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Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale - Maine
What Is a Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale is a legal document that records the details of the transaction of a motor vehicle and discloses this vehicle's odometer mileage at the moment of the sale. It is an essential part of the documentation required to sell the item, along with the car title.
Alternate Name:
- Maine Car Bill of Sale.
This document, properly drafted and signed by both parties, is proof a legal agreement took place, and the new owner now bears responsibility for the car. It is not as formalized as a title or a deed, but it still represents a transfer of ownership and is recognized by courts in case a disagreement or dispute about the deal occurs in the future.
This form is issued by the Maine Department of the Secretary of State . Download a fillable Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale form through the link below.
How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car in Maine?
The Maine Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale is a government-released form, so you cannot alter it to suit the specifics of your transaction. This document contains the following details:
- Parties. Write down the names and identifying information of the seller and purchaser;
- Purchase price. The buyer affirms the agreement to pay a certain sum of money to the seller, in exchange for the item described in the Bill of Sale;
- Description of the item. State the year, make, model, vehicle identification number (VIN), body type, and color of the vehicle in question;
- Taxes. Certify that the taxes are not included in the purchase price written above;
- Odometer Disclosure Statement. The transfer of the car cannot take place unless the seller discloses the odometer reading and the buyer is made aware of it. If the odometer reading exceeds its mechanical limits or does not represent the actual mileage, the seller is required to disclose this information, stating the odometer discrepancy;
- Lien Holder Information. The seller confirms there are no active lienholders on the vehicle;
- Signatures and addresses of the parties. The seller and the purchaser sign the document and write down the date. Notarization is not required for vehicle Bills of Sale in Maine.
Do You Need a Bill of Sale to Register a Car in Maine?
Since all vehicles in Maine have to be properly registered to operate on highways and roads in the state, you are required to present the necessary documentation to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) within thirty days of the transaction. To register a car, you need a receipt that shows you have paid the excise tax and sales tax, Bill of Sale, registration application, blue title application (for motor vehicles newer than 1995), vehicle title, proof of auto insurance, and a state driver's license. Also, you must be prepared to pay a required titling fee and any additional fees related to the registration process.
Does a Car Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in Maine?
No, Maine does not require a notary public's certification for vehicle sales, but in general, it is a good idea to have a notary or witness to a sale in order to confirm the transaction has taken place. This can save any potential trouble which might occur should the seller or buyer contest the transaction at a later date.
Still haven't found the form you are looking for? Take a look at these similar forms:
- Form MVD-351, Application for Experimental Motor Vehicle;
- Form MVD-394, Vehicle Salvage Dealer and Recycler License;
- Form MVT-6, Application and Assignment of New Vehicle Identification Number;
- Form MVT-10, Inspection of (VIN) Vehicle Identification Number by Authorized Person;
- Form MVT-28, Notice to the Secretary of State of an Abandoned Vehicle;
- Form MVT-32, Odometer Information;
- Form MVT-34, Warranty Affidavit;
- Form MVT-54, Notification of Scrapped Vehicle by Recycler.
