What a Texas motorcycle bill of sale is and why you need one
A bill of sale is a written record that you and the buyer (or seller) sign to document the transfer of a motorcycle. In Texas, it serves as proof that ownership changed hands on a specific date for a specific price. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles does not require a bill of sale to register a motorcycle, but having one protects both you and the other person by creating a paper trail if questions arise later about who owned the bike and when.
If you are selling, a bill of sale shows the buyer that you had the right to sell it. If you are buying, it proves you paid for the motorcycle and when. Without one, disputes can become difficult to settle — for instance, if the seller later claims the bike was stolen, or if the buyer tries to return it months later saying it was defective.
Texas does not have an official state form for motorcycle bills of sale, which means you can use a template, write one yourself, or use one provided by a dealer or online service. The key is that both parties sign it and keep a copy.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale documents the sale of a motorcycle and protects both buyer and seller, even though Texas does not require one to register the bike.
- Texas has no official bill of sale form, so you can use a template or write your own as long as both parties sign and date it.
- 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 buyer and seller.
- Keep a copy for your records; if you are the seller, give the original to the buyer so they can present it when registering the motorcycle with the Texas DMV.
- A bill of sale is separate from the title transfer — you will still need to sign the back of the title document itself to complete the legal transfer of ownership.
What information to include on a Texas motorcycle bill of sale
The bill of sale should contain the motorcycle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which you can find on the frame or engine. Include the year, make, and model of the bike. Write down the exact sale price in both numbers and words (for example, "$3,500" and "Three thousand five hundred dollars") to avoid confusion.
Add the date of the sale, the full legal names of both the seller and buyer, and their addresses. Both parties must sign and print their names on the document. Some people also include the odometer reading at the time of sale, though this is not required for motorcycles in Texas the way it is for cars.
You can add a line stating that the bike is sold "as-is" if that is the understanding between you and the other person. This protects the seller from later claims that something was wrong with the motorcycle. If there are any known problems with the bike, some sellers note them on the bill of sale to be transparent and reduce the chance of a dispute.
Where to find a bill of sale template
The Texas DMV website does not provide an official bill of sale form, but many free templates are available online through legal document sites, motorcycle forums, and general business document libraries. Search for "Texas motorcycle bill of sale template" to find options you can read and fill in by hand or on your computer.
Some motorcycle dealers and private sellers use templates from sites like LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer, though these may charge a small fee. You can also ask a local motorcycle shop or dealership if they have a form you can use — many will provide one at no cost.
If you prefer to write one yourself, the format does not have to be fancy. A straightforward document that includes the VIN, sale price, date, and signatures of both parties will work. The goal is to have proof that the transaction happened and that both people agreed to it.
How to complete and sign the bill of sale
Fill in all the blanks on the template with accurate information. Use black or blue ink if you are writing by hand, and make sure both the buyer and seller can read what you have written. Do not leave any blank spaces — if a section does not explore, write "N/A" or draw a line through it so no one can add information later.
Both the seller and buyer must sign the document in front of each other if possible. Some people have the signatures notarized, which means a notary public witnesses the signing and stamps the document. While Texas does not require notarization for a motorcycle bill of sale, it adds an extra layer of proof that both parties actually signed it and were who they said they were.
Make at least two copies — one for the seller and one for the buyer. If you have it notarized, ask the notary to stamp both copies. Keep your copy in a safe place with other important documents related to the motorcycle.
The difference between a bill of sale and a title transfer
A bill of sale and a title transfer are two separate documents that work together. The bill of sale is your private record of the transaction — it shows what was sold, for how much, and when. The title is the official government document that proves who owns the motorcycle.
To complete the ownership transfer in Texas, the seller must sign the back of the title certificate itself. The buyer then takes both the signed title and the bill of sale to the Texas DMV to register the motorcycle in their name. The bill of sale supports the title transfer by providing a written record of the sale, but it does not replace the title signature.
If you are buying a motorcycle, ask the seller for both documents. If the seller has lost the title, they will need to get a replacement from the Texas DMV before they can transfer ownership to you.
What to do with the bill of sale after the sale
If you are the seller, give the original bill of sale to the buyer along with the signed title. Keep a copy for your records in case questions come up later. Some sellers photograph or scan their copy before handing over the original, just to have proof they completed the sale.
If you are the buyer, bring the bill of sale with you when you go to the Texas DMV to register the motorcycle. You will need it, the signed title, proof of insurance, and a completed process for Texas Title and/or Registration form (Form 130-U). The bill of sale helps the DMV confirm that the sale was legitimate and that you are the new owner.
Keep your copy of the bill of sale with your motorcycle registration and insurance documents. If you ever sell the bike yourself, you will have proof of when you bought it and what you paid, which can be useful for insurance claims or if you need to document the bike's history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a notarized bill of sale in Texas?
No, Texas does not require notarization for a motorcycle bill of sale. A document signed by both parties is sufficient. However, notarization adds proof that both people actually signed it and were present, which can be helpful if a dispute arises later.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state?
Yes, as long as it contains all the required information — VIN, sale price, date, and signatures of both parties. Texas does not have a specific format requirement, so a bill of sale from another state will work. Make sure both you and the other person sign it.
What if I lost the bill of sale after buying the motorcycle?
You can still register the motorcycle with the Texas DMV using just the signed title. The bill of sale is helpful but not required by the state to complete registration. If you need proof of purchase later, you may have other records like a bank statement or receipt.
Can I sell a motorcycle without a bill of sale?
Technically yes — Texas does not legally require one. However, selling without a bill of sale leaves both you and the buyer without written proof of the transaction. This can lead to disputes about price, condition, or ownership. It is always safer to have one, even if it is not required.
What if the buyer and I disagree on the sale price after signing?
The bill of sale is a binding record of what you both agreed to on that date. If a dispute arises, the signed bill of sale is evidence of the agreed price. This is why it is important to make sure the price is correct before both parties sign.