Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in North Carolina? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. North Carolina transfers ownership through the assigned title and a notarized Title Application (Form MVR-1), but a bill of sale protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tickets, tolls, or accidents once the keys change hands.
North Carolina requirements
Is a bill of sale required in North Carolina?
Not strictly. Ownership transfers through the assigned title and a notarized Title Application (Form MVR-1) at the NCDMV. But a bill of sale is strongly recommended — it proves the price and sale date and shows you're no longer liable for the vehicle.
Does it need to be notarized?
The bill of sale itself does not need to be notarized. North Carolina does, however, require the title assignment and the Title Application (Form MVR-1) to be signed in front of a notary, so plan to sign the title with a notary present.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must apply for a new title (Form MVR-1) at the NCDMV within 28 days of the sale. Applying after 28 days adds a $20 late penalty.
Motor vehicle highway use tax
North Carolina charges a 3% Highway Use Tax instead of sales tax, paid by the buyer at the NCDMV. It's based on the vehicle's purchase price (or retail value), so an accurate price on your bill of sale matters.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the North Carolina county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files the notarized Form MVR-1 at the NCDMV within 28 days.
Ready to create your North Carolina bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
North Carolina bill of sale by vehicle type
The same North Carolinabuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). Confirm the details with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).
North Carolina bill of sale FAQ
Does a North Carolina motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. North Carolina does not require the bill of sale itself to be notarized. The legal transfer happens through the assigned title and the Title Application (Form MVR-1) — and those do require notarization, while notarizing the bill of sale is optional.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in North Carolina?
It isn't legally required to transfer the title (the assigned title and notarized Form MVR-1 handle that), but it's strongly recommended. It proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale.
Where do I transfer the title in North Carolina?
At the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). The buyer brings the assigned title, a completed and notarized Title Application (Form MVR-1), proof of insurance, and payment for the title fee and Highway Use Tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in North Carolina?
The buyer has 28 days from the date of sale to apply for the title at the NCDMV. After 28 days, North Carolina charges a $20 late penalty, so don't wait.
How much is tax on a used car in North Carolina?
North Carolina charges a 3% Highway Use Tax instead of a sales tax, based on the vehicle's purchase price or retail value. The buyer pays it at the NCDMV when transferring the title, which is why an accurate sale price on your bill of sale matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in North Carolina?
Yes — North Carolina doesn't mandate a specific bill of sale form, so a handwritten one is valid as long as it has the key details. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the NCDMV.
Is this North Carolina bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.