Free California Motorcycle Bill of Sale
California motorcycle sales follow the same 10-day transfer deadline and REG 138 release-of-liability requirement as cars, but with a huge practical difference: motorcycles are exempt from California's smog certificate requirement. That saves sellers the cost and time of a smog inspection.
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California Motorcycle Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Same 7.25% base state use tax plus district tax as cars.
Inspection Requirements
Motorcycles are EXEMPT from California smog check — a major difference from cars. No safety inspection either. VIN verification may still be required for out-of-state bikes.
California Motorcycle Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Complete REG 135 (Bill of Sale) with VIN, engine number, odometer, and sale price — no smog certificate needed.
- Seller completes odometer disclosure on title (required for model year 2011 and newer).
- Seller signs title over; hand over lien-release letter if applicable.
- Seller files REG 138 online within 5 days at dmv.ca.gov to release liability.
- Buyer completes title transfer at a CA DMV or AAA branch within 10 days.
- Buyer pays 7.25%+ district use tax on sale price.
- Buyer provides proof of CA motorcycle liability insurance at transfer.
- For out-of-state bikes: VIN verification (DMV, AAA, CHP, or licensed verifier) before title app.
Common Pitfalls
- Assuming a motorcycle needs a smog check — it doesn't in California, and paying for one is wasted money.
- Missing REG 138: buyers riding without insurance or registering late still leave the seller exposed to citations without this filing.
- Confusing motorcycle classes: motor-driven cycles (under 150cc) and mopeds (motorized bicycles, 30 mph max) are different classes with different rules.
- Selling a bike with a salvage or non-op title and not disclosing — California imposes penalties on undisclosed title brand sales.
Pro Tip
Selling a motorcycle in California is a comparatively clean transaction: no smog, no safety inspection, just title + bill of sale + REG 138. File REG 138 within 5 days and you're done.