Purchasing or selling a motorcycle in Colorado (CO) doesn’t have to be complicated. A bill of sale form is the most crucial document for motorcycle transactions and acquisitions in Colorado.

A bill of sale form can help resolve a legal dispute and prove ownership of a motorcycle (for more details, see below).

This page provides guidelines for the paperwork that’s required to buy or sell a motorcycle in Colorado, as well as the details of the procedures involved in each process.

Table of Contents

What Is a Colorado Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form?
Is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form Required in Colorado?
Do You Need a Bill of Sale to Register a Motorcycle in Colorado?
How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Motorcycle in Colorado?
Can I Transfer a Motorcycle With a Bill of Sale Only?
Does a Colorado Motorcycle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?
Buying and Selling a Motorcycle in Colorado
How to Write a Motorcycle Bill of Sale in Colorado
Summary
Colorado Motorcycle Bill of Sale Sample

What Is a Colorado Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form?

A motorcycle bill of sale form for Colorado documents the sale of a motorcycle in the state from one person to another.

The form lists significant details about the motorcycle, including the make, model, year, vehicle identification number (VIN), and odometer reading at the time of the transaction.

Additionally, it provides information about the buyer and seller, such as names, addresses, and signatures.

A CO motorcycle bill of sale is important because it confirms ownership and can be used if any disagreements or legal problems ever arise with the sale.

Is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form Required in Colorado?

Yes, when buying or selling a motorcycle in Colorado, you must complete a motorcycle bill of sale form.

A bill of sale serves as ownership documentation and safeguards both the buyer and the seller in case of legal disputes.

It’s also helpful when getting a new title and registration in the buyer’s name from the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The buyer and the seller must fill out and sign the bill of sale form.

Each party should keep a copy of the bill of sale for their documentation of the sale.

Do You Need a Bill of Sale to Register a Motorcycle in Colorado?

Yes, a bill of sale is required in Colorado to register a motorcycle. The Colorado DMV needs the details from the bill of sale to calculate sales tax, complete the registration procedure, and establish ownership of the motorcycle.

The original or a duplicate of the bill of sale must be submitted with the Application for Title and/or Registration document when you file for a new title and registration for a motorcycle in Colorado.

The following details should be on the bill of sale:

The name and address of the buyer and seller
The date of the sale
The make, model, year, odometer reading, and VIN of the motorcycle
The purchase price

Depending on the specific circumstances of your registration, the DMV also requires additional documents, such as proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license, odometer disclosure, and an emissions test certificate.

It’s important to remember that if the information on the bill of sale doesn’t exactly match the information on the Application for Title and/or Registration form, the DMV may refuse your application.

Therefore, make sure that your bill of sale is correct and comprehensive before submitting it to the DMV.

How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Motorcycle in Colorado?

You need to take the following steps to transfer ownership of a motorcycle in Colorado:

Step 1 – Complete the Bill of Sale Form

The bill of sale should include the buyer’s and seller’s names and addresses, the sale date, and the motorcycle’s make, model, year, VIN, odometer reading, and purchase price.

Step 2 – Sign Over the Certificate of Title

Complete the motorcycle title transfer by getting the seller to sign the back side of the certificate of title (title documents are usually issued by county DMV offices in Colorado).

If more than one owner is listed on the front of the title, all owners must print and sign their name as the seller.

The buyer must then fill out the Application for Title and/or Registration form and send it to the Colorado DMV with the genuine title, the bill of sale, and any necessary taxes and fees.

The lienholder must also sign the title document if there’s a lien on the motorcycle.

Step 4 – Get an Emissions Certificate

If the buyer lives in one of the designated emissions areas of the state, the buyer must get an emissions certificate from the county in which they live.

Step 4 – Obtain Insurance

Colorado law requires the buyer to acquire liability insurance coverage for the motorcycle before registering it.

Step 5 – Register the Motorcycle

After the title transfer is completed and insurance is acquired, the buyer can register the motorcycle with a county DMV office.

The buyer must send in the Application for Title and/or Registration form, documentation of insurance, and pay appropriate taxes and fees.

A fresh set of license plates must be obtained from the Colorado DMV if the motorcycle was previously registered in another state.

It’s essential to remember that the bill of sale documents the motorcycle’s ownership and transfer, so both the buyer and the seller should retain a copy for their records.

Can I Transfer a Motorcycle With a Bill of Sale Only?

In Colorado, you can’t transfer the ownership of a motorcycle using just a bill of sale. A bill of sale is an important record that attests to the motorcycle’s sale and transfer of ownership, but it’s insufficient to transfer the title to the new owner.

The seller must sign the back of the certificate of title and give it to the buyer to relinquish motorcycle ownership.

The buyer must then finish the Application for Title and/or Registration form and submit it to the Colorado DMV along with the genuine title, the bill of sale, and any necessary fees.

According to the DMV, the new owner must receive the actual title—not just a bill of sale. This is so the buyer can acquire a new title and registration in their name, as the title is the formal record that establishes motorcycle ownership.

