California Motorcycle Bill of Sale — Formal with Notary
Includes a Notary Public acknowledgement section for states or parties that require notarization.
Required fields in this template
Seller full name & address
Buyer full name & address
Year, make, model, and color
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
Engine displacement (cc)
Odometer reading at time of sale
Sale price
"As-is" or warranty condition statement
Date of sale
Seller signature & date
Buyer signature & date
California legal requirements
California does not require notarization. Signatures from both parties are sufficient.
Used alongside the signed title for DMV registration. Many states require it explicitly for off-road vehicles that lack a standard title.
What is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale?
A motorcycle bill of sale documents the private-party transfer of any two- or three-wheeled motorized vehicle — including motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs. It is used alongside the signed title certificate when registering the vehicle at the DMV.
When do you need one?
- Buying or selling a motorcycle, moped, or scooter between private parties
- Transferring an ATV or UTV that requires registration in your state
- Selling a dirt bike or off-road vehicle that may or may not have a title
- Gifting a motorcycle to a family member (use $0 or nominal value)
- Documenting the sale of a custom-built or kit motorcycle
About the Formal with Notary style
The Formal Notary template includes a complete Notary Public Acknowledgement section at the bottom — with fields for county, date, notary signature, and seal. It is designed for states or individuals that require (or prefer) notarized bill of sale documents.
Best for
Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, or West Virginia where notarization is legally required; or any transaction where a lender, insurer, or government office demands a notarized document.
Why this layout?
Even in states where notarization is optional, a notarized bill of sale carries significantly more legal weight — making it much harder for either party to later claim the transaction was coerced or fraudulent.
Legal risks of skipping a bill of sale
A motorcycle bill of sale without proper documentation exposes both buyer and seller to significant liability.
Seller liability for traffic violations
If the buyer fails to re-register the motorcycle, the seller's name remains on the registration. Parking tickets, red-light camera violations, and even DUI incidents can be traced back to the registered owner — the seller.
Stolen bike exposure
Motorcycles are frequently stolen. Always run a NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) check on the VIN before purchase. Document the VIN on the bill of sale and keep a copy for your records.
Off-road vs. street-legal confusion
Many dirt bikes and ATVs are sold without a title and are not street-legal. Without proper documentation, the buyer may not be able to obtain insurance or ride legally, even on private property in some jurisdictions.
How to fill the Formal with Notary template
- 1
Complete Sections 1–3 before visiting the notary — do NOT sign yet
- 2
Bring government-issued photo ID for both parties to the notary appointment
- 3
The notary will verify identities, witness the signatures, and complete the bottom Acknowledgement section
- 4
The notary then applies their official seal to complete the document
- 5
The original (with seal) should stay with the party who needs it for registration or filing
Tips for California motorcycle bill of sale transactions
Verify the VIN on the engine case, frame, and title all match before signing
Note whether the vehicle is street-legal or off-road only
Record the engine displacement in cubic centimeters (cc)
Ask for maintenance records — they establish usage history and help verify odometer accuracy
Frequently asked questions — California Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Does New York require a bill of sale for a motorcycle?
Yes. The NY DMV requires a bill of sale alongside the signed title to complete a motorcycle registration transfer. The document must include the VIN, sale price, and dated signatures.
Can I sell a dirt bike without a title?
Many off-road only bikes never had a title. In New York, a bill of sale plus an MSO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin) or a prior registration is generally accepted. Contact your local DMV for specifics.
Does a motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized in New York?
No. New York does not require notarization for motorcycle bills of sale. Both parties' signatures are sufficient.
What if the VIN has been altered or removed?
Do not complete the purchase. An altered or removed VIN is a strong indicator of a stolen vehicle. Report it to local law enforcement.
Free · No account required
Ready to fill your California motorcycle bill of sale?
Open the Formal with Notary template in our editor — complete it in minutes, download or print instantly.
Edit PDF Online — FreeNever sign without understanding every clause.
BrieflyGo reviews your contracts in plain English — instantly.