Motorcycle Bill of Sale (California) and How to Sell a Motorcycle

Selling a motorcycle in California? You need three things: the signed title, a bill of sale for your records, and a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability filed with the DMV within 5 days. Below is a free motorcycle bill of sale you can copy, plus the steps.

Selling your Harley to us? We bring the paperwork and handle it with you at pickup.

Free motorcycle bill of sale (California)

Copy this, fill it in, and make two copies: one for you, one for the buyer. California’s official version is DMV form REG 135, available on the California DMV website.

MOTORCYCLE BILL OF SALE

Date of sale: ____________________
Sale price: $____________________

Motorcycle
Year: ________  Make: ______________________  Model: ______________________
VIN: ____________________________________________
Odometer reading: ______________ miles
License plate: __________________  State: ______

Seller
Name: ________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________
Phone: ________________________

Buyer
Name: ________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________
Phone: ________________________

The seller confirms they are the legal owner and the motorcycle is sold as-is.

Seller signature: _________________________  Date: __________
Buyer signature:  _________________________  Date: __________

How to sell a motorcycle in California: step by step

1. Sign the title (pink slip). Sign on the seller line and fill in the odometer reading if asked. If two owners are listed with “and,” both sign.
2. Fill out a bill of sale. Use the template above or REG 135.
3. Leave the plates on. In California, plates stay with the motorcycle.
4. File the release of liability within 5 days. The Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) can be filed online on the DMV site. This protects you from tickets, tolls and accidents after the sale.
5. Keep copies of everything, plus a photo of the signed title.

Selling a motorcycle without a title

Lost the title? In California you can apply for a duplicate with DMV form REG 227 before you sell. If the title is from another state, or there’s a lien that’s been paid off but not released, it takes a few more steps. Tell us what you have. We buy bikes with lost and out-of-state titles and can walk you through it.

What do I need to sell my motorcycle?

• The title (or a duplicate)
• Photo ID
• All keys
• A bill of sale
• Lien release, if there was a loan
• Service records (helpful, not required)

Selling in Nevada or Arizona?

In Nevada, you keep the plates and sign the title over to the buyer. In Arizona, you remove the plate, file a Sold Notice with the MVD, and the title signature usually needs to be notarized. See our Las Vegas and Phoenix pages.

Questions

Is a bill of sale required in California?

Not always, but it’s strongly recommended. It’s your proof of the date, price and buyer.

Do I need a smog check to sell a motorcycle in California?

No. California doesn’t require smog checks for motorcycles.

Does the bill of sale need to be notarized in California?

No.

Sell Me Your Motorcycles is an independent buyer, not affiliated with or endorsed by Harley-Davidson. Model names are trademarks of their owners.