A motorcycle bill of sale is a written record of a sale: who sold what to whom, when, for how much and in what condition. Whether you need one depends on your state, and it never replaces the title. Even where it isn't required, a signed bill of sale protects both buyer and seller. This is general information, not legal advice, so check your state DMV for the forms and rules that apply.
What a bill of sale does, and what it doesn't
A bill of sale:
- Records the terms of the sale, including price, date and the parties
- Describes the motorcycle so there's no doubt which one was sold
- Can state whether the bike was sold as-is and note known issues
- Gives the buyer proof of purchase, which some states ask for when registering
- Gives the seller proof that they sold it, and when
It does not transfer ownership by itself. The title does that, through your state's DMV process.
Do you need one? It depends on your state
State rules differ. Some states require a bill of sale for registration or for certain sales, some don't, and some rely on a state form that fills the same role. As an example, the Texas DMV's page for private vehicle sales lists a properly signed title with the date of sale and odometer reading, a title or registration application showing the sales price, and a vehicle transfer notification. That page doesn't list a separate bill of sale among those steps. Other states differ.
Because of this, don't assume. Look for your state DMV's page on buying or selling a vehicle, or on titling and registering, and check:
- Whether a bill of sale is required, optional or replaced by a state form
- Whether it must be notarized or witnessed
- Whether the sale price must appear on a state form
- Deadlines for transferring the title and notifying the DMV
- Rules for out-of-state buyers or sellers
What to include in a motorcycle bill of sale
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of sale | The day ownership changes |
| Buyer | Full legal name, address and contact |
| Seller | Full legal name, address and contact |
| Motorcycle | Year, make, model, color, VIN, and plate number if applicable |
| Odometer reading | The actual mileage at the sale |
| Price | Amount paid, and payment method |
| Condition clause | As-is wording or a description of any warranty |
| Known issues | Anything you've disclosed, such as a leaking fork seal |
| Title status | Clean, salvage, rebuilt or other brand, as listed on the title |
| Lien information | A statement that the bike is free of liens, or details of any lien |
| Included items | Keys, manual, accessories, helmet, stand |
| Signatures | Both parties, plus date; notary or witness if required |
Make two copies, one for each side, and photograph them.
The VIN and the odometer
Copy the VIN directly from the bike's frame and compare it with the title. A mismatch is a major red flag, so stop and sort it out before paying. See motorcycle VIN check for what to verify.
For mileage, NHTSA says federal law requires a written odometer disclosure on the title when ownership is transferred, with exemptions for older vehicles. Write the actual reading on the bill of sale as well, so the numbers agree across documents. If the reading is wrong or unknown, state that on the title as your DMV directs.
"As-is" and what to disclose
Many private sales are as-is, which generally means the seller isn't promising to fix problems after the sale. But as-is wording doesn't give a seller license to lie. Describing known problems, such as engine noises, accident history or a rebuilt title, protects you if a dispute comes up. The effect of as-is language and of misrepresentation depends on state law.
Sellers: be accurate and specific. Buyers: don't rely on a verbal promise. If the seller says "it just had a valve job" or "no accidents," ask to put it in writing along with receipts.
Sample bill of sale wording
You can adapt the following. Check it against your state's requirements first.
On [date], [seller's full name] of [address] sells to [buyer's full name] of [address] the following motorcycle: [year, make, model], VIN [VIN], odometer reading [miles] miles, for [price] paid in [method]. The seller states they are the legal owner and that the motorcycle is free of liens except: [none/details]. The motorcycle is sold [as-is / with the following warranty]. Known issues disclosed: [list]. Signed: [seller], [buyer], [date].
Don't treat this as a legal template. Some states publish an official form that is preferable.
Steps for sellers
- Confirm your title is in your name and free of liens, or arrange a lien release
- Fill in the bill of sale accurately, and keep a copy
- Sign the title exactly as your state requires, with the buyer's name filled in
- Record the odometer reading
- File any seller notice, transfer or release-of-liability form your state provides
- Check whether plates stay with you
- Keep photos or copies of everything
Our guide on how to sell a motorcycle covers pricing, scams and payment in more detail.
Steps for buyers
- Compare the VIN on the bike, the title and the bill of sale
- Check that the name on the title matches the seller's ID
- Ask about liens, and get a release if there is one
- Run history and recall checks; see how to check motorcycle recalls
- Get a signed bill of sale with the price and as-is wording, if any
- Get the signed title and any forms your state needs
- Insure the bike before riding it, and register it by your state's deadline
If you're still shopping, see how to buy a used motorcycle and the used motorcycle inspection checklist.
Special situations
- Gifts and family transfers: Some states have simpler rules or tax exemptions, but they usually still need paperwork. Check with your DMV
- Out-of-state sales: The buyer's state generally controls titling and registration, but the seller's state may have its own requirements. Check both
- Bikes without titles: Older or off-road bikes may be handled differently, and some states have bonded title or other procedures. Contact the DMV before buying
- Salvage or rebuilt titles: Disclose the brand in writing, and expect extra inspection and registration steps
- Dirt bikes, ATVs and scooters: Titling rules vary by type and engine size
- Shipped bikes: If the buyer isn't present, use a documented process, and see how to ship a motorcycle
Common mistakes
- Leaving the buyer's name blank on the title
- Writing a different price than the real one on forms, which can cause tax and legal problems
- Skipping the odometer entry
- Not telling the DMV you sold it, then getting tickets or tolls later
- Not keeping a copy
- Paying by an untraceable method before verifying the title
When to see a mechanic
A bill of sale can't tell you a motorcycle's condition. Before signing, have a shop check anything you can't judge yourself, such as frame alignment, brakes, engine health and tires. A shop that does motorcycle inspections can document findings you can use to negotiate or note on the bill of sale. Browse the motorcycle repair directory or motorcycle repair shops in Austin. Don't ride a newly bought bike if the brakes, steering or tires are questionable. Have it towed or trailered to a shop instead.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a motorcycle?
It depends on your state. Some require one, some require other forms such as a title application showing the price, and many sellers use one anyway as proof of the sale. Check your state DMV.
Does a bill of sale need to be notarized?
Some states or situations require notarization, and many don't. Check your DMV, and consider it for high-value or out-of-state sales.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title proves ownership and is what the DMV uses to transfer it. A bill of sale records the sale terms, such as price, date, parties and condition.
What does selling a motorcycle 'as is' mean on a bill of sale?
It generally means the seller isn't promising to fix problems after the sale. The exact effect depends on state law and the wording, so this isn't legal advice.