If odometer tampering is later suspected, the buyer has a record of what mileage was shown on the car at the time of purchase. Noting the vehicle’s mileage isn’t necessary, but documenting this information is good. It’s a minor detail, but it can only help add the car’s color to the bill of sale. This information can be located on the title certificate. Keep in mind that older vehicles (built before 1980) purchased in Massachusetts before 1990 may not have a title. The title number is another way of identifying a vehicle.
This unique number is located on the registration document and can help identify the vehicle further. While not required for a vehicle bill of sale in Massachusetts, adding extra details can only help increase the peace of mind for both the buyer and seller. Always confirm this information with what’s on the car’s registration or title. Other must-haves for the bill of sale include the vehicle’s make (Ford or Toyota, for example), model (such as F-150 or Camry), and the model year. Hold off on the transaction to avoid any headaches if you see a discrepancy with the VIN. Determine why there’s a problem before proceeding. VIN Tip: Whether you are selling or buying, always confirm the VIN through the multiple sources mentioned above. Importantly, having the correct VIN on a bill of sale will ensure a smooth and easy transaction for buyers and sellers. In addition, this information can usually be found on top of the dashboard (on the driver’s side), under the windshield, and on a plate or sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. The VIN can be located on the registration and title. These are ways of uniquely identifying people and cars. Gap insurance can prevent you from making payments on an already-totalled car, but is gap insurance worth it? We break down what gap insurance is, if it’s worth it, and more - simply and with plenty of examples.Īmericans have Social Security numbers, and automobiles have vehicle identification numbers (VINs). Plus, this amount determines how much tax the RMV will charge when the buyer registers the vehicle. Including the purchase price in a vehicle bill of sale in Massachusetts is mandatory as it eliminates any questions about the final agreed-upon price for the car. Including the date sets a precise day when the seller can cancel the car’s insurance and registration and indicates when the buyer becomes responsible for the vehicle. This vital information is the actual date when the buyer hands over the funds and takes possession of the car or the car’s title. Significantly, signing your name to a bill of sale that isn’t accurate could expose you to civil and criminal penalties. These signatures affirm that both parties consent to the terms of the transaction. SignaturesĪ vehicle bill of sale must have a place where both the seller and buyer can sign their names. This involves similar information but from the buyer. It also never hurts to ask for a phone number, too. We’re talking about the basic details, such as name and address.
But, at a minimum, the bill of sale for a private-party transaction (no dealer is involved) should include the following: Seller’s Information Just about anything will do, including a hand-written document. In fact, the RMV directs consumers to a template form on a third-party website, dmv.org. Unlike many other states, Massachusetts doesn’t mandate a specific bill of sale form. What Information Is Required On Vehicle Bill of Sale in Massachusetts The CoPilot app will notify you if there’s a similar vehicle in your area at a better price, so you’re always certain you got the best deal available. You don’t want to buy a car - you want to get the best deal on the car you’re looking for. Massachusetts doesn’t require a bill of sale to be notarized or signed by both parties in front of a witness.
And the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) may require this information for a vehicle to be titled and registered. The bill of sale will verify ownership of the car and the transaction amount (so the RMV knows how much tax to assess). The primary purpose of a bill of sale is to confirm the terms and provide evidence of the transaction between the seller and buyer. What’s The Purpose of the Vehicle Bill of Sale in Massachusetts? Think of this document like a receipt you get for buying something at the store but with a bit more information. It begins with a vehicle bill of sale in Massachusetts. If you’re buying or selling a car, you’ll need to know some of the basic steps of the process.