Legal Templates

Washington, DC Motorcycle Bill of Sale

Create a motorcycle bill of sale for Washington, DC so you can document all the details of your sale and prove new ownership.

Updated April 21, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

When you buy or sell a motorcycle in DC, you need a Washington, DC motorcycle bill of sale form.

Buyers and sellers can use this online template to create a motorcycle bill of sale to record the motorcycle sale and for titling and registration.

Table of Contents

What Is a Washington, DC Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form?

A Washington, DC Motorcycle Bill of Sale documents the transfer of ownership and acts as proof of purchase.

It provides details about the buyer and seller, motorcycle, purchase price, and date of sale.

In addition to being required by the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a bill of sale protects the parties if there is any dispute about the title transfer.

Is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form Required in Washington, DC?

Yes, Washington, DC requires a bill of sale to transfer motorcycle ownership.

You can create your bill of sale using our online template.  

Do You Need a Bill of Sale To Register a Motorcycle in Washington, DC?

Yes, you need a bill of sale to register a motorcycle in Washington, DC.

The bill of sale is one of the documents required to obtain a title and the buyer must have the current title to register with the DMV. 

How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Motorcycle in Washington, DC?

All motorcycles housed and operated in DC must be titled and registered in the District.

If you move to Washington, DC and have a valid registration from another jurisdiction, you can check to see if you have reciprocity in DC.

Otherwise, you will need to title and register your motorcycle in DC.

After purchasing a motorcycle, whether privately or from a dealer, you must obtain the title. The following original documents are required to get a new DC motorcycle title:

  • Current title, signed over by seller to buyer 
  • Motorcycle bill of sale
  • Proof of insurance 
  • Proof of Valid Odometer Statement (certification of odometer mileage on back of title)
  • DC DMV driver’s license or ID card

To register a newly-purchased motorcycle, visit a DMV Service Center location. You will need to bring the following documentation:

  • Proof of identification for the owner(s)
  • Proof of motorcycle insurance for DC.
  • Title signed to the new owner, with odometer reading
  • Taxes and fees

Renewals can be processed online or by mail. Owners will receive a notice 60 days before their registration expires.

There may be other requirements for online registration renewal.

Motorcycle Title Transfer With a Bill of Sale Only

You cannot transfer title with a bill of sale only in Washington, DC if the original title has been lost or stolen, the owner must request a duplicate title online, by mail, or at a DMV service center.

If the original owner is unavailable or the motorcycle was titled in another jurisdiction, the new owner should contact the DC DMV for assistance.

Does a Washington, DC Motorcycle Bill of Sale Need To Be Notarized?

No. A Washington, DC motorcycle bill of sale only needs to be notarized if the buyer and seller want it notarized for legal purposes.

Buying and Selling a Motorcycle in Washington, DC.

Prepare Your Motorcycle for Sale

Be sure you have a clean title and that all liens have been paid and removed from the title. Your motorcycle should be mechanically sound, clean, and detailed.

Even an “as-is” motorcycle should be ready for transfer to the new buyer.

Buyers should take the motorcycle to a mechanic before agreeing to buy the bike. “As-is” or used sales are generally considered final unless there is evidence of fraud.

Ask to see the title and compare the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the title to the one on the bike.

Determine the Value of Your Motorcycle

Confirm the bike’s value through Kelley Blue Book or JD Power and review local sales listings so you know the value before posting your motorcycle for sale. 

Buyers should know what their desired model costs and how much they will pay.

Be alert to deals that seem too good to be true. They probably are.

Advertise Your Motorcycle

Consider online marketplaces, newspapers, and forums for local sales. Motorcycle shops or community centers may allow you to post flyers or ads.

Vintage or specialty bikes have specialty markets, so you may want a broker to sell for you. 

If you don’t want to haggle, your ad should say “firm price” or “fixed price.” “Best offer” or “OBO” may help sell the bike quickly.

Buyers should not argue over “firm price” listings.

Meet With the Potential Buyer

Negotiations for price and transfer date should occur publicly and during the day. Only exchange the title and money immediately if you know one another.

If you have the maintenance records, you should bring those to your meeting or make copies for your prospective buyer.

Buyers should ask for a test drive or should at least ask to inspect the engine. Also, ask when the motorcycle was last serviced and if you can see the records.

How To Write a Motorcycle Bill of Sale in Washington, DC (What to Include)

A Washington, DC motorcycle bill of sale should include all pertinent information about the motorcycle, buyer and seller, sale date, and purchase amount.

Used motorcycles in private sales are typically sold as-is without any warranty unless the bill of sale specifies otherwise.

Fill in Seller and Buyer Information

  • Last name, first name, or business name
  • Phone number
  • Address
  • City
  • State
  • Zip Code

Fill in Motorcycle Information

  • Year
  • Make
  • Model
  • Body type
  • Color
  • VIN
  • Odometer reading

Fill in Sale Information

  • Date of purchase
  • Sale price
  • Transfer date if different from purchase date

Signatures

  • Buyer
  • Seller

If more than one owner is listed on the title, everyone listed on the title must sign as seller on the bill of sale.

If the motorcycle is owned by a business (such as “Bikes Inc.”), an officer or authorized representative may sign the bill of sale.

Summary

A motorcycle bill of sale is a helpful document when you are selling a bike and want to record all transaction details.

This form can assist you should problems arise with paperwork or the other party to the sale. Use our legal form builder to create a motorcycle bill of sale for Washington, DC.

Washington, DC Motorcycle Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of a Washington, DC motorcycle bill of sale form.

washington, dc motorcycle bill of sale