Free Quebec Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Selling a motorcycle in Quebec follows the same SAAQ process as a car, with one twist that surprises many sellers: motorcycles cannot use the SAAQclic online transfer, so the parties go to an SAAQ service outlet. The plate stays with you unless you choose to transfer it. The buyer shows photo ID, gives the odometer reading and must have civil liability insurance of at least $50,000. QST of 9.975% is levied on the higher of the declared price or the estimated 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 estimated value (the dealer Blue Book wholesale value minus $500).
Exemption: Gifts between related individuals are exempt from QST when both sign Revenu Québec form VD-80.1-V.
Inspection Requirements
No mandatory safety inspection for an ordinary private sale of a Quebec-registered motorcycle. Pre-purchase mechanical and safety inspection is strongly recommended — check tires, brakes, chain/belt, and frame integrity.
Quebec Motorcycle Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Plan the SAAQ service outlet visit: both parties bring photo ID, as motorcycles cannot be transferred in SAAQclic.
- 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 — the buyer must give the SAAQ the actual reading.
- Decide before the sale whether you are keeping the licence plate or leaving it with the motorcycle (Quebec default: the plate stays with the seller).
- Include any accessories, helmet, or gear in the bill of sale if they are part of the transaction.
- Buyer completes the transfer at an SAAQ service outlet, pays 9.975% QST, and has civil liability insurance of at least $50,000 for the motorcycle.
- Seller keeps a signed copy of the bill of sale; the seller stays liable until the motorcycle is registered in the buyer's name.
- If the motorcycle has a custom or rebuilt frame, confirm with SAAQ whether an inspection is required before transfer.
Common Pitfalls
- Plate confusion: in Quebec, the plate stays with the seller unless the seller chooses to transfer it. Settle it before the handover — once the buyer drives away, recovering the plate is complicated.
- QST on estimated value: the SAAQ compares every motorcycle sale price with its estimated value. Underreporting the price saves nothing — you will be taxed on the higher value regardless.
- Seasonal registration gaps: if the motorcycle is not currently registered (off-season storage), the buyer may face a gap period. Ensure the bill of sale 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 the motorcycle is free of debt: 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 bill of sale and proof of the SAAQ transfer together; until the transfer, you remain the owner and are liable for the bike.