Buying a New Car

When buying a new car, be sure to get a bill of sale, a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, and (if the car was bought in Canada) a New Vehicle Information Statement.

Then, submit all the above forms along with a completed Registration Tax and Title Application to the main Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

Buying a Used Car

When buying a used car, you should:

• Check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the car matches the VIN on the title.

• Insist that all agreements be made in writing.

• Obtain the bill of sale, title, and receipt from the seller.

Buying a Car Without a Title

The state doesn't require titles for 1991 model year cars and older. If you are attempting to buy such a vehicle, make sure that the bill of sale includes the vehicle's make, year, vehicle identification number (VIN), purchase price, odometer reading, date of sale, and seller's signature.

If you are buying a vehicle that doesn't have a required title (1992 or newer), you will need the original or certified copy of the vehicle's last registration certificate, as well as a bill of sale that includes the vehicle's make, year, VIN, purchase price, odometer reading, date of sale, and seller's signature. If the vehicle is nine years old or newer, you'll also need to complete the odometer disclosure statement on the back of the bill of sale.

Bill of Sale

You'll need a completed bill of sale when registering your vehicle. If you have difficulty obtaining the state's version, you can easily download a copy of this form from our Bill of Sale page.

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