A Rhode Island Motorcycle Bill of Sale is useful when buying or selling a motorcycle, as you can title and register your vehicle with this document.
What is a Rhode Island Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form?
A Rhode Island motorcycle bill of sale form is a legal document that details a motorcycle’s purchase and change of ownership from a seller to a buyer.
The bill of sale includes all pertinent data about the motorcycle, including the year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
It must also contain both the buyer’s and seller’s names and contact information, as well as the purchase price and transfer date.
Rhode Island requires a bill of sale as proof of transfer of ownership for private-party sales. But, buyers and sellers can create and use their own documents with the necessary information.
Is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form Required in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles handles all titling and registration for motor vehicles, including motorcycles. You will need a motorcycle bill of sale to title and register a bike after a private sale.
Sales from dealers, gifts, and other transfers have different requirements for registration.
You can see the accepted document checklist on the Application For Registration and Title Certificate (TR-1).
Do You Need a Bill of Sale to Register a Motorcycle in Rhode Island?
Yes, new owners must present a bill of sale and other paperwork to register a motorcycle.
Bills of sale are necessary for private sales, for motorcycles without titles and those older than 2000.
You can find other documents used to register motorcycles in Rhode Island on the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
Mail-in registrations must be notarized. You may take these documents to your nearest DMV dropbox or mail them to:
Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Registration
600 New London Avenue
Cranston RI 02920
How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Motorcycle in Rhode Island?
The new owner is responsible for filing the title transfer after a private motorcycle sale in Rhode Island.
The new owner must also pay the sales tax, registration, and title fees. Vehicles, including motorcycles, must be titled even if not registered.
Other requirements include the following:
- Certificate of title (for model year 2001 or newer), with odometer reading and seller’s signature on the back of the title.
- Complete an Application for Registration and Title Certificate (TR-1)
- Complete the Sales Tax form (T-334)
- For model year 2001 or newer motorcycles and out-of-state titles, you will need a VIN check
- Bill of sale
- Proof of the previous owner, such as a registration certificate (for non-titled motorcycles)
- Proof of insurance
- Rhode Island license or identification card
- Fees and costs
Motorcycle Title Transfer with a Bill of Sale Only
Transferring a motorcycle in Rhode Island with only a bill of sale is impossible because you need other documentation to show ownership, such as a title or registration certificate (for non-titled motorcycles).
Does a Rhode Island Motorcycle Bill of Sale Need to be Notarized?
A Rhode Island motorcycle bill of sale does not need to be notarized.
Buying and Selling a Motorcycle in Rhode Island
Step 1 – Preparing Your Motorcycle for Sale
Make sure your motorcycle is mechanically sound, clean, and detailed. Even an “as-is” motorcycle should be ready to drive.
If you’re selling a wrecked or salvaged bike, you need to indicate that it is undrivable or that you are selling it for parts.
Buyers should arrange to have the motorcycle examined by a mechanic before finalizing the sale. Lemon laws do not cover “as-is” or used sales.
Step 2 – Determining the Value of Your Motorcycle
Review pricing guides such as Kelley Blue Book or JD Power.
Look at listings in your local section of Craigslist and other online sale sites.
You should have an idea of the actual value of your motorcycle and what local buyers are willing to pay to determine the best asking price.
Step 3 – Advertising Your Motorcycle
Online marketplaces, newspapers, and forums are excellent for local sales.
You might think about having a broker or consignment dealer help you if you lack time to vet all of your potential buyers.
Consider contacting an auction house if you have a vintage or specialty bike (such as a Harley or a racing bike).
Step 4 – Meeting with the Potential Buyer
Meet with your potential buyer to discuss the price and transfer details. Meet during the day in a public location for everyone’s safety.
Buyers should be wary of anyone who wants a “cash hold” or a down payment during negotiations.
Test rides may be problematic, but buyers should at least ask to hear the engine running and observe the motorcycle in action.
How to Write a Motorcycle Bill of Sale in Rhode Island (What to Include)
The motorcycle bill of sale can be a simple legal document.
Still, it must contain all the information necessary to establish who is buying, who is selling, and what changes hands.
Certain information is necessary for the bill of sale to be valid.
Step 1 – Fill in Buyer and Seller Information
Add information about the parties involved in the transaction, including:
- Buyer’s first and last name
- Buyer’s address, city, and ZIP code
- Seller’s first and last name
- Seller’s address, city, and ZIP code
Step 2 – Fill in Motorcycle Information
The following information about the motorcycle itself should be on your Rhode Island motorcycle bill of sale:
- Year, make, and model
- Color
- Body type
- VIN
- Accessories or modifications
- Odometer reading
Step 3 – Sale and Lien Information
The motorcycle bill of sale should also include the following:
- Date of the sale
- Purchase price
- Date of transfer if different from sale date
Step 4 – Buyer and Seller Signatures
- Buyer’s name and signature
- Seller’s name and signature
If there is more than one owner, all owners (as the sellers) must sign the bill of sale.
A motorcycle bill of sale does not need to be notarized. Still, a seller transferring a vintage or modified motorcycle may want to have the document notarized in case any legal issues arise after the sale.
Summary
For private sales transactions in Rhode Island, you’ll need a motorcycle bill of sale to ensure your paperwork is in order.
Use our fillable template to complete your Rhode Island motorcycle bill of sale.
Rhode Island Motorcycle Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of a Rhode Island motorcycle bill of sale form.
