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 moved from one owner to another. It is not the same as a title — the title is the state document that proves legal ownership. The bill of sale is the paper trail that supports the title transfer at your state's motor vehicle department.
Most states do not legally require a bill of sale for motorcycles, but having one protects both you and the other party. If a dispute arises later — about the condition of the bike, the price paid, or who owned it on a specific date — the signed bill of sale is your evidence. Without one, you have only your word against theirs.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale documents the sale price, the date of transfer, and the signatures of both the seller and buyer, creating a record that protects both parties.
- Include the motorcycle's VIN, make, model, year, and current mileage so there is no confusion about which bike was sold.
- State the sale price in writing, even if you are selling to a family member, because it affects title transfer fees and tax liability.
- Both the seller and buyer should keep a signed copy; some states require you to submit a copy when you register the motorcycle in the new owner's name.
What Information Must Go on the Bill of Sale
Start with the motorcycle itself. Write down the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), the year, make, model, and current mileage. The VIN is the most important identifier because two motorcycles of the same year and model can exist, but the VIN is unique. You can find the VIN on the frame of the motorcycle, usually near the steering head or on a plate attached to the frame.
Next, record the sale price in dollars. Write it out in both numbers and words — for example, "Three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500.00)" — to prevent later disputes about whether the price was $3,500 or $35,000. Include the date of the sale and the condition of the motorcycle at the time of sale (for example, "as-is" or "in running condition").
Add the full names, addresses, and signatures of both the seller and the buyer. Some states ask for driver's license numbers as well. If the motorcycle has a lien on it (meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it), note that on the bill of sale and include the lender's name and contact information.
The Difference Between "As-Is" and Condition-Based Sales
An "as-is" sale means the buyer accepts the motorcycle in whatever condition it is in at the time of purchase, with no warranty from the seller. This protects you from later claims that the engine was faulty or the brakes needed work. Most private sales are "as-is."
If you are selling a motorcycle you have maintained well and you want to note that, you can write "in running condition" or list specific things that work — for example, "engine runs, brakes functional, tires have tread." Be honest about what you are claiming, because if the buyer later discovers you lied about the condition, they may have grounds to dispute the sale or pursue legal action.
The bill of sale is not a warranty document, so do not use it to make promises you cannot keep. Stick to what you know to be true on the day of sale.
Where to Get a Bill of Sale Template
Your state's motor vehicle department website often has a bill of sale form you can read for free. Search "[your state] motorcycle bill of sale" or "[your state] DMV bill of sale" to find it. Some states have a specific form; others accept any written document that includes the required information.
If your state does not provide a form, you can create one yourself using a word processor or read a template from a legal document site. The template does not have to be fancy — a handwritten bill of sale signed by both parties is legally valid in most states, as long as it includes the key information: VIN, sale price, date, and both signatures.
Before you use any template, check your state's motor vehicle department website to see if there are specific fields or language they require. Some states want the odometer reading; others ask whether the title is clean or has a salvage brand. A few minutes of research now saves you from having to redo the form later.
How to Handle the Title Transfer After the Sale
The bill of sale is the first step, but it is not the final one. After you sign it, the buyer will need to take it to your state's motor vehicle department (along with the title, a completed registration form, and proof of insurance) to register the motorcycle in their name. The seller usually does not need to do anything else, but you should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your records.
Some states ask the seller to sign the back of the title as well as the bill of sale. Check your state's requirements before the sale so you know what documents you will need to sign. If you are selling a motorcycle with a lien, the lender may need to sign off on the title transfer, and the bill of sale should note this.
Do not hand over the title to the buyer until you have a signed bill of sale in your possession. The title is proof of ownership, and you want written evidence that the sale took place before you give it up.
What to Do If You Are Buying a Used Motorcycle
As a buyer, insist on a bill of sale before you hand over money. Ask the seller to fill it out completely and accurately. Check that the VIN on the bill of sale matches the VIN on the motorcycle frame and on the title. If they do not match, do not buy the bike — it may be stolen or have a salvage title that the seller is hiding.
Ask the seller to state the mileage on the bill of sale. Later, if you discover the odometer was rolled back, you will have written proof of what the seller claimed. Take a photo of the odometer reading on the day of sale as additional evidence.
Get a copy of the bill of sale before you leave. You will need it when you register the motorcycle and when you explore for insurance. Keep it in a safe place along with the title.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Bill of Sale
Do not leave blanks. If a field does not explore — for example, if there is no lien — write "none" or "N/A" rather than leaving it empty. An empty field can be filled in later by someone else, which defeats the purpose of having a signed document.
Do not use initials or abbreviations for the buyer's or seller's name. Write out the full legal name as it appears on a driver's license. The same goes for the address — use the complete street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
Do not forget to date the bill of sale. The date is the legal proof of when the transfer occurred, and it matters for tax and registration purposes. If you are selling a motorcycle on January 15, write "January 15, 2024" — not "1/15" or "today."
Do not sign the bill of sale unless you are certain about the sale price and the condition of the motorcycle. Once both parties sign, it is a binding document. If you need to make changes after signing, both parties must initial the change and initial the correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a handwritten bill of sale legal?
Yes, in most states. A handwritten bill of sale signed by both the buyer and seller is legally valid as long as it includes the VIN, sale price, date, and both signatures. Typed is cleaner and easier to read, but handwritten works.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am selling to a family member?
Yes. Even though you trust the person, a bill of sale protects both of you. It documents the price paid (which affects registration fees and tax liability) and creates a clear record of ownership transfer. It takes five minutes and prevents confusion later.
What if the seller will not give me a bill of sale?
Do not buy the motorcycle. A seller who refuses to sign a bill of sale is a red flag. They may be hiding a lien, selling a stolen bike, or planning to dispute the sale later. A legitimate seller has no reason to refuse.
Can I use the same bill of sale form for a car and a motorcycle?
Technically yes, but it is better to use a form specific to motorcycles. Some states have different requirements for motorcycles than for cars — for example, they may ask for the engine number in addition to the VIN. Check your state's motor vehicle department website for the correct form.
What happens if I lose my copy of the bill of sale?
Contact the other party and ask for a copy. If you cannot reach them, contact your state's motor vehicle department — they may have a record of the registration transfer. Keep your copy in a safe place, ideally with your title and insurance documents.