Legal Templates

Wisconsin Motorcycle Bill of Sale

Create a motorcycle bill of sale for Wisconsin so you can document the details of your transaction and prove motorcycle ownership change.

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

You may need a Wisconsin Motorcycle Bill of Sale form if you buy or sell a motorcycle in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin does not require a bill of sale to register motorcycles in the state, but you may want one to protect your legal rights.

Table of Contents

What Is a Wisconsin Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form?

A motorcycle bill of sale form documents the change in ownership and includes details about the buyer and seller, the motorcycle, the purchase price, and the date of sale.

You can use a bill of sale to protect your legal rights if there is any dispute about the title transfer.

Is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form Required in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin does not require a bill of sale to transfer motorcycle ownership. 

Do You Need a Bill of Sale To Register a Motorcycle in Wisconsin?

A bill of sale is not required to register a motorcycle in Wisconsin.

However, when purchasing a motorcycle, you must obtain the motorcycle’s title properly assigned to you as well as some other supporting documentation.

How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Motorcycle in Wisconsin?

The buyer and seller must notify the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for private sales between individuals.

If you are the seller, you must complete the Seller Notification Form, which can be completed online, within 30 days of the transfer.

The Seller Notification page includes a link to video instructions on what else you must do when selling a motorcycle.

The seller must sign and date the motorcycle’s title in the section for the selling owner(s).

If there are multiple owners, then all owners must sign. In addition, the seller must complete the following sections on the title: odometer mileage statement, selling price, and brand disclosure area (if applicable).

If you are the buyer, you can bring the required documents in person to your nearest DMV Service Center, send them by mail, or apply online.

You will need the following documents:

  • Certificate of title, signed by the previous owner, with an odometer reading
  • Title/license application (MV1)
  • Driver’s license or proof of identification
  • Taxes and fees — calculated based on information in the title/license application instructions

Some counties may require emissions testing. Before completing your title application, you can confirm any additional requirements with your DMV Service Center.

If you want to mail your forms, make the payment with a check or money order payable to the Registration Fee Trust, and address the envelope as follows:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

PO Box 7949

Madison, WI 53707-7949 

You must have Wisconsin license plates or a temporary plate within two business days of purchase to operate your motorcycle.

Complete the temporary license plate application and bring it to your nearest DMV Service Center.

Motorcycle Title Transfer With a Bill of Sale Only

Transferring a motorcycle title in Wisconsin with only a motorcycle bill of sale is impossible because you must have a certificate of title.

If the seller does not have the original title, they must apply for a replacement title.

If the previous owner is unavailable or cannot obtain a replacement title, you must apply for a surety bonded title to transfer the motorcycle to your name. 

Does a Wisconsin Motorcycle Bill of Sale Need To Be Notarized?

A Wisconsin motorcycle bill of sale does not need to be notarized, but you can get it notarized if you want to for legal purposes.

Buying and Selling a Motorcycle in Wisconsin

To buy a motorcycle, you should first determine your budget, browse sales that fit within that budget, and meet with potential sellers when you find one that could fit your needs. 

To sell a motorcycle in Wisconsin, prepare it by gathering the necessary documents, determining the value of your bike, advertising it, and meeting with interested buyers.

Preparing a Motorcycle for Sale

Ensure that you have a clean title and that all liens have been paid and removed from the title.

Your motorcycle should be mechanically sound, clean, and detailed. Even if it is an “as-is” sale, the bike should be ready for transfer to the new buyer.

“As-is” or used sales are generally final unless there is evidence of fraud, so it is a good idea for the buyer to take the motorcycle to a mechanic to ensure it is in working order before purchasing it. 

Determining the Value of a Motorcycle

As the seller, you should confirm the value of your motorcycle through Kelley Blue Book or JD Power and review local sales listings.

As the buyer, you should know what your desired model costs and how much you will pay. 

Advertising a Motorcycle

Consider online marketplaces, newspapers, and forums for local sales.

Ask motorcycle shops or community centers if you can post flyers or ads.

Vintage or specialty bikes have niche markets, so you may want to have a broker do your selling for you. 

Meeting With Potential Buyers and Sellers

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

Only exchange the title and money at the initial meeting if both parties know one another. 

When buying, you should ask for a test drive or at least ask to inspect the engine. Ask when the seller last serviced the motorcycle and if you can see the records.

How To Write a Motorcycle Bill of Sale in Wisconsin and What To Include

When writing a Wisconsin motorcycle bill of sale, it is important to include all the relevant details about the motorcycle, the buyer, and the seller.

You should note any accessories, aftermarket additions, or modifications as well. Here are the key elements you must include:

Buyer and Seller Information

  • First and last name or business name
  • Phone number
  • Address (City, State, Zip Code)

Motorcycle Information

  • Year
  • Make
  • Model
  • Body type
  • Color
  • VIN
  • Odometer reading

Sale Information

  • Date of purchase
  • Sale price
  • Transfer date if different from purchase date

Both the buyer and seller must sign the motorcycle bill of sale. If there is more than one owner listed on the title, all owners must sign as sellers.

If a business owns the motorcycle,  an officer or authorized company representative must sign the bill of sale.

Wisconsin’s lemon law and the “three-day cooling off period” apply only to motorcycles sold through a dealership and under specific conditions.

They do not apply to private sales or used motorcycles.

Summary

To simplify the purchase and ownership transfer process, and ensure you have all the forms to legally solidify your sale, use our motorcycle bill of sale template.

Wisconsin Motorcycle Bill of Sale Sample

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

wisconsin motorcycle bill of sale