When buying or selling a motorcycle in Minnesota, you must make sure that you have the necessary forms to document your sales transaction.
Furthermore, those documents need to be filled out in their entirety. An extremely important document to consider is the Minnesota Motorcycle Bill of Sale.
What Is a Minnesota Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form?
A widely recognized legal document, a motorcycle bill of sale reports the purchase and sale of a motorcycle from one party to another.
Much like a receipt, it serves as an official record of the sale transaction and contains details such as the names of both buyer and seller, a short description of the motorcycle, the date the motorcycle was sold, and the agreed-upon selling price.
Is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form Required in Minnesota?
A motorcycle bill of sale is not required by the state but it’s a good idea to have as it supplies an official record of the sale and documents the transfer of ownership.
The state of Minnesota requires a certificate of title to transfer ownership of a motorcycle by signing over the title and then registering with the local Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office.
However, it is important to note that other states may not follow the same procedures.
If there is no certificate of title, a bill of sale can prove invaluable when it comes to getting a new title for your motorcycle, registering it, and driving it legally on Minnesota streets.
Do You Need a Bill of Sale to Register a Motorcycle in Minnesota?
You need a legally valid title to register your motorcycle with the state of Minnesota.
When buying a motorcycle in-state, this generally means bringing a signed-over title to your local DVS office.
However, the Minnesota DVS has different instructions for people who purchase a motorcycle registered in another state that doesn’t issue titles.
In that case and other cases where tangible proof of ownership cannot be established, you will need a Minnesota registration card, a motorcycle bill of sale, an Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle (PS2000), and other documents to title and register your motorcycle.
How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Motorcycle in Minnesota?
Ownership transfer from Minnesota resident to Minnesota resident is relatively straightforward as long as you have a certificate of title.
In most cases, the transfer of ownership must be recorded on the certificate of title and the title submitted with appropriate fees either in person at a local deputy registrar office or by mail to DVS at the following address:
Driver and Vehicle Services – Central Office
Town Square Building
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 187
Saint Paul, MN 55101-5187
In addition, the current Minnesota title has a Minnesota Motor Vehicle Registration Card and a Recorded Owner(s) Record of Sale.
The seller has to complete and remove the Recorded Owner(s) Record of Sale stub from the title and report the sale by mailing the stub to DVS or by filing a report of sale online.
If the motorcycle has never been titled, you can obtain one with a Minnesota registration card and motorcycle bill of sale.
Motorcycle Ownership Transfer With a Bill of Sale Only
If there is no existing motorcycle ownership record, you can use a bill of sale along with other documents to title and register your motorcycle in Minnesota.
Ask the seller to sign section C of the Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle and submit a bill of sale with the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN), as well as the buyer’s name and date of sale.
You will also need to submit a statement of motorcycle history and sales details as well as photos of the motorcycle, complete with a VIN or Federal safety sticker.
Furthermore, you must pay all relevant registration and title fees.
Does a Minnesota Motorcycle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?
Minnesota state law does not require a notary public to witness the signing of a motorcycle title or motorcycle bill of sale by a buyer or seller.
Selling a Motorcycle in Minnesota
Legal Templates has provided an excellent brief guide on How to Sell a Motorcycle in Minnesota and beyond.
Step 1 – Research the Motorcycle’s Value
Use the Kelley Blue Book and similar resources to determine a fair asking price in your area.
Step 2 – Take Photos of the Motorcycle
Be sure to snap quality pics of a clean and polished motorcycle.
Step 3 – Write a Description
In addition to listing the features of your motorcycle, explain why you are selling it.
Step 4 – Gather Essential Paperwork
This might include an existing title or bill of sale as well as maintenance records.
Step 5 – Meeting With the Potential Buyer
Parties should have photo IDs and come prepared with the right documents.
Step 6 – Obtain a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form
You can download a motorcycle bill of sale from Legal Templates.
How to Write a Motorcycle Bill of Sale in Minnesota
In addition to supplying you with fillable motorcycle bill of sale forms, Legal Templates can help you ensure that all the necessary information is present and that your document is filled out in its entirety.
Step 1 – Fill in Buyer and Seller Information
This information includes the following:
- Name of Buyer
- Buyer’s Address
- Seller’s Name
- Seller’s Address
- Buyer’s Printed Name, Signature, and Date
- Seller’s Printed Name, Signature, and Date
Step 2 – Fill in Motorcycle Information
Essential motorcycle information includes:
- Purchase Price
- Make
- Model
- Year
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Color
- Odometer Reading
- Date of Sale
In Conclusion
A motorcycle bill of sale is often an essential legal document, both in Minnesota and elsewhere.
Even when it isn’t a firm legal requirement, this document is a great way to prove the transfer of motorcycle ownership.
Fortunately, it is extremely easy to get a motorcycle bill of sale from Legal Templates.
We have a fillable bill of sale form that is ideal for use in Minnesota. Start building your own document today by following our motorcycle bill of sale template instructions.
Minnesota Motorcycle Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of a Minnesota motorcycle bill of sale form.
