How to Fill Out a Bill of Sale in Nova Scotia
A step-by-step guide to every field on a Nova Scotia vehicle bill of sale — with a free filled-in example you can download instantly.
Notarization:Not required
Transfer deadline:30 days
Tax:15% HST
Registry:NS authority
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Vehicle Bill of Sale
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Step-by-Step: Every Field Explained
1
Seller Information
- Full legal name (exactly as on the vehicle registration)
- Current mailing address
- City, province, postal code
- Phone number (optional but recommended)
Tip: Use your name exactly as it appears on the vehicle registration certificate. A name mismatch can delay or block the transfer at Access Nova Scotia.
2
Buyer Information
- Full legal name
- Current mailing address
- City, province, postal code
- Phone number (optional)
Tip: The buyer's name here must match the name they'll use when registering the vehicle in Nova Scotia. For joint ownership, include all purchasers' names.
3
Vehicle Description
- Vehicle year (4-digit)
- Make (manufacturer — e.g., Ford, Toyota, Honda)
- Model (e.g., F-150, Camry, Civic)
- Body style (e.g., sedan, pickup, SUV, minivan)
- Colour
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) — 17 characters, found on the dashboard plate or driver's door jamb
- Odometer reading at time of sale (km)
Tip: Double-check the VIN digit-by-digit against both the registration certificate and the dashboard plate. A single incorrect character can block the title transfer entirely.
4
Sale Details & Tax
- Sale price in Canadian dollars (write both numerals and words — e.g., "$12,500 — Twelve thousand five hundred dollars")
- Payment method (cash, bank draft, e-transfer)
- Date of sale (day / month / year)
- Note: buyer owes 15% HST on the sale price at registration — calculated by Access Nova Scotia
Tip: In Nova Scotia, Access Nova Scotia calculates 15% HST on the declared sale price. Underreporting the price is a serious offence — most provinces also compare the sale price against book value and may tax on whichever is higher.
5
Seller Signature
- Seller's signature
- Printed name
- Date signed
- Sign over the odometer/transfer section on the registration certificate as well
Tip: Nova Scotia does not require the bill of sale to be notarized for standard private sales. Sign in the presence of the buyer when possible, and keep a photocopy of the signed bill of sale for your records for at least six years.
6
Buyer Signature & Next Steps
- Buyer's signature
- Printed name
- Date signed
Tip: Both parties should keep a signed copy. The buyer must complete the ownership transfer at Access Nova Scotia within 30 days of the sale date. Bring the signed bill of sale, the signed registration certificate, and valid government-issued photo ID.
Get a Pre-Filled Nova Scotia Example
Use the generator above to create a filled-in Nova Scotia bill of sale in under 60 seconds. Fields are formatted for Canadian requirements — odometer in kilometres, Canadian date format, NS HST at 15% HST, and 30-day transfer deadline noted.
Other Documents Required in Nova Scotia
Along with the bill of sale, you may need these additional documents for a Nova Scotia vehicle transfer:
- Motor Vehicle Inspection Certificate
Nova Scotia charges 15% HST on private vehicle sales — the highest combined rate in Canada. A motor vehicle inspection is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fill out a bill of sale in Nova Scotia?
Enter the seller's full legal name and address, then the buyer's full legal name and address. Complete the vehicle section with the year, make, model, VIN, and odometer reading in kilometres. Write the agreed sale price in both numbers and words, note the payment method and date, then have both parties sign. The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and signed registration certificate to Access Nova Scotia within 30 days to complete the ownership transfer.
Does a Nova Scotia bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Nova Scotia does not require a bill of sale to be notarized for standard private vehicle sales. Both parties simply sign the document. Keep an original signed copy and consider sending a photo of it to yourself by email for a dated digital backup.
How long does the buyer have to transfer ownership in Nova Scotia?
The buyer has 30 days from the sale date to complete the ownership transfer at Access Nova Scotia. Late transfers may result in penalty fees, and the seller could face liability for tickets, tolls, or incidents if registration remains in their name.
What tax is owed on a private vehicle sale in Nova Scotia?
Private vehicle sales in Nova Scotia are subject to 15% HST. The tax is calculated on the sale price (or book value, whichever is higher in some provinces) and paid by the buyer at Access Nova Scotia when completing the ownership transfer. This is separate from any insurance costs.
What do I do if I make a mistake on the bill of sale?
Draw a single line through the error, write the correction clearly above or beside it, and have both parties initial next to the correction. Never use correction fluid (whiteout). If the form has multiple errors, generate a new one — our generator lets you update and re-download at no cost.
What other documents are required for a vehicle sale in Nova Scotia?
In addition to the bill of sale, you will need: Motor Vehicle Inspection Certificate. Nova Scotia charges 15% HST on private vehicle sales — the highest combined rate in Canada. A motor vehicle inspection is required.
Nova Scotia Bill of Sale Hub
All requirements, tax rates, transfer deadlines, and forms for Nova Scotia.
View Nova Scotia guide →Transfer Authority
Access Nova Scotia
Bring the signed bill of sale + registration certificate within 30 days of the sale.
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