A motorcycle bill of sale is a written record that you and the buyer (or seller) both sign to document the transfer of ownership
The bill of sale serves as proof that money changed hands and that the motorcycle now belongs to the new owner. It protects both of you: the seller has proof they no longer own the bike, and the buyer has proof of purchase in case questions arise later about who owns it. You can write one yourself on plain paper, use a template, or buy a pre-printed form from an office supply store — what matters is that both parties sign it and keep a copy.
A bill of sale is not the same as a title or registration. The title is the legal document issued by your state's motor vehicle department that proves ownership. The bill of sale is the private agreement between you and the other person. You will still need to transfer the title through your state's process, but the bill of sale is the first step and the document that shows when and why the transfer happened.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale records the date, the names and addresses of both parties, the motorcycle's details, and the price paid.
- Both the seller and buyer must sign the bill of sale, and each should keep a copy for their records.
- The bill of sale is not a legal title — it is a receipt that proves the transaction occurred and supports the title transfer process.
- State requirements for bill of sale format vary, so check your state's motor vehicle department website to see if there is a required form or specific language you must include.
- A signed bill of sale protects both parties by creating a clear record of who owned the motorcycle and when the ownership changed.
Information to include on a motorcycle bill of sale
The bill of sale should include the date of the sale, the full legal names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer, and the motorcycle's details. For the motorcycle itself, write down the year, make, model, color, and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — the VIN is the most important identifier and appears on the title and on the motorcycle itself, usually on the frame near the steering head.
Write the sale price clearly. If the buyer is paying in cash, write "cash." If they are paying by check, you can note that. Include the odometer reading at the time of sale. Both the seller and buyer should sign and print their names, and ideally add the date they signed. Some people also add a line for a witness signature, though this is not required in most states.
Do not leave blanks. If a field does not explore — for example, if there is no lien on the motorcycle — write "none" or "N/A" rather than leaving it empty. This prevents someone from filling in information later without your knowledge.
Where to find a bill of sale template
Your state's motor vehicle department may have an official bill of sale form on its website. Search "[your state] motorcycle bill of sale" or "[your state] motor vehicle bill of sale" to find it. Some states require you to use their specific form; others allow any written record as long as it contains the basic information.
If your state does not provide a form, you can find templates online through office supply websites, legal document sites, or by searching for "motorcycle bill of sale template." You can also write one from scratch on plain paper — the format does not matter as long as both parties sign it and the key information is there.
Before you use a template, check whether your state has any special requirements. A few states ask that the bill of sale be notarized (signed in front of a notary public), though most do not. Knowing this ahead of time saves you a trip.
How to fill out and sign the bill of sale
Print or write out the bill of sale clearly so both parties can read it. Fill in all the blanks with accurate information — use the legal names that appear on driver's licenses, not nicknames. Write the VIN exactly as it appears on the title or the motorcycle. If you make a mistake, cross it out, write the correction above it, and have both parties initial the change. Do not use white-out or tape over errors, as this can raise questions about whether the document was altered.
Both the seller and the buyer should sign the bill of sale in front of each other if possible. Each person should keep an original signed copy. If you are mailing the bill of sale to the other party, send it in a way that allows you to track delivery, and ask them to sign and return a copy to you. Take a photo or scan of the signed bill of sale for your records before you hand over the motorcycle or money.
What happens after you sign the bill of sale
Once both parties have signed, the seller's next step is usually to contact the state's motor vehicle department to report the sale. Some states ask the seller to sign the back of the title and mail it to the department along with the bill of sale. Others ask the buyer to handle the title transfer. Check your state's process — the motor vehicle department website will explain what each party must do and what documents to send.
The buyer will use the bill of sale as proof of purchase when they register the motorcycle in their name and explore for a new title. The seller should keep their copy of the signed bill of sale as proof that they no longer own the motorcycle, in case a question about ownership comes up later.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not leave the sale price blank or write "cash" without a number — the price is part of the legal record and is needed for registration and tax purposes in many states. Do not sign a bill of sale that has blank spaces; fill in every field or mark it "N/A" or "none." Do not assume the bill of sale is complete without both signatures — an unsigned bill of sale is not a valid record of the transaction.
Do not forget to include the VIN. The VIN is how the state identifies the specific motorcycle, and without it the bill of sale is incomplete. Do not hand over the motorcycle or money until both parties have signed and each has a copy. If the buyer wants to take the bike before signing, you have no proof the sale occurred.
State-specific requirements and variations
A few states have specific rules about bill of sale format or content. Some states require the bill of sale to be notarized, meaning a notary public must witness both signatures. Others ask that certain language be included, such as a statement that the seller warrants they own the motorcycle free and clear of any liens. A handful of states have their own official bill of sale form that they prefer you to use.
The best way to know what your state requires is to visit your state's motor vehicle department website and search for "bill of sale" or "selling a motorcycle." The site will tell you whether a form is required, whether notarization is needed, and what information must be included. If you cannot find the answer online, you can call the department directly — they handle these questions regularly and can tell you exactly what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a bill of sale on any piece of paper?
Yes, in most states. As long as it includes the date, both parties' names and addresses, the motorcycle's VIN and details, the sale price, and both signatures, a bill of sale written on plain notebook paper is valid. Some states prefer or require an official form — check your state's motor vehicle department website to be sure.
What if the motorcycle has a lien on it?
The bill of sale should note that a lien exists and include the lender's name. The seller is responsible for paying off the lien before the title can transfer to the buyer. The buyer should not hand over money until the lien is satisfied and removed from the title. Your state's motor vehicle department can tell you how to verify whether a lien exists.
Do both parties need to sign in front of a notary?
Most states do not require notarization for a motorcycle bill of sale, but a few do. Check your state's motor vehicle department website or call them to find out. If notarization is required, both parties must sign in front of a notary public, who will add their seal and signature to the document.
What if I lost my copy of the signed bill of sale?
Contact the other party and ask them to send you a copy of their signed original. If you cannot reach them, you can request a copy of the title transfer record from your state's motor vehicle department — the department keeps records of ownership transfers. This will show that the sale occurred, though it is not the same as having the original bill of sale.
Can I use a bill of sale template from another state?
You can use a template from another state as a starting point, but check your own state's requirements first. Some states have specific language or fields they require. Using a template that does not match your state's rules may cause delays when you try to transfer the title. It is safer to use your state's official form or a template designed for your state.