How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in California (2026)
| Titling agency | California DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 7.25% (Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Emissions / inspection | Strict — DOT compliance required before title issue |
| Lien release form | REG 227 ↗ |
How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in California — 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. California 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 California 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. California uses REG 227.
- 4Gather documentation — clean California 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 California 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. California buyers may need to confirm emissions/inspection compliance before registering.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the California title with buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. California requires odometer disclosure for motorcycles under 15 years old.
- 8Notify California DMV — buyer must title and register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with California DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
California lien release procedure
- Obtain REG 227 from the DMV or lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs REG 227.
- Submit REG 227 with title application at DMV or by mail.
- Receive new title without lien notation (allow 4–6 weeks by mail).
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Start My California Motorcycle Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — California
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a motorcycle in California?▾
Yes. California 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 California DMV.
What is the California motorcycle title transfer deadline?▾
California requires the buyer to transfer the title within 10 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties. CA does not require notarization of the bill of sale, but the title transfer (REG 262) must be signed by both parties.
Is sales tax owed on a private motorcycle sale in California?▾
California charges 7.25% sales/use tax on private motorcycle sales. Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate The buyer typically pays the tax at California DMV when titling the motorcycle.
Do I need a notary for a California motorcycle bill of sale?▾
California does not require notarization for a private motorcycle bill of sale. CA does not require notarization of the bill of sale, but the title transfer (REG 262) must be signed by both parties. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for California DMV.
How does a buyer register a motorcycle purchased privately in California?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to California DMV and pays the title fee plus 7.25% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 10 days of the sale date. In California, the buyer may also need to confirm the motorcycle meets state emissions/inspection rules before the title is issued.
Source: California DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07