North Carolina Bill of Sale Form
A North Carolina Bill of Sale Form is a legal contract that documents a property transfer between two parties. It formally records an ownership transfer between a buyer and a seller in the state of North Carolina.
North Carolina Bill of Sale Types
Vehicle
As-Is
Why Do You Need a North Carolina Bill of Sale Form?
In North Carolina, you do not necessarily need a Bill of Sale for most sales involving personal property. Regardless, it is a smart choice to have an official and legally binding contract.
Motor vehicle sales would generally require a Bill of Sale. The buyer would use it for the title transfer and registration with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).
The Bill of Sale has sections for key details like:
- Vehicle identification number
- Odometer reading
- Finalized sale price
According to the law in North Carolina, transactions involving high-value goods of $500 or more should always have a written contract. This legal agreement is what makes the sale enforceable. For a standard Bill of Sale in North Carolina, you do not need notarization to validate it.
Common Uses of a North Carolina Bill of Sale Form
The North Carolina Bill of Sale Form is useful for a variety of reasons:
- Conflict Resolution: Serves as a reference to settle any later disagreements by detailing the exact terms of sale.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meets all applicable state and federal standards and legal filing requirements.
- Transaction Records: Creates a formal paper trail for registrations. Useful for insurance purposes and future resale.
- Ownership Evidence: Provides clear proof that the item’s title has moved to the new owner.
- Transfer of Liabilities: Records the complete transfer of any outstanding obligations.

FAQs
Is a Bill of Sale required for all sales in North Carolina?
No, it is not a legal requirement for personal property transactions in North Carolina. However, it is advised for high-value sales. Buyers need it for ownership transfers of motor vehicles.
It is used to transfer the title and register the vehicle with the NCDMV. Under North Carolina law, sales of goods worth $500 or more must have a written agreement to be legally enforceable.
What specific details are needed for a North Carolina vehicle Bill of Sale?
A non-negotiable detail is the information of both parties for identification purposes. You should have their legal names, a verified address and the actual date of sale. Other details include the vehicle's make, model, year, vehicle identification number and odometer reading.
The agreement must specify if the vehicle was sold on an "as-is" basis, followed by the signatures of both parties. These details are essential and required for clarity and legal validity.
Does the form need to be notarized?
North Carolina does not require notarization for a Bill of Sale to be valid. However, it can act as a double authenticator and legal security.
It is very useful in transactions that involve high-value items or conflict resolutions regarding the sale. Vehicle title transfers do not need a notary by the NCDMV for validity.
Where do I submit a North Carolina Bill of Sale for a vehicle?
For vehicle sales in North Carolina, the buyer submits the North Carolina Bill of Sale. This goes with the signed title and other required documents to their local NCDMV office.
It is used to process the official title transfer and vehicle registration. The seller should always retain a copy for their own records. They should report the sale to the NCDMV to avoid future liability.