Maine Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trucks, Trailers, and Boats
A Maine bill of sale is an important document to be obtained when you sell or purchase a vehicle or vessel in Maine. Maine mandates that the bill of sale must be obtained if you purchase a vehicle from a private seller.
Maine Bill of Sale Form
Having a bill of sale ensures a clear transaction record, protecting both the buyer and seller from future disputes or legal issues. Get the Main bill of sale template to simplify your transaction.
What is the Maine Bill of Sale For?
A bill of sale can be categorized as a legal document that records the transaction of a vehicle, vessel, or trailer; it ensures the buyer and seller agree to sell the vehicle or vessel at a certain date and price.
Key purposes include:
- Protecting buyers from undisclosed issues.
- Helping sellers prove they no longer own the vehicle.
- Providing key transaction details for legal and tax purposes.
Protect Your Purchase with a Vehicle History Report
Before you decide to purchase a used vehicle, make sure everything is clean to avoid any issues in the future. Get the vehicle history report by VIN to be informed from A-Z of the vehicle you are about to purchase and get to know the vehicle’s records, such as the previous owners, maintenance history, and more.
What Can You Find in a Vehicle History Report?
When you run a VIN check, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle in one simple vehicle report.
- Mileage
- Ownership History
- Sales History
- Usage History
- Accident History
- Lien & Loans
- Recalls History
- Flood Damage
- Title Brand
- Warranty Status
- Salvage Title
- Repair Cost
- Hail Damage
- Ownership Duration
- Accident History
- Maintenance Schedule
Instantly check for past accidents, mileage discrepancies, maintenance history, and potential fraud before purchasing. For additional information, you can download the vehicle history report in PDF format.
In addition, sellers can display their vehicles’ original factory specifications and features with window stickers. A window sticker shows the standard and optional features, packages, MSRP, safety ratings, and more.
Display accurate vehicle specs to all buyers easily with our window sticker lookup tool!
What's Included in a Window Sticker?
Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.
- MSRP & Pricing
- Optional Equipment
- Warranty Details
- Engine Specs
- Exterior Features
- Color Codes
- Standard Features
- Safety Ratings
- Fuel Economy
- Interior Features
- Packages & Options
- Manufacturing Info
What Should Be Written on the Bill of Sale?
When you want to write down the bill of sale manually, here’s the information you need to disclose on the bill of sale.
Buyer and Seller Information
The name and address of the seller and buyer need to be written on the bill of sale to mark which transaction the bill of sale belongs to and to avoid if there’s any dispute involving one of the parties, the other party can be contacted to clarify.
Vehicle Description
This section highlights the vehicle description, such as the VIN, year, make and model, and the odometer readings on when the vehicle was sold to the buyer.
Purchase Date and Price
The transaction date and the agreed price should be included on the bill of sale.
The document must also add both parties’ signatures. While notarization is not always required, adding an extra layer of legal security is recommended by notarizing the bill of sale.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Sellers Should Keep a Bill of Sale
After selling a vehicle, the seller must retain a copy of the bill of sale as proof of transaction and as a written document that legitimizes the purchase.
Proof of Sale
The bill of sale indicates the exact date when ownership of the vehicle, boat, or trailer was transferred. This helps protect the seller from any legal responsibility once the sale is completed.
Tax Documentation
Sellers may be required to report the sale price for tax purposes. Keeping a bill of sale ensures accurate income reporting and helps with tax deductions.
Release from Future Liability
Once the vehicle is sold, the seller is no longer accountable for any accidents, traffic violations, or damages caused by the new owner. The bill of sale confirms that ownership has officially changed hands, preventing liability issues.
Why Buyers Need a Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is just as important for buyers as for sellers. This document provides legal proof of the purchase and should be presented when registering the vehicle.
Proof of Ownership
When registering a vehicle, boat, or trailer in Kentucky, buyers may be required to present a bill of sale and other necessary documents to verify ownership.
Vehicle Registration Assistance
A bill of sale simplifies the registration process, ensuring that the relevant authorities legally recognize and record the transaction.
What to Check Before Buying a Car!
Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools.
Check the vehicle history
Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents, title issues, and undisclosed damages.
Look for flood damage
Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.
Verify the odometer reading
Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.
Be informed about the title
Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with a bad title.
Check for theft records
You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.
Get the service record
Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.
Taking a few minutes to check a car’s background can save you from expensive surprises down the road.
How to Register a Vehicle in Maine?
Once the bill of sale is completed, the next step for the buyer is vehicle registration with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The process varies depending on whether the vehicle is new or used, but in general, the buyer will need to submit the following:
Secure the Bill of Sale
A bill of sale serves as proof of purchase and must include the names of the buyer and seller, vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN), and the sale price.
Secure the Vehicle Title
If the vehicle requires a title, the seller must sign it to the buyer. Some vehicles, especially older models, may be exempt from titling requirements.
Provide Proof of Insurance
Maine law requires vehicle owners to carry valid auto insurance before registration. Buyers must present an insurance ID card or policy document when registering their vehicle.
Submit the Necessary Documents
Visit a local BMV office with the bill of sale, title (if applicable), and proof of insurance. Some municipalities may also handle registrations for residents.
Complete a Vehicle Inspection (If Required)
Certain vehicles must pass a safety or emissions inspection before registration is finalized. Inspections are typically conducted at licensed Maine inspection stations.
For more details and the latest requirements, visit the Maine BMV registration page.
How to Register a Vessel in Maine
Registration is mandatory for those purchasing a boat or watercraft through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. All motorized boats and non-motorized watercraft in Maine must be registered before being used on state waters.
Get the Completed Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is required for registration and must include key details such as the vessel’s make, model, year, hull identification number (HIN), and sale price.
Provide Proof of Ownership
Some vessels require a title in addition to a bill of sale. Check whether your boat needs a title based on its size and specifications before registering.
Submit the Registration Application
Boat registrations can be processed through the Maine IFW or authorized agents. Applicants must bring all necessary documents and complete the registration form.
Pay the Required Registration Fees
Boat registration fees depend on factors like vessel length and propulsion type. Some boats may also require excise taxes or additional state fees at registration.
Check for Additional Requirements
Certain watercraft may need extra permits or safety inspections before legal operation. Ensure compliance with all Maine boating laws to avoid fines or penalties.
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Frequently Asked Questions
Regardless of the document’s format, a Notary has the option to handwrite the notarial certificate.
Yeah, Maine requires a bill of sale for high-value items, including vehicles. This legal form records the transfer of ownership between buyers and sellers.
Yes, in Maine, you can apply for a duplicate title if the original is lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, even if you only have a bill of sale as proof of ownership.