Free Quebec Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Selling a motorcycle in Quebec follows the same SAAQ process as a car, with one Quebec-specific twist that surprises many sellers: the licence plates stay with the motorcycle, not with you. The seller completes VD-619 (Déclaration de vente) and hands it to the buyer; the buyer has 15 days to transfer ownership at SAAQ and purchase mandatory public liability insurance. QST of 9.975% is levied on the higher of the declared price or the SAAQ guide value. For seasonal riders, confirm whether the motorcycle is currently registered and whether the SAAQ registration period affects the sale timeline.
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Quebec Motorcycle Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Tax Details
QST at 9.975% applies to private motorcycle sales. Tax is assessed on the higher of the declared sale price or the SAAQ Guide de référence estimated value for the motorcycle.
Exemption: Gifts between spouses or direct-line family members may qualify for a QST exemption with a sworn declaration.
Inspection Requirements
No mandatory safety inspection for private motorcycle sales in Quebec. Pre-purchase mechanical and safety inspection is strongly recommended — check tires, brakes, chain/belt, and frame integrity.
Quebec Motorcycle Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Seller completes form VD-619 (Déclaration de vente) with the motorcycle's VIN, sale price, date, and both parties' contact information.
- Prepare a separate bill of sale recording the make, model, year, engine displacement (cc), VIN, odometer reading, and agreed price.
- Confirm odometer reading is recorded — required by federal law for vehicles under 10 years old.
- Decide before the sale whether you are keeping the licence plate or leaving it with the motorcycle (Quebec default: plate stays with the bike).
- Include any accessories, helmet, or gear in the bill of sale if they are part of the transaction.
- Buyer visits SAAQ within 15 days, pays 9.975% QST, and purchases mandatory SAAQ liability insurance for the motorcycle.
- Seller keeps signed copies of VD-619 and the bill of sale as proof that ownership transferred on the sale date.
- If the motorcycle has a custom or rebuilt frame, confirm with SAAQ whether an inspection is required before transfer.
Common Pitfalls
- Leaving the plates on the motorcycle: in Quebec, plates transfer with the vehicle by default. Remove them before the handover if you plan to keep them — once the buyer drives away, recovering the plates is complicated.
- QST on guide value: SAAQ benchmarks every motorcycle sale price against its Guide de référence. Underreporting the price saves nothing — you will be taxed on the higher guide value regardless.
- Seasonal registration gaps: if the motorcycle is not currently registered (off-season storage), the buyer may face a gap period. Ensure VD-619 is signed on the actual transaction date to avoid disputes.
- Missing engine displacement on the bill of sale: SAAQ uses engine cc for registration classification (50cc, 400cc, over 400cc). An incomplete description can delay the transfer.
- Selling without confirming a clear title: run an RDPRM (Quebec personal property registry) search to confirm there are no liens before the sale.
Pro Tip
Quebec motorcycle sales move smoothly when both parties understand the plate rule upfront. Settle the plate question before the test ride — either remove them before showing the bike, or make clear in writing that the sale includes the plates. Keep your VD-619 copy and bill of sale together; they are your evidence that you were not the owner on the day of any post-sale incident.