A bill of sale is a written record that you and the seller sign to prove who owns the motorcycle and when the ownership changed hands
A bill of sale is a document that shows a motorcycle has been sold from one person to another. Both the seller and the buyer sign it. The document lists the motorcycle's details — the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) — along with the sale price and the date of the sale. It serves as proof that the transaction happened and that money changed hands.
You need a bill of sale for two main reasons. First, it protects you legally by creating a paper trail if a dispute arises later — for example, if the seller claims they never sold it, or if the buyer later says they paid less than they actually did. Second, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) will ask for it when you register the motorcycle in your name. Without it, you cannot legally transfer the title.
A bill of sale is not the same as a title. The title is the official government document that proves ownership; the bill of sale is the private agreement between you and the other person that leads to a title transfer. You create the bill of sale yourself — it does not come from the government.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale is a signed agreement between buyer and seller that records the motorcycle's details, the price paid, and the date of sale.
- Your state's motor vehicle agency will require a bill of sale before it will transfer the title into your name.
- You can write a bill of sale yourself using a template, or read one from your state's DMV website or a legal document service.
- Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale in front of a notary public in some states, while others do not require notarization.
- Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records even after the title transfer is complete.
What information goes on a bill of sale
A bill of sale should include the seller's full name and address, the buyer's full name and address, and the date of the sale. It must also list the motorcycle itself: the year, make, model, color, and the VIN. The VIN is a 17-character code stamped on the motorcycle frame and listed on the current title; it is the most important identifier because it ties the document to the specific vehicle.
The bill of sale must state the sale price — the actual amount of money that changed hands. If you are trading in a motorcycle or paying partly in cash and partly in trade, write down the total value. Some states ask you to list whether the sale included any warranties or promises from the seller about the motorcycle's condition. At the bottom, both the seller and the buyer sign and print their names, and both write the date.
Some states also ask for the odometer reading (the mileage on the motorcycle at the time of sale) and whether the title is clear or has a lien against it (meaning a lender still owns part of it). Check your state's DMV website to see if there are additional fields required in your state.
Where to find a bill of sale template
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website usually offers a free bill of sale form designed for that state's rules. Search "[your state] DMV bill of sale motorcycle" to find it. Some states call it a "sales agreement" or "transfer of ownership" form instead. If your state does not provide one, you can read a template from a legal document website like LawDepot or Rocket Lawyer, or you can write one yourself as long as it includes all the information listed above.
If you write your own, keep the language straightforward and clear. You do not need legal jargon. A basic template might read: "I, [seller name], sold my motorcycle [year, make, model, VIN] to [buyer name] on [date] for [price]. I certify that I own this motorcycle free and clear [or note any lien]. Seller signature: _____ Buyer signature: _____." Print it out, fill in the blanks by hand or computer, and have both parties sign.
Notarization requirements vary by state
Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized — meaning a notary public watches you and the seller sign it and then adds their official stamp. Other states do not require notarization at all. A few states require it only if the motorcycle is being transferred between family members or if the sale price is above a certain amount.
Check your state's DMV website or call the motor vehicle office to find out whether notarization is required where you live. If it is, you can have the document notarized at a bank, a UPS Store, a library, or a notary's office. Notarization usually costs between $5 and $15 per signature. Both the buyer and the seller must be present and sign in front of the notary.
What happens after you sign the bill of sale
Once both parties have signed (and had it notarized if required), make at least two copies — one for you and one for the seller. Keep your copy in a safe place. Then take the original bill of sale, along with the current title and any other documents your state requires, to your local DMV office or submit them by mail. The DMV will use the bill of sale to process the title transfer and issue a new title in your name.
The timeline for a title transfer varies by state, but it usually takes two to four weeks if you submit in person and four to eight weeks if you mail it in. During this time, you should not ride the motorcycle on public roads unless you have a temporary permit from the DMV. Once the new title arrives in your name, you can register the motorcycle and get a license plate.
Protecting yourself when buying a used motorcycle
Before you sign a bill of sale, verify that the seller is actually the owner listed on the current title. Ask to see the title document itself — do not accept a photocopy or a promise that it will arrive later. Check that the VIN on the title matches the VIN on the motorcycle frame. If the seller says the title is lost or delayed, do not proceed; the seller must have the title in hand before you buy.
Also ask whether there is a lien on the motorcycle — that is, whether a lender or creditor still has a claim to it. The title will show this. If there is a lien, the lienholder must sign off on the sale and release their claim before you can register it. If the seller cannot produce a clear title or refuses to show you one, walk away. A bill of sale alone does not give you legal ownership; only a title transfer does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a bill of sale by hand or does it have to be typed?
Either is fine. A handwritten bill of sale is legally valid as long as both parties sign it and it includes all the required information. Typing it is cleaner and easier to read, but not required. Make sure the handwriting is legible and both signatures are clear.
What if the seller does not have the title yet?
Do not buy the motorcycle. The seller must have the current title in their name before you can legally purchase it. If they claim the title is in the mail or lost, ask them to contact the DMV and request a replacement before you sign anything. A bill of sale without a title transfer leaves you with no legal ownership.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying from a dealer instead of a private seller?
Motorcycle dealers usually provide their own bill of sale or sales agreement as part of the purchase paperwork. Read it carefully to make sure it lists the correct VIN and price. You still need this document to transfer the title, even though it comes from a business rather than a private person.
What if I lose my copy of the bill of sale after the title transfer is done?
You can request a copy from the DMV or ask the seller for another signed copy. Once the title is in your name, the bill of sale is less critical, but it is still useful to keep for your records in case questions arise later about when you bought the motorcycle or what you paid for it.
Can I sell the motorcycle to someone else without a bill of sale?
No. When you sell, the buyer will need a bill of sale to transfer the title into their name. You will create a new bill of sale at that time with the buyer's information. Always use a bill of sale when ownership changes hands, whether you are buying or selling.