A motorcycle bill of sale records the sale of a bike: who sold it, who bought it, the VIN, the mileage, the price and the condition you agreed. It gives both people a clear record if a question comes up later.
What it is
A motorcycle bill of sale is a short document that both people sign. It describes the bike with its year, make, model, engine size and VIN, records the odometer reading, states the price and how it was paid, and says what condition and title status it is in. It also lists what was handed over with the bike. It supports the title transfer and does not replace the title.
What to include
- The full names and addresses of the seller and buyer.
- The year, make, model, engine size and color.
- The VIN.
- The odometer reading and the odometer statement.
- The title status: clean, salvage or rebuilt.
- Any modifications from stock.
- The price, the date and how it was paid.
- Whether it is sold as is or with a warranty, and a statement about liens.
- What was handed over, such as keys, manual and service records.
- Signatures from both people, with the date.
How to fill it in
- Copy the VIN from the title, then check it against the number stamped on the bike's frame.
- Enter the year, make, model and engine size.
- Read the odometer and enter it. Use the odometer helper to see whether a federal statement is likely to apply.
- Choose the title status honestly.
- Enter the price, the date and how the buyer is paying.
- Tick what is handed over and describe any modifications.
- Check the preview, download the file, print two copies and sign both.
Common mistakes
- Not mentioning a salvage or rebuilt title.
- Guessing the mileage, or not saying that the odometer was replaced.
- Getting one character of the VIN wrong.
- Leaving out modifications such as a new exhaust or custom parts.
- Forgetting the spare key, the manual or the service records.
- Not mentioning a loan that is still on the bike.
- Not telling the motor vehicle agency about the sale. Many places have a seller's notice or release form that ends your responsibility for the bike.
Selling something else?
Selling in a particular state?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a motorcycle?
It depends on the state. Some motor vehicle offices ask for one when the buyer registers the bike, and others don't. Even where it isn't required, it is good proof of the price, the date and the condition you agreed.
Does a motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarised?
In most places it doesn't, but a few states require a notary for the bill of sale, the title, or both. Check your state's motor vehicle agency before you sign.
What does a salvage or rebuilt title mean?
A salvage title is usually issued when a vehicle was so badly damaged that an insurer wrote it off. A rebuilt or reconstructed title is issued after a salvage vehicle has been repaired and inspected. The names and rules differ by state, but sellers should tell the buyer.
Do I need an odometer statement for a motorcycle?
Odometer rules are usually based on the vehicle's age and weight, not on whether it has two wheels or four. Use the helper above the form to see whether a federal statement is likely to apply, and check your state's rules.
What does as is mean?
The buyer accepts the bike in its current condition, and the seller isn't promising repairs afterward. Local consumer laws can still apply, so honest descriptions matter.
Can I sell a motorcycle without a title?
Usually the buyer needs the title to register the bike in their own name. If the title is lost, the owner should ask the motor vehicle agency for a replacement before selling.
Should we both keep a copy?
Yes. Each person should keep a signed copy.
Official sources
Last reviewed October 5, 2026
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Quicklet provides general document templates, not legal advice. Rules about titles, notaries and odometer statements vary by state and change over time.
Quicklet provides general document templates, not legal advice. Laws vary by location.