A bill of sale is a written record that proves you bought or sold a motorcycle
A bill of sale is a document that shows the transfer of ownership from one person to another. When you buy or sell a motorcycle, a bill of sale creates a paper trail — it states who owned the bike, who owns it now, the price paid, and the date of the transaction. Most states do not require a bill of sale by law, but your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency may ask for one when you register the motorcycle in your name or transfer the title.
The bill of sale protects both the buyer and the seller. For the buyer, it proves you paid for the motorcycle and when. For the seller, it shows you no longer own it and are not responsible for what happens to it after the sale. Without one, disputes can arise about who actually owns the bike, whether the sale ever happened, or what was included in the deal.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale documents the transfer of motorcycle ownership and should include the seller's name, buyer's name, motorcycle details, sale price, and date.
- While not required by law in most states, your DMV may request a bill of sale when you register or title the motorcycle.
- Both the buyer and seller should sign and keep a copy of the bill of sale for their records.
- You can create a bill of sale using a template from your state's DMV website, a generic template, or by writing one yourself as long as it includes all required information.
What information goes on a motorcycle 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 describe the motorcycle clearly — the year, make, model, color, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-character code stamped on the frame or engine; you can find it on the title, registration, or by looking at the motorcycle itself.
The document should state the sale price and how payment was made (cash, check, or other method). Some bills of sale also include a statement that the seller is transferring all rights and ownership to the buyer, and that the motorcycle is being sold "as-is" unless you agreed otherwise. If the motorcycle has a lien — meaning a bank or lender still has a claim on it — that should be noted on the bill of sale as well.
Where to find a bill of sale template
Your state's DMV website often provides a bill of sale form you can read and print. Search "[your state] DMV bill of sale motorcycle" to find it. If your state does not offer one, you can use a generic motorcycle bill of sale template from legal document websites or create your own.
If you write your own, make sure it includes all the information listed above. The document does not need to be fancy or notarized in most states — a straightforward typed or handwritten form that both parties sign is legally valid. Some states do require notarization; check your DMV website to confirm what your state needs.
How to fill out and sign a bill of sale
Print or write out the bill of sale form. Fill in all blanks with accurate information — misspelled names or wrong VINs can cause problems later when you register the motorcycle. Both the seller and buyer should sign and date the document. Some forms ask for signatures in front of a notary public; others do not.
Make at least two copies — one for the seller and one for the buyer. If the motorcycle has a lien, the lienholder (usually a bank or credit union) may also need a copy. Keep your copy in a safe place, such as a file folder or digital scan, for as long as you own the motorcycle.
When you need a bill of sale for registration
When you buy a motorcycle and want to register it in your name, you will need to go to your state's DMV or equivalent office. Bring the bill of sale along with the motorcycle's title (if one exists), proof of insurance, and a completed registration form. The DMV will use the bill of sale to confirm the sale price and ownership transfer.
If you are selling a motorcycle, give the buyer a signed copy of the bill of sale before they leave with the bike. This protects you by showing you transferred ownership on a specific date. If the buyer gets into an accident or breaks a law with the motorcycle before registering it, the bill of sale proves it was no longer your responsibility.
What happens if there is a lien on the motorcycle
A lien means a lender (usually a bank or credit union) has a legal claim on the motorcycle until the loan is paid off. If you are buying a motorcycle with a lien, the seller must pay off the loan before transferring the title to you. The bill of sale should note that a lien exists and state who holds it.
If you are selling a motorcycle with a lien, contact your lender before the sale. They will tell you the payoff amount and may require the sale proceeds to go directly to them. Some lenders will release the title only after the loan is paid in full. Make sure this is settled before you sign the bill of sale, so the buyer knows they cannot register the motorcycle until the lien is cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to notarize a motorcycle bill of sale?
Most states do not require notarization, but a few do. Check your state's DMV website to see if notarization is needed. If it is, you can have the document notarized at a bank, notary public office, or some UPS stores for a small fee, usually between $5 and $15.
What if I lose the bill of sale after I buy the motorcycle?
If you have already registered the motorcycle in your name, the DMV has a record of the transfer. You can request a copy of your registration or title from the DMV. However, it is still a good idea to keep the original bill of sale for your records in case questions arise later about the sale.
Can I sell a motorcycle without a bill of sale?
Technically yes in most states, since a bill of sale is not legally required. However, it is not a good idea. Without a bill of sale, there is no written proof of the sale, and disputes can arise about who owns the motorcycle or when the transfer happened. Both buyer and seller are better protected with one.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
A seller who refuses to sign may be hiding a problem with the motorcycle — such as an outstanding loan, accident damage, or theft history. Do not buy the motorcycle without a signed bill of sale. A legitimate seller will always sign one because it protects them too.