Therefore, when selling a motorcycle in Colorado, it’s crucial to ensure the title is correctly passed to the new owner.

Before passing ownership to the buyer, the seller should file for a replacement title if the original is lost or damaged.

Does a Colorado Motorcycle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?

A motorcycle bill of sale must not be notarized in Colorado to be deemed valid. However, both the buyer and the seller should sign the bill of sale in the presence of one another.

Some counties require the signatures notarized if the motorcycle is less than ten years old.

Note that even though notarization isn’t required, it’s still advisable to have a bill of sale notarized to safeguard both parties in the event any legal disputes arise regarding the transaction’s validity.

Buying and Selling a Motorcycle in Colorado

Buying a Motorcycle in Colorado

Step 1 – Research

Do your homework and decide what kind of motorcycle you want to purchase.

Consider your budget, riding experience, and planned motorcycle use.

Step 2 – Find a Motorcycle

Start looking at your choices once you’ve decided on the kind of motorcycle you want to purchase.

You can look through ads from individual sellers, stores, and internet outlets.

Step 3 – Check Out the Motorcycle

It’s essential to inspect the motorcycle closely before purchasing it. You can inspect it yourself or have a professional safety inspection done.

If you can, take it for a test ride and look for any signs of damage or wear and tear.

Step 4 – Negotiate the Price

If you’re happy with the motorcycle’s condition, you can begin price negotiations with the seller.

Step 5 Obtain a Bill of Sale

After you and the seller agree on a price, you must complete a motorcycle bill of sale.

This form should list the motorcycle’s specifications, the selling price, and the names and addresses of both parties.

Step 6 – Close the Deal

After you’ve consented to the conditions of the sale and have a completed bill of sale, you can close the deal by paying the seller and taking ownership of the motorcycle.

Step 7 – Register the Motorcycle

Within 30 days of acquisition, you must register the motorcycle with your local county DMV office.

You must present the signed over title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and any additional necessary documentation to register the motorcycle.

You must also pay the motorcycle title fees, registration fees, and any applicable sales tax.

Step 8 – Obtain a Motorcycle Endorsement

In Colorado, you must have a motorcycle endorsement added to your Colorado driver’s license before operating a motorcycle on a public road.

You must pass a written exam, a motorcycle drive skills test, and a motorcycle operator safety training course to qualify for a motorcycle endorsement.

Remember that some of these steps could change based on whether you’re purchasing a new or used motorcycle.

Selling a Motorcycle in Colorado

Step 1 – Gather Paperwork

Before selling your motorcycle, collect all the required documentation, such as the title, registration, and maintenance or repair documents.

Step 2 – Calculate the Value

Use internet tools such as the Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides, or ad postings to research the value of your motorcycle in your area.

This will help you estimate how much your motorcycle will likely fetch on the market.

Step 3 – Advertise

Create a motorcycle advertisement that includes the make, model, year, miles, condition, and any unique characteristics of your bike.

Place the ad in local publications, social media, or websites.

Step 4 – Show the Motorcycle

When prospective buyers contact you, schedule a time and place to show them the motorcycle.

If they’re sincere about buying it, let them take it for a test ride and be ready to answer any questions they may have.

Step 5 – Negotiate the Price

Once you’ve identified someone interested in purchasing your motorcycle, negotiate the price.

Step 6 – Complete the Sale

After you and the buyer agree on a price, you can proceed with the transaction.

The buyer must be given a bill of sale that states the date of the sale, the parties’ names and addresses, the specifications of the motorcycle, and the purchase price.

The ownership (title) of the motorcycle must also be transferred to the buyer, as outlined in the previous sections.

Step 7 – Cancel Your Insurance and Registration

After completing the transaction, cancel your motorcycle’s insurance and registration to shield yourself from liability.

It’s important to note that the specific steps for buying or selling a motorcycle in Colorado can vary depending on the conditions of the sale. If you have any questions, it’s best to consult the Colorado DMV.

How to Write a Motorcycle Bill of Sale in Colorado

A motorcycle bill of sale in Colorado is easy to write if you include precise details about the buyer, seller, and motorcycle being sold.

Step 1 – Identify the Parties Concerned

Start by stating the buyer and seller’s full names and complete addresses.

Step 2 – Describe the Motorcycle

Include a thorough account of the motorcycle in the description on the form.

This should consider the motorcycle’s make, model, year, VIN, mileage, and color.

Step 3 – State the Selling Price

Clearly state the motorcycle’s agreed-upon sales price.

This should be written in spelled-out and numerical form to prevent any misunderstanding.

Step 4 – Include a Warranty Disclaimer

Indicate that the motorcycle transaction has no promises or guarantees and that it’s being offered “as-is.”

Step 5 – Sign and Date the Bill of Sale

The buyer and seller must both sign and date the bill of sale.

This should occur in the presence of a notary public if you’re using one.

Summary

To summarize, you must use a bill of sale when purchasing or selling a motorcycle in Colorado.

Our automated motorcycle bill of sale template for Colorado with accompanying motorcycle bill of sale template instructions makes creating this document easy.