New York Bill of Sale

In New York State, a bill of sale is required for all private vehicle sales and must include the vehicle’s make, model, year, VIN, date of sale, and sale price.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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In
New York State
, a bill of sale is required for all
private vehicle sales
, and it must include the vehicle’s make, model, year, VIN, odometer reading, date of sale, and sale price. 

What is a bill of sale?

When selling a car, a bill of sale acts as a receipt of the transaction. As a rule of thumb, a bill of sale contains general information about the vehicle changing hands, including the make, model, year, VIN, and the vehicle’s odometer reading. A bill of sale will also carry the names, addresses, and signatures of both buyer and seller.
While a certificate of title serves as legal proof of vehicle ownership, a bill of sale (a PDF or a printout) acts as a record of the sale and can be used in the future in the event of a dispute about the sale.

Is a bill of sale required in New York?

Yes, a bill of sale is required in New York State for all private vehicle sales, including the
gifting of vehicles
.
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What is required in a New York bill of sale?

To document the transaction of a private vehicle sale in New York, fill out a
Vehicle Bill of Sale (Form MV-912)
, which you can download from the New York DMV website. Keep a copy for yourself and give one to the seller.
The following information will be required on the bill of sale:
  • The year, make, and model of the vehicle, ATV, snowmobile, or boat
  • VIN or HIN (hull identification number)
  • Sale date
  • Purchase price
  • Odometer reading
  • The names and signatures of both buyer and seller
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What should I do after I get a bill of sale in New York?

In New York State, once a bill of sale has been completed for the vehicle, the seller will need to
transfer the vehicle’s title
to the new owner in order to legally certify the change in ownership.
Both buyer and seller will need to fill out a
Statement of Transaction (Form DTF-802)
and submit it to the DMV where the buyer pays sales tax.
The seller will have to remove the license plates and the registration sticker inside the front windshield. If the plates are not being transferred to another vehicle, they must be returned to the DMV as soon as possible.

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