A bill of sale for a motorcycle is a written record that documents the transfer of ownership from one person to another
When you buy or sell a motorcycle, a bill of sale serves as proof that the transaction happened, who was involved, and what was exchanged. It is a straightforward document — usually one to two pages — that you and the other party sign and keep for your records. Unlike a title (the legal ownership document issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles), a bill of sale is not filed with any government agency. It is a private record between buyer and seller.
The bill of sale protects both of you. For the buyer, it shows you paid for the motorcycle and when. For the seller, it shows you transferred ownership and received payment. If a dispute arises later — about the condition of the bike, whether money changed hands, or who owns it now — the bill of sale is your evidence. Many states also require a bill of sale before you can register a motorcycle in your name or transfer the title at the DMV.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale documents the sale and transfer of a motorcycle between two people and is signed by both the buyer and seller.
- Most states require a bill of sale before you can register a motorcycle or transfer its title at the DMV, though requirements vary by state.
- The bill of sale should include the motorcycle's VIN, the sale price, the date of sale, and the printed names and signatures of both parties.
- You can use a template from your state's DMV website, read a generic form, or write one yourself as long as it includes the essential information.
- Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records even after you register the motorcycle or complete the title transfer.
What information must go on a motorcycle bill of sale
The bill of sale should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), which is a 17-character code unique to your motorcycle. You can find it on the frame, engine, or title document. Include the make, model, and year of the motorcycle, along with the odometer reading at the time of sale.
Write the sale price in both numbers and words — for example, "$3,500" and "Three thousand five hundred dollars." Include the date of the sale. Add the printed names, addresses, and signatures of both the buyer and the seller. Some states also ask for driver's license numbers or phone numbers. If the motorcycle is being sold as-is (meaning the buyer accepts it in its current condition), you can note that on the form.
If there is a lien on the motorcycle — meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it — that should be disclosed on the bill of sale. The seller should state whether the lien will be paid off before or after the sale closes.
How to obtain or create a bill of sale
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles often provides a free bill of sale template on its website. Search "[your state] DMV bill of sale motorcycle" to find the official form. Using your state's form ensures you include everything the DMV requires when you later register or transfer the title.
If your state does not provide a form, you can read a generic motorcycle bill of sale template from legal document websites or use a straightforward one-page document you write yourself. The key is that it contains the information listed above and is signed and dated by both parties. Handwritten bills of sale are legal in most states as long as they are legible and signed.
Some dealerships provide their own bill of sale forms when you buy from them. If you are buying from a private seller, you can bring a template with you or ask the seller if they have one. Either way, both of you should receive a signed copy.
When you need a bill of sale for a motorcycle
You need a bill of sale when you buy a motorcycle from a private seller. If you are buying from a dealership, the dealership usually handles the paperwork and provides the bill of sale as part of the sale package. When you sell a motorcycle to someone else, you should create and sign a bill of sale before handing over the keys and the title.
Most states require a bill of sale before you can register a motorcycle in your name or transfer the title at the DMV. The DMV will ask for it when you submit your title transfer process. Some states use the bill of sale to calculate sales tax, so you may need it even if you are not transferring the title when ready.
If you are trading in a motorcycle at a dealership, the dealership handles the bill of sale as part of the trade-in process. You do not need to create a separate one.
How a bill of sale differs from a title
A bill of sale and a title are two different documents that serve different purposes. The title is the official legal document issued by your state that proves ownership of the motorcycle. It is registered with the DMV and has your name on it. When you buy a motorcycle, the seller must transfer the title to you, which means signing it over and submitting it to the DMV along with other paperwork.
A bill of sale is a record of the transaction itself — proof that a sale happened and what the terms were. It is not filed with the government and does not prove ownership by itself. However, most states require a bill of sale as part of the title transfer process. You submit both documents to the DMV: the bill of sale shows the sale occurred, and the title transfer shows the change of ownership.
In some cases, a motorcycle may not have a title yet (for example, if it is very old or was never registered). In those situations, the bill of sale becomes even more important as documentation of the transfer, though you may still need to work with the DMV to establish ownership.
What happens after you sign a bill of sale
After both parties sign the bill of sale, each person should keep a copy for their records. The buyer should keep their copy until they have successfully registered the motorcycle and received a new title in their name. The seller should keep their copy as proof that they no longer own the motorcycle and that they received payment.
The buyer then takes the signed bill of sale, along with the title signed by the seller, to the DMV to register the motorcycle and transfer the title. The DMV will review the bill of sale to confirm the sale details match the title transfer. Processing times vary by state, but title transfers usually take two to four weeks.
If you are financing the motorcycle through a bank or lender, you will need to provide a copy of the bill of sale to the lender as proof of purchase. Keep your copy even after the title transfer is complete, as it serves as a record of when you bought the motorcycle and what you paid for it.
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale
Do not leave the VIN blank or write it incorrectly. The VIN is how the DMV identifies the specific motorcycle, so any error will delay your registration. Double-check the VIN against the title or the motorcycle itself before you write it down.
Do not skip the sale price or leave it vague. Write the exact amount in both numbers and words. If you are unsure whether to include the price (for example, if the motorcycle is a gift), check your state's DMV rules — some states require a price even for gifts, while others allow you to write "gift" instead.
Do not forget to have both parties sign and print their names. A bill of sale without signatures is not valid. Make sure both the buyer and seller sign in front of each other if possible, or at least have each person sign their own copy.
Do not use white-out or heavy corrections on the bill of sale. If you make a mistake, start over with a new form. Alterations can raise questions at the DMV and may delay processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying a motorcycle from a dealership?
Dealerships provide their own bill of sale as part of the purchase paperwork. You do not need to create a separate one. The dealership handles all the documentation needed for registration and title transfer.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
Do not complete the purchase. A bill of sale signed by both parties is your only proof of the transaction. Without it, you have no legal record that you bought the motorcycle or that the seller transferred ownership to you. Walk away from the deal.
Can I use a bill of sale as proof of ownership?
A bill of sale shows you bought the motorcycle, but it is not the same as proof of ownership. The title is the legal proof of ownership. Use the bill of sale to transfer the title at the DMV, and then the new title in your name becomes your proof of ownership.
What if I bought a motorcycle years ago and never got a bill of sale?
Contact the previous owner and ask them to sign a bill of sale now, even though the sale happened in the past. Include the approximate date of the original sale. If you cannot reach the previous owner, contact your state's DMV to learn about alternative ways to establish ownership or register the motorcycle.
Is a handwritten bill of sale legal?
Yes, a handwritten bill of sale is legal in most states as long as it is legible, includes all required information, and is signed by both parties. However, using your state's official DMV form or a typed template is clearer and less likely to cause problems at the DMV.