Legal Templates

Virginia Motorcycle Bill of Sale

Create a motorcycle bill of sale from our attorney-drafted template so you can prove motorcycle ownership and document transaction details.

virginia motorcycle bill of sale

Updated April 20, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

When you buy or sell a motorcycle in Virginia, you may need a Virginia Motorcycle Bill of Sale.

A bill of sale form formalizes the transfer of motorcycle ownership in Virginia.

Table of Contents

What is a Virginia Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form?

A motorcycle bill of sale form is an agreement for the purchase and sale of a motorcycle.

It provides details about the buyer and seller, bike, purchase price, and date of sale. Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale.

Is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form Required in Virginia?

Virginia does not require a motorcycle bill of sale to transfer a vehicle.

However, you will need a bill of sale any time you need to show proof of purchase price, such as when you are titling and registering your motorcycle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

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

Yes. You must show proof of purchase price either with a bill of sale or a Vehicle Price Certification (SUT 1) form.

The proof of purchase price helps you calculate your tax and registration fees.

How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Motorcycle in Virginia?

When you purchase a motorcycle from a dealership, the dealer typically handles all paperwork and title transfers.

The parties are responsible for all the title and registration paperwork for private sales.

You will need to bring the following documents to your local DMV office:

  • Certificate of Title, assigned to buyer and with odometer reading
  • Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (VSA 17A)
  • Safety inspection sticker and emissions inspection certificate (if these are not current, you will need to have the motorcycle inspected before it can be registered)
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement (VSA 5) if there is no room on the title for the odometer reading
  • Proof of purchase price (Bill of Sale or Vehicle Price Certification (SUT 1))
  • Proof of address
  • Proof of Virginia motorcycle insurance or a $500 uninsured motorist fee
  • Payment of title fee, registration fee, and sales and use tax

When selling a motorcycle, the seller must sign the title to the buyer.

On the front of the title in Section A, the seller signs their name and provides the buyer’s name and address as well as the odometer reading, and completes the “Sales Price” portion.

In addition, the seller must notify the DMV that the motorcycle is sold. Notice can be given by telephone, online, or at a DMV office. 

First-time registrants and new residents of Virginia must appear in person to register their motorcycles. After that, you can renew online. You have 30 days after purchasing or establishing residency to obtain a new title and registration for your bike.

Motorcycle Title Transfer With a Bill of Sale Only

You cannot transfer the title with a bill of sale only in Virginia. If the seller does not have the original title, they can apply for a replacement title through the Virginia DMV. 

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

The Virginia motorcycle bill of sale does not need to be notarized.

Buyers and sellers may have the document notarized for legal purposes.

Buying and Selling a Motorcycle in Virginia

Step 1 – Prepare Your Motorcycle for Sale

Make sure your motorcycle is 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 for inspection before paying for the motorcycle.

“As-is” or used sales are generally considered final unless there is evidence of fraud.

Step 2 – Determine the Value of Your Motorcycle

Check price guides like Kelley Blue Book or JD Power and review local sales listings before posting your motorcycle for sale.

You should know your motorcycle’s value and what local buyers are paying. This will help you when it’s time to negotiate the sale price.

Buyers should be alert for any after-market components or accessories someone may have used to rebuild the motorcycle.

Manufacturers do not approve some off-brand parts for use in their motorcycles.

Step 3 – Advertise Your Motorcycle

Online marketplaces, newspapers, and forums are best for local sales. Motorcycle shops 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.”

If you want to sell your motorcycle quickly, you can say “best offer” or “OBO,” so you don’t need to argue prices with buyers.

Step 4 – Meet with the Potential Buyer

Negotiations for price and transfer date should occur publicly and during the day.

Avoid exchanging money and the motorcycle the first time you meet the buyer unless you know one another. 

Buyers should ask for a test drive in an enclosed space or parking lot. If not, try to have a mechanic look at the motorcycle as soon as possible after the sale.

If you’re not mechanically savvy, have a mechanic or a friend who knows motorcycles come with you.

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

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

Whenever you need to prove the purchase price or other details about the sale, this document will be your receipt and proof of purchase.

Step 1 – Fill in Seller and Buyer Information

  • Last name, First name, or Business Name
  • Phone Number
  • Address (City, State, Zip Code)
  • Email Address

Step 2 – Fill in Motorcycle Information

  • Year
  • Make
  • Model
  • Body Type
  • Color
  • VIN
  • Odometer Reading

Step 3 – Fill in Sale Information

  • Date of Purchase
  • Sale Price
  • Transfer Date if different from Purchase Date

Step 4 – Signatures

  • Buyer
  • Seller

If more than one owner is on the title, all owners (sellers) must sign the bill of sale.

An officer or authorized representative must sign the bill of sale if a business owns the motorcycle (such as “Motorcycles, LLC”).

Summary

Motorcycle sellers and buyers should include a detailed bill of sale as part of the necessary paperwork during ownership change.

You can create a legal bill of sale using our attorney-drafted template.

Virginia Motorcycle Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of a Virginia motorcycle bill of sale form.

virginia motorcycle bill of sale