California Motorcycle Bill of Sale Overview
A California motorcycle bill of sale documents the private sale and transfer of a motorcycle. The California DMV requires proper documentation including a signed title and bill of sale to process ownership transfers. The bill of sale establishes the transaction details and sale price for tax purposes.
California requires the motorcycle VIN, engine number, CC displacement, and sale price on the bill of sale. The state charges a 7.25% sales tax on motorcycle purchases. Both the buyer and seller should retain copies of the bill of sale for their records.
California's helmet law applies to all motorcycle riders and passengers. Eye protection is required for all riders in most situations. California charges 7.25% state sales tax on motorcycle purchases.
7.25%
Sales tax
10 Days
Transfer deadline
No
Notarization required
All riders
Helmet law
California Motorcycle Transfer Requirements
Here is what California requires when transferring motorcycle ownership through a private sale:
Important: California Transfer Deadline
California requires the buyer to complete the title transfer within 10 days of the purchase date. A late penalty of $30 after 10 days applies. The date on your bill of sale starts this deadline.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Motorcycle Title: Sign the title and fill in the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale: A completed motorcycle bill of sale with VIN, engine number, CC displacement, price, date, and both signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement stating mileage and accuracy
- Lien Release: If the motorcycle had financing, a lien release from the lender is required
What the Buyer Must Bring to the DMV
- Signed Title: With seller's signature and all fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: California driver's license or state ID
- Proof of Insurance: California minimum motorcycle liability coverage
- Payment: Title fee ($23), registration ($60+), and sales tax (7.25%)
How to Fill Out a California Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to complete your California motorcycle bill of sale correctly:
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name as it appears on the motorcycle title, current California address, and phone number.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name, current address, and phone number. The name should match exactly how it will appear on the new title.
Describe the Motorcycle
Enter the year, make, model, color, VIN (from the steering neck), engine number, CC displacement, and motorcycle type (sport bike, cruiser, touring, dual-sport, scooter, dirt bike, custom/chopper, or vintage).
Record the Odometer and Sale Price
Document the current odometer mileage and enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method used.
Sign and Date
Both buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies. Take the documents to the California DMV within 10 days.
California Motorcycle Registration & Titling
After completing the bill of sale, the buyer must visit the California DMV to complete the transfer:
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale and title, exchange payment and keys
Get Motorcycle Insurance
Obtain California minimum motorcycle liability insurance
Visit the California DMV
Bring all documents, ID, proof of insurance, and payment
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($23), registration ($60+), and sales tax (7.25%)
Receive New Title and Plate
California issues a new title and motorcycle plate in the buyer's name
California Motorcycle Endorsement & Safety Courses
California requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license to ride on public roads. You must pass a written knowledge test and a riding skills test at a DMV office, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course to waive the skills test.
Motorcycle safety courses are available throughout California through MSF-approved training providers. The basic course covers fundamental riding skills and waives the DMV riding test. Completing the course may also qualify you for insurance discounts.
Motorcycle Endorsement
Required to ride on California public roads. Fee: $37
MSF Safety Course
Completing an approved course may waive the riding skills test
California Motorcycle Fees & Taxes
Breakdown of costs for transferring a motorcycle title in California:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax | 7.25% of sale price |
| Title Transfer Fee | $23 |
| Motorcycle Registration | $60+ |
| Motorcycle Endorsement | $37 |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $30 after 10 days |
Sample California Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Preview of our California-specific motorcycle bill of sale template:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
MOTORCYCLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motorcycle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [California Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [California Address]
MOTORCYCLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Engine #: [Engine Number]
CC: [Displacement] Type: [Motorcycle Type]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
California Motorcycle Bill of Sale FAQ
Common questions about California motorcycle bills of sale, title transfers, and registration.
Official California Resources
Official resources for your California motorcycle transaction:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Title transfers, registration, and motorcycle info
California DMV — Titles
Title transfer forms and procedures
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Find MSF-approved safety courses in California
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements
NICB VINCheck
Free check if a motorcycle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify motorcycle specifications
Other California Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for California? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
California Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans
California Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
California Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
California Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
California General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
California ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
California Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
California Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your California Motorcycle Bill of Sale
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