Massachusetts Bill of Sale Forms (5)

A Massachusetts bill of sale form gives individuals a mode of proving that a transaction occurred. The purchase happens between a buyer and seller and involves the transfer of personal property. The object can have any value; however, filling out a bill of sale form for rare or costly items is most common.

Summary

Massachusetts does not require residents to notarize bill of sale forms.
Individuals need a permit to purchase and own a firearm.
The state provides an official bill of sale form for both boats and motor vehicles.

Types (5)

Boat Bill of Sale – A legal document completed by a buyer and seller to outline the purchase of a water vessel.

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Firearm Bill of Sale – Buyers and sellers use this form to record information about a gun transaction.

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General Bill of Sale – Completed when transferring a non-specific item from one party to another.

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Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale – Used when buying or selling a vehicle to record specific details, including the sale price, type of car, and the purchaser’s personal information.

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Trailer Bill of Sale – Provides proof of acquiring a trailer used for carrying cargo, animals, and related items.

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Signing Requirements

Bill of Sale Type	Buyer Signature	Seller Signature	Notarization
Boat	Required	Required	Not required
Firearm	Required	Required	Not required
General (others)	Required	Required	Not required
Motor Vehicle	Required	Required	Not required
Trailer	Required	Required	Not required

What is a Massachusetts Bill of Sale?

A Massachusetts bill of sale form authenticates the interchange of goods via cash, gift, or exchange. Both parties must state the payment method, even when the transaction does not involve money. For instance, if the transfer occurred through gift or trade, the seller must include the item’s value and the property that a buyer bartered.

Being able to prove the transfer of ownership has two essential purposes: 1) it removes the seller’s liability of the item if it breaks or an injury occurs after the sale, and 2) the seller cannot accuse the buyer of stealing the item. Stating only truthful information in the form and including as much detail as possible further protects both parties.

Registration Forms: Boats

First-time boat registrations must occur at a physical location or through the mail.

Bill of Sale – A form that contains important information about a vessel transaction.
Application for Registration (Form ELE #1) – Submitted by the owner to obtain an official boat registration.
Proof of Tax Payment (Form ST-6) – A form that, once completed, proves to the state that the owner has paid taxes on the vessel.
Payment – Massachusetts boat registration fees depend on the boat’s length. Once paid, the registration lasts for two (2) years.
Title – The owner must present the current title if the watercraft is over fourteen (14) feet long. If needed, they must send duplicate title requests to a law enforcement official.

Additional (Optional) Documents

Affidavit of Surviving Spouse or Heirs – To obtain ownership or sell a watercraft owned by a deceased spouse.
Boat Inspection Request – To verify that the boat passed inspection and is ready for operation on Massachusetts waters.
Hull Identification Number – A twelve (12)-digit number that identifies the boat. The owner must trace the number on the watercraft (using paper and pencil) to submit it to the state.
Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) – This document discloses information about who made the boat and when they made it. Massachusetts only requires MSOs for newly purchased vessels.

Registration Forms: Firearms

The state requires individuals to have a license to carry (LTC) to own or buy handguns and/or shotguns. Similarly, residents need a federal identification (FID) card to purchase or possess a rifle and/or shotgun. While residents do not need to register their guns, they need to report all purchases to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. They must mail the correct and most up-to-date information to a local police station or apply in person.

Massachusetts Resident LTC Application (Form LTC-FID) – For new applicants or renewals to request a permit to purchase and/or carry.
Payment – The person submitting the forms must include
Application for Non-Resident Temporary License to Carry Firearms – Non-residents use this form to apply for a Massachusetts LTC card.
Resident Alien Permit Application Instructions – For green card holders or non-natives to apply for an LTC card.
Proof of Firearms Safety Course – The application packet must include an official gun safety course certificate.
Identification (ID) – The applicant must provide their Massachusetts driver’s license, state ID, or another form proving residency and credentials.

Registration Forms: Vehicles

Submit applicable forms and payment to a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) location.

Bill of Sale – Documents the transfer of vehicle ownership.
Application for Registration (Form TTLREG100_1119) – The owner must fill out the application to obtain a Massachusetts vehicle registration.
Odometer Disclosure Statement – Officially confirms the vehicle mileage at the time of the purchase. The form is not needed if mileage is on the title, bill of sale, or application.
Minimum Coverage Insurance Policy –
- Bodily Injury: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident;
- Personal Injury: $8,000 per person (per accident);
- Bodily Injury (Uninsured): $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident; and
- Property Damage: $5,000 per accident.
Payment – Fees required by the state to register and/or title the vehicle.
Identification (ID) – Issued by Massachusetts or the Federal government to verify name and residence.
Title – The owner must submit the current title. If they do not have this document, they must replace it online or through the mail.

Additional (Optional) Documents

Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration (Form REG100_1119) – Used to cancel a registration when two (2) people own the vehicle or the owner wishes to terminate the registration.
Affidavit of Surviving Spouse (Form TTL 103_0421) – To sell or acquire ownership of a spouse’s vehicle after they have passed away.
Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney – Used to assign a representative to handle tasks, such as buying, selling, or registering the vehicle, when the owner cannot.
Proof of Visual Inspection (Form TTL106) – To verify the vehicle identification number at a Massachusetts police station.
Rebate/Refund Application (Form REV105) – To receive reimbursement for registration fees.

Registration Forms: Trailers

Trailer registration occurs at RMV offices in Massachusetts.

Bill of Sale – This document serves as verification of ownership when registering a trailer.
Application for Registration (Form TTLREG100_1119) – The form an owner must complete to apply for a trailer registration.
Payment – The trailer’s weight determines the amount the applicant must pay for registration.
Identification (ID) – A legal document that proves the individual’s name and residency.

Additional (Optional) Documents

Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) – When purchasing a new trailer, the owner receives an MCO, which they must present to the RMV.
Certificate of Title – The owner must present the previous owner’s title if they purchased a used trailer. It must include the sale price, odometer reading, and date sold.