle and clearly states if it’s sold “as-is,” unless a warranty is provided.

Does a Vehicle Bill of Sale need to include the odometer reading?

Yes. In New York, the Vehicle Bill of Sale must include the odometer reading at the time of sale for most vehicles that are less than 10 years old. This requirement follows both federal law (Truth in Mileage Act) and New York DMV regulations to prevent odometer fraud and ensure accurate mileage reporting. If the vehicle’s title does not already have a mileage section or space for disclosure, you must complete a separate Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MV-103). Both the buyer and the seller are required to sign this disclosure. Failing to include or accurately report the odometer reading can delay the title transfer or even result in penalties for providing false information.