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.
Nova Scotia's bill of sale is written under the 14% Nova Scotia Sales Tax (NSST, not HST), assessed on the HIGHER of your price and the Canadian Red Book value — so the price line and the condition notes work as a pair: to pay tax on a genuine below-book price, the buyer needs an appraisal from a registered appraiser or licensed dealer, and documented defects support it. Record the MVI (Motor Vehicle Inspection) status explicitly: for a private sale it must be issued in the seller's name within 30 days before the sale; without one, the inspection is the buyer's repair list, and ambiguity is the province's most common dispute. Access Nova Scotia completes the transfer with the tax due at the counter.
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Provincial and territorial rules change. We check these requirements against official provincial and territorial sources, but details can go out of date. Confirm with your provincial or territorial motor vehicle agency before you rely on them. If you notice anything wrong or outdated, email support@billofsale.app.
Step-by-Step: Every Field Explained
Seller Information
- Full legal name (exactly as on the vehicle registration)
- Current mailing address
- City, province, postal code
- Phone number (optional but recommended)
Buyer Information
- Full legal name
- Current mailing address
- City, province, postal code
- Phone number (optional)
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)
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 14% NSST on the sale price at registration — calculated by Access Nova Scotia
Seller Signature
- Seller's signature
- Printed name
- Date signed
- Sign over the odometer/transfer section on the registration certificate as well
Buyer Signature & Next Steps
- Buyer's signature
- Printed name
- Date signed
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 NSST at 14% NSST, 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:
- Certificate of Registration — Part 1 (seller) and Part 4 (buyer, with the tax declaration)
- Notice of Sale — the seller returns it to the Registry of Motor Vehicles
- Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) issued in the seller's name within 30 days before the sale
- Statement of Insurance
- Sworn Statement for a Family Gift — gifts only
Private buyers in Nova Scotia pay 14% Nova Scotia Sales Tax (NSST) when they register, on the higher of the price or the Canadian Red Book value. The vehicle needs a Motor Vehicle Inspection issued within 30 days before the sale, and the buyer has 30 days to register at the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 14% NSST read my bill of sale?
What should the MVI line say?
Where does the transfer complete?
Nova Scotia Bill of Sale Hub
All requirements, tax rates, transfer deadlines, and forms for Nova Scotia.
View Nova Scotia guide →Access Nova Scotia
Bring the signed bill of sale + registration certificate within 30 days of the sale.