Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale
A Maine vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that officially records the transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle from a seller to a buyer. It serves as a vital receipt for the private transaction, detailing the final purchase price, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the contact information and signatures of both parties.
In Maine, a bill of sale is legally required when registering and titling a vehicle purchased from a private party, as the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) relies on it to calculate the mandatory state sales tax. Fortunately, Maine does not require a vehicle bill of sale or the certificate of title to be notarized. However, both parties must complete an accurate odometer disclosure for any vehicle less than 20 years old to comply with state and federal title transfer laws.
Maine Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in Maine. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
How to Sell and Transfer a Vehicle in Maine
Step 1: Negotiate the final purchase price for the vehicle and securely transfer funds. Ensure both the buyer and seller are prepared to sign the necessary title and sale documentation.
Step 2: Complete the Maine vehicle bill of sale by clearly filling in the VIN, make, model, year, and exact purchase price. Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the document.
Step 3: Fill out the Odometer Disclosure Statement on the back of the Maine title. Maine does not require the bill of sale or the title signatures to be notarized.
Step 4: The seller must formally sign over the certificate of title to the buyer and remove the vehicle's license plates. Under strict Maine law, license plates remain the property of the seller and cannot be transferred to the buyer.
Step 5: The buyer must visit their local municipal town office or BMV branch within 30 days to register the vehicle, pay the 5.5% state sales tax, and apply for a new title. Maine requires an annual safety inspection, so the buyer must ensure the vehicle passes state inspection once registered.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maine Vehicle Bills of Sale
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in Maine?
Yes. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) requires a bill of sale for all private party vehicle transactions. It serves as proof of purchase and is necessary to determine the 5.5% sales tax the buyer must pay when registering the vehicle.
Does a Maine vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, a vehicle bill of sale does not need to be notarized in Maine. Neither the bill of sale nor the certificate of title requires a notary public's signature or seal to be considered legally valid for a private sale.
Can I write my own bill of sale in Maine?
Yes, you can draft your own bill of sale. The Maine BMV accepts generic forms as long as they contain the vehicle's year, make, model, VIN, purchase price, date of sale, and the printed names and signatures of both the buyer and the seller.
Are private vehicle sales in Maine considered 'as-is'?
Yes, private vehicle sales in Maine are considered 'as-is'. Maine's Lemon Law only applies to severely defective new vehicles purchased or leased from a licensed dealer, meaning private buyers assume all mechanical and financial risks once the sale is finalized.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in Maine?
Maine charges a 5.5% sales tax on the purchase price of the vehicle, which is verified using the signed bill of sale. If the declared purchase price is suspiciously lower than the fair market value, Maine Revenue Services or the BMV may require an explanation or assess taxes based on the vehicle's standard book value.
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the Maine DMV?
To title and register a vehicle, the buyer must bring the signed original title, a signed bill of sale, an odometer disclosure (usually on the title), proof of valid Maine auto insurance, a completed registration application (often handled at the town office), and payment for sales tax, title, and registration fees.