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Free New Jersey Bill of Sale Template

Use a bill of sale to document the transfer of vehicles, boats, trailers, firearms, motorcycles, or other property in New Jersey. Our customizable templates help buyers and sellers create valid records that protect both parties.

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1,109 Ratings
  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Choose Your Template

Select the bill of sale form for your transaction type: vehicle, boat, trailer, firearm, or motorcycle.

2

Enter Sale Information

Provide buyer and seller information, describe the property, and include the price and date of sale.

3

Sign and Keep Copies

Both parties sign and keep a copy. Notarization isn’t required in New Jersey but is recommended.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a New Jersey Bill of Sale?
  2. When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in New Jersey?
  3. Does a New Jersey Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?
  4. New Jersey-Specific Rules & Tips

What Is a New Jersey Bill of Sale?

A New Jersey bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of property between a seller and buyer. It acts as:

  • Proof of purchase for the buyer
  • Proof of sale for the seller
  • Evidence of ownership when registering certain items with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)

A valid bill of sale typically includes:

  • Buyer and seller names, addresses, and signatures
  • Description of the property (make, model, year, VIN/HIN/serial number, etc.)
  • Purchase price and date
  • Notary acknowledgment (optional but recommended)

When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in New Jersey?

You may need a bill of sale for the following transactions:

  • Vehicles: Required when registering and titling pre-owned vehicles purchased through private sales, at auction, or when buying abandoned vehicles. New titles must be filed within 10 business days of purchase. Dealers usually handle this paperwork.
  • Boats: Required for most vessels except non-motorized craft under 12 feet, lifeboats, and certain temporary vessels. Must be registered and titled unless exempt. Late titling may result in a $25 penalty.
  • Trailers: Required for registration. Non-commercial trailers under 2,500 lbs don’t need a title, but heavier or commercial trailers do. All trailers must be registered annually by March 31.
  • Firearms: Required to document firearm sales. New Jersey requires permits and has a seven-day waiting period between permit application and firearm purchase.
  • Motorcycles: Required for registration and title transfer. Buyers have 10 days to register with the MVC.

Does a New Jersey Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?

Notarization is not required in New Jersey for most bill of sale documents. However:

  • Vehicles: Notarization is optional but may be needed for auction or abandoned vehicle sales.
  • Boats: May need notarization if purchased from a state that does not issue boat titles.
  • Trailers: MVC often requires a notarized seller statement for registration.
  • Firearms: Permits and background checks are mandatory, but notarization is not.
  • Motorcycles: Not required, but notarization adds extra legal weight.

New Jersey-Specific Rules & Tips

  • Vehicle registration: Must be completed in person at an MVC office within 10 days. Dealers handle this for new sales, but private buyers are responsible for filing themselves.
  • Insurance minimums: $25,000 for bodily injury per person (for policies issued before 1/1/26 and $35,000 for those after), $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. Proof of insurance is required at registration.
  • Boats: Registration fees vary by vessel size ($12 under 16 ft, up to $250 for 65+ ft).
  • Trailers: Titles required for trailers weighing more than 2,500 lbs. Smaller personal-use trailers can be registered without a title but still need insurance coverage through the towing vehicle.
  • Firearms: Private sales generally must involve a licensed dealer unless exempt (family transfer, law enforcement, licensed collectors). All handgun buyers must have a Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH) or a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card.
  • Motorcycles: Bill of sale, title, odometer disclosure, and proof of insurance are required. Registration renews annually.