Legal Templates

Massachusetts Motorcycle Bill of Sale

Create a motorcycle bill of sale form for Massachusetts to document your transaction and prove motorcycle ownership.

Updated April 14, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

Attempting to write a bill of sale by hand often results in sellers leaving important information out. These omissions can result in an invalid transaction.

By using an accurate motorcycle bill of sale template for Massachusetts, sellers and buyers can avoid unnecessary issues.

These are items people need to know about the purchase, sale, ownership transfer, titling, and registration of a motorcycle in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

What Is a Massachusetts Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form?

A motorcycle bill of sale form for Massachusetts is easy to complete and documents the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer.

The bill of sale, along with the previous registration, may be the only documents that show the ownership of an older motorcycle.

Is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form Required in Massachusetts?

A motorcycle bill of sale for Massachusetts provides the state with all the essential information about the parties and the motorcycle.

It also demonstrates that the buyer and seller entered into a legally binding agreement, along with the purchase price.

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) requires all this information to process the title and registration, collect taxes, and charge fees.

While not required to prove ownership if the motorcycle has a current title, a motorcycle bill of sale is still an extremely useful document to have as a record of the transfer of ownership.

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

You must register a two-wheeler if you plan to operate it on public roads.

A certificate of title or a motorcycle bill of sale and previous registration (if exempt from the title) are required to show proof of ownership to register and title your motorcycle.

It’s also crucial in the event that the title is lost and you need to apply for a duplicate.

Models manufactured in 1980 or prior are exempt from having a title and in those instances, the bill of sale proves ownership.

How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Motorcycle in Massachusetts?

The Commonwealth has a few options for transferring ownership of a motorcycle.

Vehicles can be gifted or transferred to an immediate family member by filling out forms that indicate no consideration was received.

Forms MVU-26 (Family Transfer) or MVU-24 (Gift) can help accomplish these types of transfer of ownership. 

For private sales between individuals, the Commonwealth tasks buyers and sellers with following these steps:

Step 1 – Apply

Complete a Registration and Title Application

Step 2 – Title

Complete the back of the Certificate of Title, assigning the title from the seller to the buyer and retaining a copy.

If there is no title, fill out and sign a motorcycle bill of sale template for Massachusetts and submit it along with the previous owner’s registration.

The documents must be signed by both the seller and buyer and contain the motorcycle’s current mileage.

Step 3 – Insurance and Identification

Gather other required documents such as proof of insurance and driver’s license or state identification.

Step 4 – Plates

Remove the plates and return them to the RMV to cancel the registration.

You may incur vehicle taxes beyond the cancellation date. This can be resolved by presenting your receipt and a copy of your bill of sale to the tax assessor.

Step 5 – Register

The buyer makes an appointment at an RMV Service Center to register and title the motorcycle and pay the registration fee, title fee and sales tax.

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

If the motorcycle was manufactured before 1980, it may not have a title, in which case you would submit the previous registration and bill of sale for registration purposes.

Newer models require a title for registration.

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

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not mandate that the bill of sale be notarized.

Buying and Selling a Motorcycle in Massachusetts

When selling a motorcycle in Massachusetts, it’s important to conduct due diligence and maximize potential profits.

It’s also crucial to employ a thorough bill of sale to ensure the transaction goes as smoothly as cruising the open road. Consider these tips when selling or buying a motorcycle.

Step 1 – Prepare to Show the Motorcycle

Have a certified mechanic inspect the bike and resolve any safety issues.

Then wash and wax the motorcycle to make it presentable for a showing.

Step 2 – Determine the Motorcycle’s Value

Determining an accurate asking price has never been easier. There are plenty of online platforms for determining the motorcycle’s value in your area.

Simply input information, such as make, model, year, color, mileage, and condition into these digital platforms.

Buyers would also be well-served to check these platforms when negotiating a sale price.

Step 3 – Post a For Sale Motorcycle Listing

Write a one-paragraph description and use bullet points to indicate the motorcycle’s make, model, mileage, year, and condition.

Take photographs with your cellphone or a digital camera that shows the bike in a favorable light. These are popular platforms to post your advertisement:

It may prove advantageous to try a traditional classified ad in a local paper.

And, “For Sale” yard signs never go out of style.

Step 4 – Meeting With the Potential Buyer

Before scheduling the meeting, download a form that relieves you of any liability in the event the buyer gets injured during a test drive.

Both parties may engage in a bit of haggling before agreeing on the sale price and terms.

Finalize the details by filling out a printable motorcycle bill of sale for Massachusetts.

How to Write a Motorcycle Bill of Sale in Massachusetts

When there are errors or omissions on a bill of sale, the DMV is likely to reject it and send the parties back to square one.

By contrast, an accurate motorcycle bill of sale template for Massachusetts provides defined spaces for all the pertinent information, including the following:

Step 1 – Buyer and Seller Information

Include both parties’ names, addresses, and contact information.

Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the document to make it a binding contract.

Step 2 – Fill in Motorcycle Information

Details such as the motorcycle’s year, make, model, mileage, color, and vehicle identification number (VIN) must be on the Massachusetts motorcycle bill of sale.

This information is critical to creating a complete record of the transaction.

Summary

Using a Massachusetts Motorcycle Bill of Sale from Legal Templates makes the selling process go smoothly.

Our printable bill of sale template serves as an accurate guide that ensures buyers and sellers can create valid and legally binding agreements.

Massachusetts Motorcycle Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of what a Massachusetts motorcycle bill of sale looks like.

massachusetts motorcycle bill of sale