North Dakota Bill of Sale Form – Download Free Templates
A North Dakota bill of sale is a key document for documenting vehicle sales, verifying ownership transfer, and safeguarding both the buyer and seller. Without it, both parties may face legal and financial risks, such as disputes over ownership, unpaid fees, or registration issues.
What is the North Dakota Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is important in private vehicle sales since the buyer and seller handle the transaction directly. It records important details like the sale price, date, and vehicle or vessel information, serving as legal proof of ownership transfer.
Even when buying from a dealership, having a bill of sale offers extra security. It promotes transparency, helps prevent disputes, and provides a reliable record if any issues arise.
Additionally, a bill of sale is useful for tax purposes, vehicle registration, and insurance claims. It creates a clear paper trail, outlining the terms of the sale and protecting both parties from future legal or financial complications.
Why the North Dakota Bill of Sale is Important in North Dakota
- Proof of Sale: Confirms that the vehicle was sold and ownership was officially transferred to the buyer.
- Protection from Liability: Prevents the seller from being held responsible for tickets, accidents, or other issues after the car is sold.
- Record of Transaction Date: Shows the exact date the sale took place, which is useful if the buyer delays completing the title transfer.
- Avoid Legal or Financial Issues: Helps protect the seller from future disputes, fines, or claims related to the vehicle.
Why Do Buyers Need a Bill of Sale in North Dakota?
- Proof of Ownership: Acts as legal evidence that the buyer purchased the vehicle and now owns it.
- Buyer Protection: Protects the buyer if any issues come up after the sale, such as title delays or ownership disputes.
- Helps with Vehicle Registration: May be required for registering the vehicle, updating insurance, or handling tax matters.
- Support for Future Records: Useful for maintaining personal records and showing clear proof of the vehicle’s purchase if needed later.
The Types of Bill of Sale in North Dakota
North Dakota does not have a one universal bill of sale that can be used for all types of transactions. Rather, the bill of sale in North Dakota has a few different types of bill of sale that can us used differently.
- Vehicle Bill of Sale: This is the most frequently used form and records the sale of cars, motorcycles, or other motor vehicles. It should include information such as the make, model, year, odometer reading, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Watercraft Bill of Sale: Used for the sale of boats or other watercraft, this document must include key identifying details like the make, model, hull identification number (HIN), and year of manufacture.
- General Bill of Sale: A flexible form used for selling personal property other than vehicles or boats, such as tools, equipment, furniture, or trailers.
- Gift Bill of Sale: When an item is given as a gift, a bill of sale should still be completed to document the transfer. In this case, the sale price can be listed as $0 to reflect that no payment was made.
What Does the Bill of Sale in North Dakota Include
A bill of sale is more than just a receipt; it serves as an official record of the transaction. It should include:
- Buyer & seller details – Full names and addresses
- Vehicle information – Make, model, year, VIN, and mileage
- Sale price – The agreed purchase amount
- Date of sale – The official transfer date
- Signatures – Required from both parties to validate the document
Including these details ensures a clear, legally documented sale and helps prevent potential disputes.
How to Register a Vehicle in North Dakota
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Before visiting the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), make sure you have:
- Signed Title – The seller must properly transfer ownership.
- Valid ID – A North Dakota driver’s license or identification card.
- Proof of Insurance – Required for registration.
- Bill of Sale – Recommended as proof of purchase.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement – Needed for vehicles under 10 years old.
- Vehicle Inspection Report – May be required for certain vehicles.
- Registration Fees – Varies based on vehicle type and weight.
Step 2: Visit an NDDOT Office
Bring all required documents to your local NDDOT office. If purchasing from a dealership, they may handle the registration process for you.
Step 3: Register Your Vehicle
Complete the registration process by:
- Submit all necessary paperwork.
- Paying the registration and title fees.
- Receiving your license plates and registration documents.
Step 4: Transfer the Title
Ensure the vehicle title is officially transferred to your name. In North Dakota, this should be done promptly to avoid penalties.
Step 5: Keep Your Documents Safe
Store your title, registration, and insurance documents in a secure place for future reference.
North Dakota VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy
Plan to buy a used vehicle? Be sure to check the VIN and get the report before you decide to purchase the vehicle. Check the specifications and the records, like auction, recalls, past usage, and more.
Mileage History
Title Brand
Ownership History
Warranty Status
Sales History
Salvage Title
Usage History
Repair Cost
Auction History
Hail Damage
Ownership Duration
Recalls History
Accident History
Flood Damage
Lien & Loans
Maintenance Schedule
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
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Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
FAQs North Dakota Bill of Sale
Does North Dakota require a bill of sale?
A bill of sale is not required for most vehicle transactions in North Dakota, but it is strongly recommended. It provides proof of purchase, protects both buyer and seller, and may be required for registration in some cases.
How to privately sell a car in North Dakota?
To sell a car privately in North Dakota:
- Sign the vehicle title over to the buyer.
- Complete an Odometer Disclosure Statement (for vehicles under 10 years old).
- Provide a bill of sale (recommended for record-keeping).
- Remove the license plates before handing over the vehicle.
- The buyer must then register the vehicle with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT).
Is North Dakota sales tax-free?
No, North Dakota charges a 5% motor vehicle excise tax on most vehicle purchases. Some exemptions apply, such as transfers between immediate family members.
How much does it cost to register a car in North Dakota?
Registration fees in North Dakota vary based on the vehicle’s age, weight, and type. Passenger vehicle registration fees typically range from $49 to $274. Additional fees may apply for title transfers, plate renewals, and other services.
Does the North Dakota bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, a standard North Dakota bill of sale is not required to be notarized. However, the official North Dakota bill of sale used for a vehicle must be notarized. Notarization is also necessary for a motor vehicle bill of sale if the car does not have a previous title. For most other types of goods, North Dakota law does not require a notarized bill of sale.
