Maine — quick answer
In Maine, a bill of sale is recommended for a private vehicle sale and notarization is not required. No witnesses are required. The relevant state form is Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale. Ownership is transferred through the Maine BMV via the assigned title.
Maine's rules can vary by county or transaction. We've based this on official sources, but please confirm the exact requirement with the Maine BMV before you sign.
Is a bill of sale required in Maine?
Recommended. A bill of sale supports the title transfer and sales-tax assessment.
Seller signs the title (required for newer vehicles); the buyer titles and registers through a municipal office and the BMV.
Does a Maine bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. No notarization for a standard transfer.
Witness requirements
No. Maine does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
How to transfer a vehicle title in Maine
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Fill in the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Both parties sign and date the document.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title (required for newer vehicles); the buyer titles and registers through a municipal office and the BMV.
- 3Register with the Maine BMV.
The buyer titles and registers the vehicle, bringing Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale. Confirm the current fees and documents on the official Maine BMV page.
Official Maine sources
- Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Secretary of State) — buying & selling a vehicle
- NHTSA — federal odometer disclosure rule
We link to primary government sources and review this page regularly, but requirements change. This is general information, not legal advice.
Maine bill of sale by type
Get requirements and a free template tailored to Maine for each item type — the generator applies the Maine notary and witness rules automatically:
Maine bill of sale — FAQ
Is a bill of sale required in Maine?
In Maine, a separate bill of sale is recommended. A bill of sale supports the title transfer and sales-tax assessment.
Does a Maine bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. No notarization for a standard transfer.
Do I need a witness for a bill of sale in Maine?
No. Maine does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
How do I transfer a vehicle title in Maine?
Seller signs the title (required for newer vehicles); the buyer titles and registers through a municipal office and the BMV. Titling and registration in Maine are handled by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Secretary of State).
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.