Maine Side by Side Bill of Sale — Free Template

Yes, you can sell your side by side in Maine with a free, DMV-accepted bill of sale — created online in 60 seconds, no signup required, no email gate. Maine does not publish a single official form number — any complete, signed bill of sale is DMV-accepted. Click below to fill out and download.

Maine Side by Side Quick Facts

Quick answers for Maine side by side sellers

Use this Maine side by side bill of sale for private-party transfers. The document records the transfer of ownership, sale price, signatures, and the information both parties need for title records.

Required information

In Maine, a bill of sale is a strong seller protection record for private side by side transactions. Include accurate party details, VIN, sale terms, and signatures before the vehicle changes hands.

• Buyer legal name
• Seller legal name
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Sale price
• Date of sale

Maine fees, taxes, and transfer rules

In Maine, vehicle sales are subject to 5.5% sales tax on vehicle purchase price. The title transfer fee is $33. Maine does not require notarization for most private-party vehicle transfers.

• Annual safety inspection required
• Emissions testing included in annual inspection for applicable areas
• Excise tax due at municipal office before registration

Does Maine require a bill of sale?

Maine sellers should keep a signed bill of sale for private transfers and title records.

Keep a signed bill of sale, complete title transfer promptly, and retain seller records in case of post-sale disputes.

Official DMV guidance: Maine DMV title transfer information

State requirements for Maine

In Maine, a vehicle bill of sale is required for private-party transfers. The state charges 5.5% sales tax on vehicle sales, calculated on the sale price. Complete the title transfer at your local DMV promptly after the sale.

Additional Maine requirements:

• Annual safety inspection required
• Emissions testing included in annual inspection for applicable areas
• Excise tax due at municipal office before registration

Side by Side transfer and title notes

Side-by-side (SxS) UTV title transfer follows off-highway vehicle (OHV) rules in most states. Many states issue an OHV title or registration card rather than a standard motor vehicle title. A signed bill of sale is critical because some states do not title SxS units at all and rely on the bill of sale as primary proof of ownership.

Odometer disclosure

Side-by-side UTVs are off-road vehicles and are exempt from federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580. Document the hour-meter reading on the bill of sale instead — engine hours are the industry-standard wear indicator for SxS units.

Title and registration

States that title SxS units typically use the same title format as ATVs. States that do not title them rely on the bill of sale and the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO). Always transfer the MCO if it has not been previously surrendered to a state.

Special disclosures for side by side sales

• OHV registration and trail-use stickers are state-specific — confirm whether the unit is street-legal in your state under the applicable LSV (low-speed vehicle) or ROV (recreational off-highway vehicle) statute.
• Aftermarket modifications (lift kits, exhaust, larger tires) may affect insurance and warranty status and should be itemized in the bill of sale.
• Roll cage and seat-belt condition disclosures are recommended — federal ROV safety standards apply to manufacturers but not to private resale.

Common mistakes to avoid

Private-party side by side sales in Maine go wrong when paperwork is rushed or incomplete. Avoid these costly errors:

• Incorrect or missing VIN. A VIN is exactly 17 characters with no letters I, O, or Q. Transcribing it wrong is the most common reason Maine DMV offices reject title paperwork.
• Forgetting the odometer disclosure. Federal law requires an odometer disclosure on the title for vehicles under 20 years old. Leaving it blank — or writing "exempt" when the vehicle qualifies — can void the sale or trigger fines in Maine.
• Missing or incomplete signatures. Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale. In Maine, an unsigned document has no legal weight. If there are co-owners, every owner listed on the title must sign.
• Not obtaining a lien release. If there is an outstanding loan on the side by side, the seller must obtain a lien release from the lender before the title can transfer. Buyers should verify the title is clear before handing over payment.
• Not notifying the Maine DMV of the sale. Sellers who skip the DMV sale notification remain liable for parking tickets, tolls, and even accidents involving the side by side after it changes hands. File a release-of-liability form with Maine as soon as the sale closes.
• Accepting personal checks or informal payment. Personal checks can bounce days after the sale. Use a cashier's check, money order, or verified electronic transfer for the full amount. Document the payment method on the bill of sale.

What happens after the sale

After the sale is complete, the seller should notify the Maine DMV of the transfer to release liability for the side by side. The buyer must register the side by side and transfer the title within the deadline set by Maine — failure to do so can result in late fees or penalties. Both parties should keep signed copies of the bill of sale and any supporting documents (odometer disclosure, lien release, etc.) for at least five years. The seller should cancel or transfer their insurance policy on the sold side by side, and the buyer must obtain valid insurance before driving or operating the side by side.