Texas Motorcycle Bill of Sale Overview
A Texas motorcycle bill of sale documents the private sale and transfer of a motorcycle. The Texas 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.
Texas requires the motorcycle VIN, engine number, CC displacement, and sale price on the bill of sale. The state charges a 6.25% sales tax on motorcycle purchases. Both the buyer and seller should retain copies of the bill of sale for their records.
Texas's helmet law applies to partial riders. Eye protection is required for all riders in most situations. Texas charges 6.25% state sales tax on motorcycle purchases.
6.25%
Sales tax
30 Days
Transfer deadline
Yes
Notarization required
Partial
Helmet law
Texas Motorcycle Transfer Requirements
Here is what Texas requires when transferring motorcycle ownership through a private sale:
Important: Texas Transfer Deadline
Texas requires the buyer to complete the title transfer within 30 days of the purchase date. A late penalty of $25 after 30 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: Texas driver's license or state ID
- Proof of Insurance: Texas minimum motorcycle liability coverage
- Payment: Title fee ($33), registration ($50.75), and sales tax (6.25%)
How to Fill Out a Texas Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to complete your Texas motorcycle bill of sale correctly:
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name as it appears on the motorcycle title, current Texas 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. Note: Texas requires notarization of the title assignment. Take the documents to the Texas DMV within 30 days.
Texas Motorcycle Registration & Titling
After completing the bill of sale, the buyer must visit the Texas DMV to complete the transfer:
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale and title, exchange payment and keys
Get Motorcycle Insurance
Obtain Texas minimum motorcycle liability insurance
Visit the Texas DMV
Bring all documents, ID, proof of insurance, and payment
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($33), registration ($50.75), and sales tax (6.25%)
Receive New Title and Plate
Texas issues a new title and motorcycle plate in the buyer's name
Texas Motorcycle Endorsement & Safety Courses
Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas public roads. Fee: $16
MSF Safety Course
Completing an approved course may waive the riding skills test
Texas Motorcycle Fees & Taxes
Breakdown of costs for transferring a motorcycle title in Texas:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax | 6.25% of sale price |
| Title Transfer Fee | $33 |
| Motorcycle Registration | $50.75 |
| Motorcycle Endorsement | $16 |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $25 after 30 days |
Sample Texas Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Preview of our Texas-specific motorcycle bill of sale template:
STATE OF TEXAS
MOTORCYCLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motorcycle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Texas Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Texas 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]
Texas Motorcycle Bill of Sale FAQ
Common questions about Texas motorcycle bills of sale, title transfers, and registration.
Official Texas Resources
Official resources for your Texas motorcycle transaction:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Title transfers, registration, and motorcycle info
TxDMV — Buying or Selling
Private party transfer requirements
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Find MSF-approved safety courses in Texas
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 Texas Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Texas? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Texas Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans
Texas Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Texas Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Texas Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Texas General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Texas ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Texas Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Texas Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Texas Motorcycle Bill of Sale
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