New York Bill of Sale Requirements & Free Form

New York requirements

• In a private sale the seller must complete the transfer section of the title certificate and sign a bill of sale, even when the vehicle is a gift. The DMV publishes form MV-912 (Vehicle Bill of Sale) for this purpose.
• An acceptable bill of sale must state the year and make, the VIN (or hull ID for boats), the date of sale, the purchase price, and the names and signatures of both buyer and seller.
• DMV guidance on private sales does not call for the bill of sale to be notarized.
• Sales tax is handled at the DMV when the buyer registers. Form DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction) applies, and the seller completes its seller section when the vehicle is a gift or sold below fair market value to someone other than close family.
• The buyer titles and registers the vehicle through the New York DMV; both parties should keep copies of the signed paperwork.
• Our template is a general purpose bill of sale covering the same required contents; the DMV also accepts its own MV-912 form.

Frequently asked questions

Is a bill of sale required for a private car sale in New York?

Yes. The NY DMV requires the seller to sign a bill of sale in addition to the transfer section of the title, even for gifts. Form MV-912 is the DMV version; any bill of sale with the required contents serves as proof of the transaction.

Does New York require the bill of sale to be notarized?

DMV guidance for private sales lists the required contents of a bill of sale but does not require notarization. What matters is that both parties sign and the vehicle, price and date are fully identified.

Official sources

• https://dmv.ny.gov/titles/buy-sell-or-transfer-vehicle-ownership