A bill of sale is a written record that you and the seller sign to prove who owned the motorcycle and when ownership changed hands
A bill of sale is a document that shows the motorcycle moved from one owner to another. It lists the bike's details, the sale price, the date, and signatures from both the seller and you. It is not the title itself — the title is the government document that proves legal ownership. The bill of sale is the paper trail that explains how you got the bike and protects both of you if questions come up later.
You need a bill of sale because it creates a record. If the seller later claims they still own the motorcycle, or if there is a dispute about when you bought it or what you paid, the bill of sale is your proof. For the seller, it shows they no longer own the bike and are not responsible for it after the sale. Many states require you to have one before you can register the motorcycle in your name.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale documents the transfer of ownership and is signed by both the seller and buyer at the time of sale.
- Most states require a bill of sale before you can register a motorcycle, and some require a specific form.
- The bill of sale should include the motorcycle's VIN, year, make, model, sale price, and the date of the transaction.
- You keep the bill of sale with your registration documents and present it when you explore for a title in your name.
What information goes on a motorcycle bill of sale
The bill of sale must identify the motorcycle clearly so there is no confusion about which bike changed hands. Include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the year, make, model, and color. Write down the odometer reading at the time of sale. These details match what is on the title and registration, so the state can confirm you are registering the correct vehicle.
Add the sale price, the date of the sale, and the names and addresses of both the seller and you. Some states ask for the seller's signature and yours; others require both signatures plus a notary stamp. Check your state's requirements before you meet the seller, because you may need to go to a notary public to have the document witnessed. The bill of sale should also note the condition of the motorcycle — whether it is sold as-is, or whether the seller is making any promises about its mechanical condition.
State-specific bill of sale forms and requirements
Some states provide an official bill of sale form that you must use; others accept any written document as long as it contains the required information. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website usually has a downloadable form, or you can ask for one when you visit in person. A few states do not require a bill of sale at all, but having one protects you regardless.
Notarization requirements vary. Some states require a notary public to witness both signatures; others do not. A notary is a person authorized by the state to verify that you and the seller are who you say you are and that you signed the document willingly. If your state requires notarization, you can find a notary at a bank, courthouse, or shipping store — the cost is usually between five and fifteen dollars. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm whether notarization is mandatory before you sign.
How to fill out a bill of sale correctly
Print or write the bill of sale in black or blue ink so it is straightforward to read and photocopy. Fill in every blank; do not leave fields empty. 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 blank. This prevents someone from adding information later.
Both you and the seller should sign and print your names on the same copy. Make at least two copies: one for you, one for the seller, and one to submit with your registration paperwork. Keep your copy in a safe place with your other vehicle documents. If the motorcycle has a lien — meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it — the seller must note that on the bill of sale, and the lender may need to sign off before the sale is complete.
When to get the bill of sale signed
Sign the bill of sale at the time of the sale, before you hand over money and the seller hands over the keys. Both of you should have the document in front of you and read it together to make sure the information is correct. This is the moment to catch errors in the VIN, price, or date. Once you have both signed, the transfer of ownership is documented.
Do not wait until later to get the bill of sale signed. If you take the motorcycle home first and sign the paperwork days later, it becomes harder to prove when the sale actually happened. The date on the bill of sale should match the date you and the seller agreed on the price and the seller gave you the keys.
Using the bill of sale to register the motorcycle in your name
When you go to your state's DMV to register the motorcycle, bring the bill of sale along with the original title from the seller, proof of insurance, and a completed registration process. The DMV will check that the VIN on the bill of sale matches the VIN on the title. They will use the sale price on the bill of sale to calculate registration fees or sales tax, depending on your state's rules.
If the seller has not yet transferred the title to you, the bill of sale shows the DMV that you own the motorcycle and have the right to register it. In some states, the seller must sign the title over to you at the same time you sign the bill of sale. In others, the seller mails the title to the DMV or to you after the sale. The bill of sale bridges that gap and protects you while the paperwork is in transit.
What to do if you lose the bill of sale
If you have already registered the motorcycle and lost your copy of the bill of sale, you still have proof of ownership through your registration and title. The bill of sale becomes important only if someone later questions whether you bought the bike legally or if you need to prove when you bought it for insurance or warranty purposes.
If you lost the bill of sale before you registered the motorcycle, contact the seller and ask for another signed copy. If the seller will not cooperate or is unreachable, you may be able to register the motorcycle using the title alone, depending on your state. Contact your DMV to ask what documents they need if the bill of sale is missing. Some states allow you to file a statement under oath explaining that you lost the bill of sale, and they will proceed with registration based on the title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bill of sale instead of getting the title transferred?
No. The bill of sale documents the sale, but the title is the legal proof of ownership. You need both. The seller must transfer the title to you through your state's DMV, and you must register the motorcycle in your name. The bill of sale supports that process but does not replace it.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
Do not buy the motorcycle. A seller who refuses to sign a bill of sale is a red flag. It suggests they may not actually own the bike, there may be a lien they are hiding, or they plan to claim the motorcycle was stolen later. A legitimate seller has no reason to refuse.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying from a dealer?
Dealers provide their own sales paperwork, which serves the same purpose as a bill of sale. That paperwork will include the motorcycle's details, the price, and both signatures. Keep it with your registration documents just as you would a bill of sale.
Can I write a bill of sale on any piece of paper?
Yes, as long as it includes all required information and both signatures. You do not have to use an official form in most states. However, using your state's official form is safer because it includes all the fields the DMV expects to see, and it looks more professional if questions arise later.
What if the sale price on the bill of sale is different from what I actually paid?
Write the actual price you paid. Some people try to write a lower price to reduce sales tax or registration fees, but this is fraud. The DMV may investigate if the price seems unreasonably low for the motorcycle's year and condition. Be honest on the bill of sale.