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 documents the transfer of a motorcycle from one person to another. It is signed by both the seller and the buyer, and it serves as proof that the sale took place on a specific date for a specific price. The bill of sale is not the same as the title — the title is the legal ownership document issued by your state's motor vehicle department, while the bill of sale is the private agreement between you and the seller that shows the transaction happened.
You need a bill of sale because it protects both you and the seller. For the buyer, it proves you paid for the motorcycle and that the seller agreed to transfer it to you. For the seller, it proves they no longer own it and are not responsible for what happens to it after the sale. Without a bill of sale, disputes can arise about whether the sale actually occurred, what was included, or what price was agreed to. If the motorcycle is later involved in an accident or crime, the seller could be held liable if there is no written proof they sold it.
Most states do not legally require a bill of sale for a motorcycle, but many lenders, insurance companies, and title offices will ask for one. Some states do require it as part of the title transfer process. Even if your state does not require it, creating one is inexpensive and takes minutes — it is one of the simplest protections you can put in place.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale is a written agreement signed by both buyer and seller that documents the motorcycle sale, the date, and the price paid.
- While most states do not legally require a bill of sale, insurance companies, lenders, and title offices often request one before processing a transfer.
- The bill of sale protects the seller by proving they no longer own the motorcycle and are not responsible for it after the sale date.
- You can create a bill of sale using a template from your state's motor vehicle department, a generic template, or by writing one yourself with the essential information included.
- Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale, and it should be kept with your title documents and insurance records.
What information must be included in a motorcycle bill of sale
A bill of sale should include the names and addresses of both the buyer and the seller, the date of the sale, and the price paid. It should also include a complete description of the motorcycle: the year, make, model, color, and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is the most important identifier because it is unique to that specific motorcycle and appears on the title.
You should also note the condition of the motorcycle at the time of sale — whether it is being sold as-is, whether any repairs are needed, or whether any parts or accessories are included in the sale. If the motorcycle has an outstanding loan or lien against it, that should be noted on the bill of sale as well. Some bills of sale include a statement that the seller warrants they own the motorcycle free and clear, or they disclose any liens that exist.
Both the buyer and the seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Some states require the signatures to be notarized, meaning a notary public witnesses the signatures and stamps the document. Check your state's motor vehicle department website to see whether notarization is required where you live. Even if it is not required, notarization adds an extra layer of proof that both parties actually signed the document.
Where to find a bill of sale template for your state
Your state's motor vehicle department often provides a bill of sale template on its website. Search for "[your state] motor vehicle department bill of sale" or "[your state] motorcycle bill of sale" to find the official form. Some states call it a "Notice of Sale" or "Seller's Affidavit." Using your state's official template ensures the document includes everything your state's title office will accept.
If your state does not provide a template, you can use a generic motorcycle bill of sale template from a legal document website or create your own. The key is to include all the information listed in the previous section — buyer and seller names and addresses, date, price, motorcycle description, and VIN. You do not need fancy language or legal jargon; a straightforward, clear document that both parties sign is sufficient.
Some motorcycle dealers and private sellers have their own bill of sale forms. If you are buying from a dealer, ask whether they provide one. If you are buying privately, you can bring a template with you to the meeting, fill it out together, and both sign it on the spot. Print two copies — one for you and one for the seller.
How the bill of sale connects to the title transfer process
When you transfer the title of a motorcycle, you will submit paperwork to your state's motor vehicle department. The title transfer form varies by state, but it typically asks for the seller's name, the buyer's name, the sale price, the VIN, and the date of sale. Many states ask you to attach a copy of the bill of sale to the title transfer process, or they ask you to provide the same information that appears on the bill of sale.
The bill of sale serves as supporting documentation that proves the sale occurred and at what price. This is important because the state uses the sale price to calculate sales tax on the motorcycle. If you and the seller agree on a price, that price goes on the bill of sale and on the title transfer form. The state will tax you based on that reported price.
Some states require the bill of sale to be submitted with the title transfer process; others do not. Either way, it is wise to keep a copy with your title documents. If there is ever a dispute about when you bought the motorcycle or what you paid for it, the bill of sale is your proof.
