New York Horse Bill of Sale
New York requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. Fill in the form below and download a free, one-page New York horse bill of sale PDF that includes everything the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles looks for, matching the fields on MV-912. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
Seller
Buyer
Horse details
Price and terms
How to sell a horse in New York
A horse bill of sale records who sold which horse to whom, with the horse's name, breed, sex, age, markings, registration and any brand or microchip, plus the price and the condition the horse is sold in. Breed registries require it to transfer registration papers, and it is the buyer's proof of ownership if the horse is ever disputed.
Seller steps
- Confirm you hold clear title. If a lender is on the title, get the lien release before you list it.
- Agree on the price and fill in the New York horse bill of sale above with the buyer. Record the serial number.
- Both parties sign and each keeps a copy. New York does not require a notary.
- Hand over any registration papers, manuals, receipts or health records that go with the horse.
- Hand over the horse and keep your signed copy of the bill of sale for your records.
Buyer steps
- Check the description against the horse itself before you sign.
- Keep the signed bill of sale with your records; it is your proof of ownership and purchase price.
- Transfer any registration papers and update the microchip or brand records in your name.
Before you sign
- Describe markings precisely; two sorrel geldings look alike on paper.
- Attach a copy of the registration papers and the Coggins.
- State whether the horse is sold as-is or with any soundness guarantee, and for what use.
- Note any known vices or health conditions in the terms field.
Why a bill of sale matters for a horse
- Breed registries (AQHA, APHA, Jockey Club and others) need it to transfer papers.
- Proves ownership in a dispute, which happens with horses more than people expect.
- Documents the health records and Coggins test that came with the horse.
- An as-is clause covers soundness and temperament; without it the buyer may claim a warranty.
Want both parties to walk away with a signed copy and a notary page ready? The $9 ready-to-sign pack adds them.
New York at a glance
- Bill of sale
- Required in common cases
- Notary
- Notarization optional
- Official state form
- MV-912
- Where the buyer registers
- New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (dmv.ny.gov)
- License plates
- Stay with seller
New York's MV-912 is the standard proof of ownership transfer for a private sale and the buyer must sign it, even for a gift; other acceptable proofs exist. The new owner gives the original to the DMV when registering and pays sales tax or claims an exemption. Plates stay with the seller.
Checked October 2026 against the state's own guidance. Rules change; confirm before you file.
Other New York forms
- New York Vehicle Bill of Sale
- New York Motorcycle Bill of Sale
- New York Boat Bill of Sale
- New York Trailer Bill of Sale
- New York Firearm Bill of Sale
- New York Mobile Home Bill of Sale
- New York RV Bill of Sale
- New York ATV / UTV Bill of Sale
- New York Dirt Bike Bill of Sale
- New York Golf Cart Bill of Sale
- New York Jet Ski Bill of Sale
- New York Snowmobile Bill of Sale
- New York Scooter / Moped Bill of Sale
- New York Equipment Bill of Sale
- New York Tractor Bill of Sale
- New York Dog Bill of Sale
- New York Livestock Bill of Sale
- New York General Bill of Sale
- New York Business Bill of Sale
Horse Bill of Sale in other states
New York horse bill of sale questions
Is a bill of sale required to sell a horse in New York?+
New York requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. New York's MV-912 is the standard proof of ownership transfer for a private sale and the buyer must sign it, even for a gift; other acceptable proofs exist. The new owner gives the original to the DMV when registering and pays sales tax or claims an exemption. Plates stay with the seller. New York publishes MV-912 for this; the PDF from this page carries the same information and is accepted alongside it.
Does a New York horse bill of sale need to be notarized?+
New York does not require notarization. Two signatures are enough. If you want extra certainty, the ready-to-sign pack includes a notary acknowledgment page you can use anyway.
Does the buyer need to file a horse bill of sale in New York?+
No. Horses are not titled or registered with the state, so there is nothing to file. The signed bill of sale is the ownership record; each party keeps a copy.
Does a horse bill of sale need to be notarized?+
Not by law, but some registries ask for a notarized transfer. Check the registry rules; the ready-to-sign pack includes a notary page.
Can I sell a horse without registration papers?+
Yes, as a grade horse. The bill of sale is then the only ownership document, so be thorough with the description.