How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in Alabama (2026)
| Titling agency | Alabama DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 20 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 2% (Private sales taxed at 2% (reduced from dealer rate)) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Emissions / inspection | Standard — DOT sticker on frame is sufficient |
| Lien release form | MVT 5-13 |
How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in Alabama — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the VIN — on motorcycles the 17-character VIN is stamped on the steering neck (headstock) and on the frame near the engine. Alabama requires this on every bill of sale and the title.
- 2Note the engine displacement — engines under 50cc are classified as mopeds/scooters in many states and may have different titling rules with Alabama DMV; bikes 250cc+ register as motorcycles in every state.
- 3Clear any liens — if the motorcycle was financed, request a payoff quote and lien release letter. Alabama uses MVT 5-13.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Alabama title (no liens), current registration card, maintenance records, original owner's manual if available, and DOT compliance certificate (sticker on the frame) for any mods.
- 5Price the motorcycle — check Kelley Blue Book Motorcycles, NADA Guides (motorcycles), and recent Alabama Cycle Trader / Craigslist comps. Mileage, condition, and aftermarket parts all affect value.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, odometer in miles, sale price, sale date, and both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the Alabama title with buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Alabama requires odometer disclosure for motorcycles under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Alabama DMV — buyer must title and register within 20 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Alabama DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
Alabama lien release procedure
- Obtain Form MVT 5-13 from the Alabama MVD or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs MVT 5-13 releasing the lien.
- Submit MVT 5-13 with the existing title and title application at your county probate court.
- Pay the applicable title fee and receive a clean title by mail.
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Start My Alabama Motorcycle Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Alabama
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a motorcycle in Alabama?▾
Yes. Alabama requires a written bill of sale for private motorcycle transfers to document the VIN, year/make/model, odometer reading, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the motorcycle with Alabama DMV.
What is the Alabama motorcycle title transfer deadline?▾
Alabama requires the buyer to transfer the title within 20 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private motorcycle sale in Alabama?▾
Alabama charges 2% sales/use tax on private motorcycle sales. Private sales taxed at 2% (reduced from dealer rate) The buyer typically pays the tax at Alabama DMV when titling the motorcycle.
Do I need a notary for a Alabama motorcycle bill of sale?▾
Alabama does not require notarization for a private motorcycle bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Alabama DMV.
How does a buyer register a motorcycle purchased privately in Alabama?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Alabama DMV and pays the title fee plus 2% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 20 days of the sale date.
Source: Alabama DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07