What to Include in a New York Car Bill of Sale

For a private vehicle sale in New York, the New York DMV provides an official form: the MV-912 Vehicle Bill of Sale. Using the MV-912 (or a bill of sale that mirrors its fields) makes sure both parties have a clean record of who sold what, to whom, at what price and on what date.

Note: the MV-912 is the form for private sales between individuals. The MV-50 (Retail Certificate of Sale) is a different form and is reserved for licensed New York dealers — it does not apply to peer-to-peer sales.

Fields the MV-912 expects

• Seller's full legal name, address and signature.
• Buyer's full legal name, address and signature.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Year, make, model and body type.
• Odometer reading at sale time (in miles).
• Sale price in U.S. dollars, OR a clear indication that the vehicle is a gift.
• Date of sale.
• Both parties' signatures (and date next to each signature).

Additional details we recommend documenting

• An "as-is" clause stating the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition, with no warranty from the seller.
• Disclosure of any known damage, salvage history or mechanical issues.
• Method of payment (cash, certified check, bank transfer, etc.).
• Whether the seller is keeping the license plates (in NY, plates stay with the seller).
• Photos of the odometer, VIN plate and overall vehicle condition.