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 took place. It records who owned the bike, who owns it now, the price paid, the date of the sale, and details about the motorcycle itself — typically the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN). Unlike a title document, which is the legal proof of ownership filed with your state's motor vehicle department, a bill of sale is a private record between buyer and seller.
A bill of sale does not transfer the title on its own. You still need to register the motorcycle with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) and update the title in the new owner's name. However, the bill of sale is often required as supporting documentation when you file that paperwork. It also protects both parties by creating a dated, signed record of what was agreed to and when.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale documents the sale of a motorcycle and is typically required by your state's motor vehicle department when you register the bike in a new owner's name.
- The bill of sale should include the seller's and buyer's names and addresses, the motorcycle's VIN and description, the sale price, and the date of sale, all signed by both parties.
- Most states do not provide an official bill of sale form, so you can use a template from your DMV website, a legal document service, or create one yourself as long as it contains the required information.
- The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the motorcycle; the seller should keep a copy as proof of the sale in case questions arise later.
What information must be included in a motorcycle bill of sale
A bill of sale should contain the names, addresses, and signatures of both the seller and the buyer. It must include the motorcycle's year, make, model, color, and VIN — the 17-character identification number stamped on the frame or engine. The sale price should be stated clearly, along with the date the sale occurred. Some states also ask for the odometer reading at the time of sale, though this is more common for cars than motorcycles.
You should also note whether the sale includes any warranties or is sold "as-is," and whether the buyer is taking on any existing liens or loans against the motorcycle. If the motorcycle is being sold with a lien still attached, the bill of sale should state that the lien will be paid off by the seller before or at the time of sale, or that the buyer is assuming the debt. This protects both parties from disputes later.
Some states require notarization of the bill of sale, meaning a notary public must witness the signatures. Check your state's DMV website to see whether notarization is mandatory where you live. If it is required and you do not have it notarized, the DMV may reject your registration paperwork.
Where to find a bill of sale form or template
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website often provides a bill of sale template or form you can read and print. Search "[your state] motorcycle bill of sale" on the DMV website to find it. If your state does not offer an official form, you can use a template from a legal document service, or you can write one yourself on plain paper as long as it includes all the required information and is signed by both parties.
Some motorcycle dealers and private sellers use forms from online legal services like LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer, which offer state-specific templates. These are typically inexpensive or free. You can also ask your insurance agent or a local motorcycle shop whether they have a standard form they recommend.
The form does not need to be fancy or official-looking. What matters is that it contains the required information, is dated, and is signed by both the buyer and seller. Keep the original or a certified copy for your records.
How a bill of sale differs from a motorcycle title
A title is the legal document issued by your state that proves ownership of the motorcycle. It is registered with the state and shows who the current owner is. When you sell a motorcycle, you must sign the back of the title to transfer it to the new owner, and the new owner must submit that signed title to the DMV along with registration paperwork to become the legal owner.
A bill of sale is a private record of the transaction — it documents that a sale happened, for how much, and on what date. It is not filed with the state. However, the bill of sale is often required by the DMV as supporting documentation when the new owner registers the motorcycle and applies for a title in their name. The bill of sale proves to the DMV that the transaction was legitimate and that the person now explore for the title actually purchased the bike.
In short: the title proves ownership; the bill of sale proves the sale occurred. You need both documents to complete a legal transfer of ownership.
What happens if you do not have a bill of sale
If you are the buyer and do not have a bill of sale, you may still be able to register the motorcycle if you have other proof of purchase — a receipt, a canceled check, or a credit card statement showing the transaction. However, many states require a bill of sale specifically, and without one the DMV may delay or deny your registration.
If you are the seller and do not have a bill of sale, you have no written proof that you sold the motorcycle or to whom. If the new owner gets into an accident, incurs traffic violations, or commits a crime with the bike before registering it in their name, you could potentially be held liable because the state's records still show you as the owner. A bill of sale protects you by creating a dated, signed record that you transferred ownership on a specific date.
Creating a bill of sale takes only a few minutes and costs nothing. It is worth doing even if your state does not technically require it, because it protects both parties.
Steps to complete a motorcycle bill of sale
First, obtain a bill of sale form or template. read one from your state's DMV website, use a template from a legal service, or write one yourself. Fill in the seller's full name and address, the buyer's full name and address, and the date of sale. Enter the motorcycle's year, make, model, color, and VIN. Write the sale price in both numbers and words to avoid confusion.
Next, note the condition of the sale — whether it is sold "as-is" with no warranties, or whether the seller is making any promises about the bike's condition. If there is a lien on the motorcycle, state clearly who is responsible for paying it off. Both the seller and buyer should sign and date the form. If your state requires notarization, take the signed form to a notary public, who will witness the signatures and add their seal.
Make at least two copies — one for the seller and one for the buyer. The buyer will need to submit the original or a copy to the DMV when registering the motorcycle. Keep your copy in a safe place in case questions arise later about the sale.
State-specific requirements for motorcycle bills of sale
Bill of sale requirements vary by state. Some states require notarization; others do not. Some states have an official form; others accept any written document that contains the required information. A few states require the bill of sale to be filed with the DMV, though most do not.
Before you complete a bill of sale, check your state's DMV website for specific requirements. Search for "[your state] motorcycle bill of sale requirements" or call your local DMV office. If you are buying a motorcycle from out of state, you may need to follow your home state's requirements, not the seller's state's requirements. Your state's DMV can tell you what documents you need to register an out-of-state motorcycle.
Some states also have specific rules about what happens if the seller does not sign the title or bill of sale — for example, some allow the buyer to register the motorcycle with a bill of sale alone if the seller cannot be located. Knowing your state's rules ahead of time prevents delays when you try to register the bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying a motorcycle from a dealer?
Motorcycle dealers typically provide their own bill of sale or sales contract as part of the purchase. This document serves the same purpose as a private bill of sale and should include all the required information. You will still need to submit it to the DMV when you register the motorcycle in your name.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
If the seller refuses to sign, do not complete the purchase. A bill of sale protects you by proving you own the motorcycle. Without it, you have no legal proof of ownership, and the state's records will still show the seller as the owner. This creates serious liability for you if the bike is used in a crime or accident before you register it.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state as a template?
Yes, you can use another state's template as a starting point, but check your own state's requirements first. Some states require specific language or information that other states do not. Your state's DMV website is the best source for what your state actually requires.
Do I need to notarize the bill of sale?
Notarization is required in some states and optional in others. Check your state's DMV website to find out whether it is mandatory where you live. If it is required and you do not have it notarized, the DMV may reject your registration paperwork when you try to register the motorcycle.
What should I do with the bill of sale after the sale is complete?
Keep a copy for your records indefinitely. If you are the seller, it proves you transferred ownership on a specific date. If you are the buyer, keep it with your motorcycle's registration and title documents. The buyer will need to submit a copy to the DMV when registering the bike.