How to Fill Out a Maryland Motorcycle Bill of Sale
A Maryland motorcycle bill of sale is a legal document that records the sale price, vehicle details, and buyer/seller identities. Correctly filling it out protects both parties and satisfies the Maryland DMV's title transfer requirements.
Follow this checklist to complete the form correctly in Maryland.
How to fill out a Maryland motorcycle bill of sale
Total time: 5–10 minutes
You will need:
- Signed vehicle title
- Government-issued ID for both parties
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Enter seller and buyer names
Write the full legal names and current addresses of both the seller and buyer exactly as they appear on their government-issued IDs. Errors here can delay the Maryland DMV title transfer.
Add vehicle details
Record the motorcycle's year, make, model, and color. Double-check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the dashboard or door jamb.
Record the sale price and date
Write the agreed sale price in both numerals and words to prevent disputes. Enter the exact date the ownership changes hands — this date triggers the Maryland title transfer deadline.
Disclose the odometer reading
Write the exact mileage shown on the odometer at the time of sale. Federal law (49 CFR Part 580) requires this disclosure for most motor vehicles under 20 years old — omitting it can void the sale.
Both parties sign the bill of sale
Seller and buyer both sign and date the completed form. Each party keeps a signed original. Maryland may require the signed bill of sale at the DMV to complete the title transfer.
Download and print a copy for each party
Print at least two copies — one for the buyer to submit to the DMV and one for the seller to keep as proof the vehicle was sold. Store your copy for at least three years.
3 Mistakes That Can Void Your Bill of Sale
- ❌ Incorrect VIN — Even a single digit error causes the DMV to reject the title transfer. Copy the VIN directly from the dashboard or door jamb sticker, never from memory.
- ❌ Mismatched names — The buyer and seller names must exactly match their government-issued IDs. Abbreviations or nicknames can delay or invalidate the transfer.
- ❌ Missing odometer disclosure — Federal law (49 CFR Part 580) requires the odometer reading for most vehicles under 20 years old. Omitting it can expose the seller to federal penalties.
Maryland Motorcycle transfer fees and requirements
In Maryland, the title transfer fee is $100 and registration costs $135 - $187 for 2-year registration. Motorcycle sales are subject to 6% excise tax on the purchase price or fair market value. Notarization is required for motorcycle bill of sale documents in Maryland. Emission testing is required in Maryland — verify the motorcycle passes before completing the sale.
- Notarized bill of sale required for title transfer
- Safety inspection required before registration
- Emissions testing required in certain counties
- MVA handles title and registration (not DMV)
Maryland sales tax on motorcycle purchases
Maryland has a 6% state sales tax rate. Flat 6% excise tax on purchase price or fair market value. Private-party motorcycle sales in Maryland are subject to sales tax. Excise tax applies to all vehicle sales. The title transfer fee is $100.
Motorcycle market data and safety information
The most common motorcycle makes in private-party sales are Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki. Average private-party motorcycle prices range from $2,000–$20,000. Motorcycles average 2.4 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Brakes.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used motorcycle
Before completing a motorcycle bill of sale in Maryland, verify these safety items:
- Check tire condition — motorcycle tires have a 5-year lifespan regardless of tread
- Inspect brake pads and fluid condition on both front and rear systems
- Verify chain/belt tension and sprocket wear
- Test all lighting including turn signals and brake light
- Check helmet lock and passenger peg integrity
- Verify ABS function (where equipped) by feeling lever pulse during firm stop
- Inspect frame for crash damage — look for paint cracks at steering head
- Test horn and emergency cutoff switch operation
Motorcycle insurance and depreciation in Maryland
Motorcycle insurance averages $700–$1,500/year for full coverage. Sport bikes cost significantly more to insure than cruisers. Motorcycles depreciate 35–50% in the first 3 years. Harley-Davidson and BMW models hold value best. Peak season for private motorcycle sales is late winter to early spring (february–april) as riding season approaches, with an average of 30 days on market.
Motorcycle registration and titling
Motorcycles are classified as "Motorcycle" for registration purposes. No weight-based exemption for motorcycles. All motorcycles under 20 years old require federal odometer disclosure. Federal odometer disclosure is required for motorcycles under 20 years old.
Odometer disclosure for motorcycle sales
All motorcycles under 20 years old require federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580. There is no weight-based exemption for motorcycles. The seller must certify the odometer reading on the title or a separate form.
- Applicable law: 49 CFR Part 580 — Odometer Disclosure Requirements
Required disclosures for motorcycle sales in Maryland
When selling a motorcycle in Maryland, the following disclosures apply:
- Helmet law compliance varies by state — some require helmets for all riders, others only for riders under 18.
- Aftermarket exhaust or engine modifications may affect emission compliance in states with inspection programs.
- Salvage or theft-recovery title brands are common for motorcycles and must be disclosed.
Maryland bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,464 bill of sale documents for Maryland transactions, with 40 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
🔍 Run a VIN Check Before You Sign
A VIN history report reveals accident records, odometer rollback, salvage title history, and recall status — before you hand over the money. Takes 60 seconds.
Get VIN Report — Premium Plan ($19 one-time)Generate your document
If you prefer to generate a completed Maryland motorcycle bill of sale automatically, you can create one here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Maryland bill of sale need to be notarized?
Yes. Maryland requires notarization for vehicle bill of sale documents. Both parties must sign in front of a notary public. Notary fees are typically $5–$15.
What happens if I make an error on the bill of sale?
Do not use correction fluid. Cross out the error with a single line, write the correction next to it, and have both parties initial the change. For significant errors, it is better to complete a new form.
Can I complete the bill of sale before seeing the vehicle?
No. Fill out the bill of sale at the time of the sale, after both parties have inspected the vehicle and agreed on the price. The date on the form should match the actual transaction date.
How many copies of the bill of sale do I need?
Print at least two signed copies — one for the buyer to submit to the DMV and one for the seller to keep as proof of sale. The seller's copy protects them from liability for tickets or accidents after the sale date.
Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price
45% faster sale
Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.
Source: Experian / AutoCheck
$4,000 avg loss
NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.
Source: NHTSA
17.5M private sales/yr
About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.
Source: Cox Automotive 2024
1 in 3 buyers
Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.
Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)
Maryland Motorcycle bill of sale by city
Informational purposes only. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed attorney for jurisdiction-specific guidance on vehicle transfers, title requirements, or related legal matters.