A New Jersey bill of sale should include the car’s make, model, year, odometer reading, and VIN along with the names, addresses, and signatures of both buyer and seller. You should also list the purchase price agreed upon by both parties.

Filling out a bill of sale is an important part of any private vehicle sale. Although a bill of sale isn’t a legal requirement in every state, it’s always a good idea to complete one as a record of the transaction.

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What is a bill of sale?

A bill of sale for a car is legal proof of the transaction to sell a vehicle. Typically, it notes information about the car being sold and the price agreed upon by the buyer and seller. A bill of sale also includes pertinent information about the buyer and seller, along with their signatures.

A bill of sale does not legally transfer ownership of the car—you’ll need a

title transfer to do that

. The certificate of title certifies a car’s ownership whereas the bill of sale outlines the terms of the sale.

Is a bill of sale required in New Jersey?

No. The state of New Jersey does not require a bill of sale for most private car sales. However, if you purchased the car in a state that did not issue a title for that car,

you will need a notarized bill of sale

Also, it is always a good idea to fill out a bill of sale when you buy or sell a vehicle, since the document acts as proof of the transaction, the date of transfer, and the purchase price.

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What is required in a New Jersey bill of sale?

Make sure to include the following information:

Make, model, year, and VIN

Odometer reading at the time of sale

Date of transfer

Purchase price

Name, address, and signature of seller(s)

Name, address, and signature of buyer(s)

If you are giving the car to a family member, you can list the value of the car instead of a purchase price and indicate that you are transferring ownership to them as a gift. Consider having the bill of sale (and copies) notarized for another layer of protection.

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What should I do after I get a bill of sale?

After you get a bill of sale for a car, you must complete a title transfer to legally certify the change of ownership. Remember, your bill of sale is a receipt—it does not officially transfer ownership of the car to the new owner.

In New Jersey, you need to surrender the plates to the motor vehicle agency, unless the plates are being transferred to another vehicle that you own.

Make sure to keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records. This protects you from possible legal consequences down the road, as the bill of sale acts as proof of the terms of your agreement with the buyer or seller, including the purchase price for the vehicle.

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Once you’ve filled out the bill of sale and completed the transaction at the DMV, you’ll need to purchase car insurance.

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