Legal Templates

South Carolina Motorcycle Bill of Sale

Create a South Carolina motorcycle bill of sale from our attorney-drafted template so you can correctly document your transaction details.

south carolina motorcycle bill of sale

Updated April 19, 2023
Reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

If you are buying or selling a motorcycle in South Carolina, it is helpful to have a South Carolina Motorcycle Bill of Sale form.

This form is only sometimes required, but it’s a good idea to have one anytime you transfer ownership of a vehicle, including a motorcycle.

Table of Contents

What is a South Carolina Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form?

A South Carolina motorcycle bill of sale form is a legally binding document that details information about the ownership transfer of a motorcycle from a seller to a buyer.

A bill of sale includes sales transaction information such as:

  • Year, make, model, mileage, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Buyer and seller’s full names and contact information
  • Sale price and transfer date

This form is unnecessary for titling and registering your motorcycle in all circumstances. Still, sellers and buyers should always have a bill of sale to protect their legal rights and for tax purposes after the motorcycle transfer.

Is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form Required in South Carolina?

A motorcycle bill of sale is unnecessary for private sales of motorcycles in South Carolina.

In other words, if you want to sell your bike to a friend, acquaintance, or another individual, you may do so without a bill of sale form.

However, if there are any issues with the title or if you encounter any legal problems later regarding the transfer, it will be beneficial to have a bill of sale as proof of the sale and transfer of ownership.

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

A motorcycle must be titled and registered like any other motor vehicle in South Carolina.

New residents and those with newly purchased motorcycles must register with the SCDMV within 45 days of the purchase date.

You only sometimes need a bill of sale form to title and register your motorcycle.

Still, if the original title does not contain the odometer reading and purchase price information on the back, you will need a bill of sale with that information to complete the title and registration. 

How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Motorcycle in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, both the buyer and the seller must notify the SCDMV of the transfer of ownership and complete the following when buying or selling a motorcycle. 

The seller must:

  • Sign the title over to the buyer with the odometer reading at the time of the sale, purchase date, and purchase price on the back of the title
  • Complete Notice of Vehicle Sold (SCDMV Form 416)
  • Drop off Form 416 at any SCDMV branch office or mail it to:

SCDMV
Mail-in Registration
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0036

Completion of Form 416 does not show legal ownership transfer of the motorcycle.

It only protects the seller from any legal responsibilities until the new owner completes the actual transfer of ownership.

The buyer must:

Visit a DMV branch office to title and register the motorcycle or mail (certified mail only) these documents and payments to:

SCDMV
Titles and Registration
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0024

Motorcycle Title Transfer With a Bill of Sale Only

It is generally impossible to transfer the title with only a bill of sale document in South Carolina.

A title transfer in the state requires the motorcycle’s title to be signed over by the previous owner (seller) to the new owner (buyer), along with other supporting documentation.

Does a South Carolina Motorcycle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?

Yes, the bill of sale from either Legal Templates or the SCDMV, Bill of Sale Affidavit (SCDMV Form 4031) must be signed by the buyer and seller and in the presence of a notary public. 

Buying and Selling a Motorcycle in South Carolina

Step 1 – Preparing Your Motorcycle for Sale

Ensure your motorcycle is mechanically sound, clean, and in good condition. Even an “as-is” motorcycle should be ready to drive.

If you’re selling a wrecked or salvaged bike, indicate clearly that it is undrivable.

Step 2 – Determining the Value of Your Motorcycle

Review pricing guides (Kelley Blue Book has a section for motorcycles), local sections of national reviews like JD Power, and other forums.

This will help you have a realistic idea of what your motorcycle is worth in your area.

Step 3 – Advertising Your Motorcycle

Online sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace can be good places to start. You may also want to consider brokers or consignment agents, especially if you have an antique or classic motorcycle.

Consider the value of your bike as well as your target market.

Step 4 – Meeting with the Potential Buyer

Choose a public place to meet with your buyer, especially if you don’t know them. You can negotiate at the first meeting and arrange payment later.

One way to minimize the risk of someone stealing your motorcycle is to avoid test drives until you agree on payment and transfer terms. 

How to Write a Motorcycle Bill of Sale in South Carolina (What to Include)

If you need to use a South Carolina motorcycle bill of sale because you do not have a title or because the title lacks odometer reading or purchase information, you can use Legal Templates’ form or the SCDMV’s form (Form 4031).

You may use any bill of sale that contains the following necessary information.

Step 1 – Fill in Buyer and Seller Information

Include all buyers’ and sellers’ first and last names and complete contact information.

STep 2 – Fill in Motorcycle Information

Add all of the relevant information about the motorcycle, including:

  • Year, make, model
  • Color
  • Body type
  • VIN and license number

Step 3 – Sale and Lien Information

The bill of sale should also include information about the transaction itself, such as:

  • Day, month, and year of the sale
  • Purchase price
  • Date of transfer, if different from the sale date
  • Remaining liens on the motorcycle, if any

Step 4 – Odometer Disclosure

Your motorcycle bill of sale should include the motorcycle’s current odometer reading.

You should also indicate whether the bike is beyond mechanical limits and whether the odometer is known to be incorrect due to malfunction.

Step 5 – Seller, Buyer, and Notary Signatures

The buyer and seller must sign in the presence of a notary, who must attach their jurat if it is not on the form.

A notary jurat includes the notary’s name, signature, and the following language: “Sworn to and subscribed before me [notary’s name] at [location] this [day] of [month], [signed] [Notary’s Name] State of [State] County of [County]).”

Summary

Use a South Carolina motorcycle bill of sale template for your purchase and sale transaction.

South Carolina Motorcycle Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of a South Carolina motorcycle bill of sale form.

south carolina motorcycle bill of sale

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south carolina motorcycle bill of sale

The document above is a sample. Please note that the language you see here may change depending on your answers to the document questionnaire.

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