Massachusetts Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trucks, Trailers, and Boats
Buying or selling a vehicle or vessel in Massachusetts? A bill of sale is essential for documenting the transaction and protecting both parties. While not always required, it serves as proof of ownership transfer and helps prevent disputes.
Massachusetts Bill of Sale Form
Get a free Massachusetts bill of sale template to ensure smooth transaction documentation and secure your purchase or sale.
What's the Use of a Massachusetts Bill of Sale?
The bill of sale can be categorized as a legal document because it records vehicle transactions. The bill of sale helps to establish proof of ownership, protects both parties, and is sometimes required for registration.
In Massachusetts, a bill of sale is helpful for:
- Recording important details of the sale, including the buyer and seller information.
- Ensuring a clear transfer of ownership, protecting sellers from future liability.
- Assisting buyers in registering the vehicle or vessel.
- Serving as proof of purchase in case of disputes.
Check for Hidden Records With a Vehicle History Report
A used car might look good on the outside, but do you know what happened in the past? Before you take the car home, get the vehicle history report and verify the current condition of the vehicle. Check for theft records, accident records, damages, ownership history, and more.
What Information Can You Find in the Vehicle History Report?
When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle.
- 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
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 is Found in the Massachusetts Bill of Sale?
The Massachusetts bill of sale includes essential details like buyer and seller information, vehicle or vessel specifics, sale price, and signatures to document the transaction legally. Here’s what you can find in the document:
Buyer and Seller Information
First, write down the seller and buyer’s name, full address, and detailed contact information. Thus, the bill of sale must be signed by both parties.
Vehicle Description
The bill of sale also includes the full information about the vehicle, including the year, make and model, odometer reading per purchase date, and VIN.
Purchase Price
The document should state the final sale price agreed upon by both parties to clarify the transaction’s financial terms.
Date of Sale
The exact date when the transaction occurs must be included to establish a legal timeline for the sale.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Sellers Need a Bill of Sale
For safety and legal reasons, sellers should keep one of the bill of sale copies that can be used for several reasons, as explained below.
Avoid Future Liability
A bill of sale proves you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. You won’t be held liable if the buyer gets into an accident or commits a crime.
Ensure Tax Accuracy
The document records the sale price, preventing tax issues related to underreporting or overpaying when filing with Massachusetts authorities.
Legal Protection in Disputes
A bill of sale protects sellers if a buyer later disputes the payment or ownership transfer. It serves as solid legal proof in case of conflicts.
Why Buyers Need a Bill of Sale
Aside from the seller, as a buyer, you must keep a copy of the bill of sale after the transaction with the seller. In Massachusetts, the bill of sale is a required document to submit for a vehicle registration.
Aside from that, here are the reasons why you should get the bill of sale as a buyer.
Proof of Ownership Before Title Transfer
A bill of sale is temporary proof of purchase until the title is officially transferred to the buyer’s name.
Protection Against Fraud
It helps confirm important details like VIN, sale price, and seller information, ensuring the transaction is legitimate and transparent.
Required for Registration and Taxes
Certain vehicle registrations or tax filings in Massachusetts require a notarized bill of sale to complete the process. Having one prevents registration delays.
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 Massachusetts?
After purchasing the car from a dealership, you must register it with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles as soon as possible to be eligible to hit the road
Here are the steps for registering the vehicle:
Gather the Required Documents
Registering a vehicle requires a completed bill of sale, proof of insurance, a title certificate, and payment of the fee. Missing documents can delay the process.
Complete the Registration Application
Fill out the necessary application form from the Massachusetts RMV website or visit an RMV office to get one in person.
Pay Registration Fees and Taxes
Fees vary depending on the vehicle’s type and weight. Massachusetts also requires the payment of sales tax before completing the registration.
Obtain License Plates and Title
Once the process is complete, you will receive your new registration certificate, license plates, and updated title in your name.
How to Register a Vessel in Massachusetts?
Buying a vessel? You will need to register your vessel with the Massachusetts Boat Registration Office so you can operate your vessel in the Massachusetts area.
Provide a Bill of Sale and Ownership Proof
A bill of sale and previous registration or manufacturer’s certificate of origin is required to register a boat in Massachusetts.
Complete the Boat Registration Application
Fill out the official registration form from the Massachusetts Boat Registration Office to start the process.
Pay the Necessary Fees
Boat registration fees depend on the vessel’s length and whether it has a motor. Some vessels may also require titling.
Receive Your Registration and Decals
After approval, you’ll receive a registration certificate and decals, which must be displayed on the boat according to state guidelines.
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
To get a bill of sale for your vehicle in Massachusetts, please download and use the template available on this page and fill out the necessary information.
Yes, the bill of sale is valid even without notarization. Though not required, notarizing your bill of sale is highly recommended. It makes the ownership transfer process easier and provides crucial protection against fraud for both parties.
Yes, a Massachusetts bill of sale can be for zero dollars, particularly when gifting a vehicle, but the recipient still needs to pay for registration and title fees.