What happens if you buy a motorcycle without a bill of sale
If you buy a motorcycle without a bill of sale, you can still transfer the title — the seller straightforward signs the back of the title or completes the title transfer form provided by your state. However, you lose the written record of the sale price, the date, and the condition of the motorcycle at the time of purchase. This creates risk for both you and the seller.
For the buyer, the lack of a bill of sale means you have no written proof of what you paid or when you bought it. If the seller later claims the motorcycle was stolen or that the sale never happened, you have no documentation to defend yourself. If the motorcycle has mechanical problems that appear shortly after purchase, you have no written record of its condition at the time of sale.
For the seller, the lack of a bill of sale means they have no proof they sold the motorcycle and transferred ownership. If the motorcycle is later involved in an accident, crime, or unpaid parking tickets, the seller could be contacted because the title still shows their name until the buyer completes the transfer. Creating a bill of sale takes five minutes and eliminates this risk entirely.
Notarization and when it is required
Notarization means a notary public — a person authorized by the state to witness signatures — reviews the bill of sale, checks the identification of both the buyer and seller, watches them sign, and then stamps the document with an official seal. Notarization adds legal weight to the document by confirming that the people who signed it actually did so in front of a witness.
Some states require notarization of the bill of sale; others do not. Check your state's motor vehicle department website or call their customer service line to find out whether notarization is required in your state. If it is required and you submit a bill of sale without a notary stamp, the title office may reject your transfer process and ask you to resubmit it notarized.
If notarization is not required in your state, you can still choose to have it done. Notaries are available at banks, UPS stores, law offices, and some libraries. The cost is usually between five and fifteen dollars. Notarization is optional but recommended if you are buying a high-value motorcycle or if you want extra protection against future disputes.
Selling a motorcycle and protecting yourself with a bill of sale
If you are selling a motorcycle, insist on creating a bill of sale before you hand over the keys or the title. The bill of sale should state the sale price, the date, and the condition of the motorcycle. It should also include a statement that you are selling the motorcycle as-is, or it should list any known mechanical or cosmetic issues. This protects you by documenting what the buyer knew about the motorcycle's condition at the time of purchase.
Do not sign over the title until you have a signed bill of sale in hand. The bill of sale proves you sold the motorcycle and are no longer responsible for it. Without it, if the buyer does not register the motorcycle in their name and it is later involved in an accident or crime, you could still be held liable because the title shows your name.
Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records, along with a copy of the front and back of the title before you signed it over. If there is ever a dispute about the sale, you have documentation that proves when it happened, what price was agreed to, and what condition the motorcycle was in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying a motorcycle from a dealer?
Dealers typically provide their own bill of sale or sales agreement as part of the purchase process. Review it carefully to may support it includes the motorcycle's VIN, the sale price, and the date. If the dealer does not provide one, you can create your own or ask them to sign a template before you leave the lot.
What if the seller will not sign a bill of sale?
A seller who refuses to sign a bill of sale is a red flag. It suggests they may not actually own the motorcycle, there may be a lien against it, or they are trying to avoid a paper trail. Do not complete the purchase without a signed bill of sale. A legitimate seller has no reason to refuse.
Can I write a bill of sale by hand, or does it have to be typed?
A handwritten bill of sale is legally valid as long as it includes all the required information and both parties sign it. Typing it is cleaner and easier to read, but handwriting is acceptable. Make sure the handwriting is legible and both signatures are clear.
What if I lose the bill of sale after I buy the motorcycle?
If you lose your copy, contact the seller and ask for another signed copy. If the seller will not provide one, you still have the title transfer documentation you submitted to your state, which serves as proof of the sale. Keep your bill of sale in a safe place with your title and insurance documents.
Does the bill of sale have to match the price on the title transfer form?
Yes. The sale price on the bill of sale should match the price you report on the title transfer form. Your state uses this price to calculate sales tax. If the prices do not match, the title office may contact you to clarify, or they may reject the process.