Motorcycle Bill of Sale: The Complete Guide

Buying or selling a motorcycle privately? A bill of sale is essential to protect both parties, satisfy your DMV, and document the transaction. This guide covers everything you need to know — what to include, state-specific requirements, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

What Is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale?

A motorcycle bill of sale is a legal document that records the private sale of a motorcycle from one party to another. It serves as a receipt for the buyer, a release of liability for the seller, and the DMV's official record of the transaction for registration and title transfer.

Unlike a car bill of sale, a motorcycle bill of sale includes motorcycle-specific details such as engine displacement (CC), frame number, whether it's street-legal, and any custom modifications — all of which affect registration and insurance.

What to Include in a Motorcycle Bill of Sale

Motorcycle Details

• Year, Make, Model: e.g., "2022 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special"
• VIN: The 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (stamped on the frame, steering head, or engine case)
• Engine displacement (CC): Determines insurance category and licensing requirements in many states
• Color: Primary and secondary if applicable
• Odometer reading: Required by federal law for vehicles less than 20 years old
• License plate number: Current plate at time of sale
• Modifications: Aftermarket exhaust, seats, fairings, etc. — these may affect title or inspection
• Street-legal status: Especially important for dirt bikes and dual-sports

Seller and Buyer Information

• Full legal names (matching government-issued ID)
• Current addresses
• Phone numbers and email
• Driver's license or motorcycle endorsement number (some states require this)

Sale Terms

• Sale price (in US dollars)
• Payment method — cash, cashier's check, or bank transfer (never accept personal checks)
• Date of sale
• Whether sold "as-is" or with warranty

Motorcycle-Specific Tips

• Verify the title is clean: Salvage-titled motorcycles sell for 30-50% less. Be clear about title status.
• Check for lien: Many financed motorcycles have liens. The title should show any lien has been released before transfer.
• Verify the VIN on the frame matches the title: Motorcycle VIN fraud is more common than car VIN fraud due to easily-replaceable frames.
• Document modifications: If the bike has non-stock parts, note them on the bill of sale. This protects the seller from being held liable for parts the buyer later replaces.
• Motorcycle endorsement requirement: In most states, the buyer needs a motorcycle endorsement to legally ride. The seller should verify this to avoid liability issues.

State-Specific Requirements

Motorcycle bill of sale requirements vary significantly by state. Some states require notarization, others require smog certification (electric or hybrid exceptions), and many have different rules for motorcycles under 50cc (mopeds).

Notarization States (select motorcycles)

These states require notarization of the title assignment and/or bill of sale for motorcycle sales: Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wyoming.

Title Transfer Deadlines

• California: 10 days (among the shortest)
• Texas: 30 days
• Florida: 30 days
• Arizona: 15 days
• Most other states: 15-30 days

Sales Tax by State (Top Markets)

• California: 7.25% + district taxes (up to 10.75% effective)
• Texas: 6.25% (or 80% of Standard Presumptive Value)
• Florida: 6% + county surtax (capped at $5,000 base)
• New York: 4% + local (up to 8.875%)
• Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Alaska, Delaware: No state sales tax

Common Motorcycle Sale Scams (And How to Avoid Them)

• Fake title: Always verify the VIN on the frame matches the title. Use free VIN checkers like NICB VINCheck.
• Curbstoners: Unlicensed dealers posing as private sellers. If the seller has multiple motorcycles or refuses to meet at their registered address, be cautious.
• Payment fraud: Never accept personal checks or "overpayment" wire schemes. Meet at a bank for cashier's check verification.
• Salvage laundering: A motorcycle rebuilt from salvage may look fine but have structural damage. Always check the title for "salvage," "rebuilt," or "reconstructed" designations.

After the Sale

Sellers should:

• File a release of liability (or equivalent) with their state DMV within 5-10 days
• Cancel insurance — but only AFTER the sale is complete and plates are removed
• Remove plates (required in most states)
• Keep a copy of the bill of sale and title transfer receipt for at least 5 years

Buyers should:

• Obtain motorcycle insurance before riding
• Complete title transfer within their state's deadline
• Get new plates or transfer existing plates (state-dependent)
• Budget for sales tax + registration fees (typically 6-10% of purchase price)