How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in New Jersey (2026)
| Titling agency | New Jersey DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.625% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Emissions / inspection | Strict — DOT compliance required before title issue |
| Lien release form | OS/SS-51 or Title (lien section) |
How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in New Jersey — 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. New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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. New Jersey uses OS/SS-51 or Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — clean New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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. New Jersey buyers may need to confirm emissions/inspection compliance before registering.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the New Jersey title with buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. New Jersey requires odometer disclosure for motorcycles under 15 years old.
- 8Notify New Jersey DMV — buyer must title and register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with New Jersey DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
New Jersey lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form OS/SS-51 or the lien release section on the existing NJ title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a NJ MVC agency.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean New Jersey title.
Generate your New Jersey motorcycle bill of sale
Compliant with New Jersey DMV requirements. From $9 — instant PDF, no signup.
Start My New Jersey Motorcycle Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — New Jersey
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a motorcycle in New Jersey?▾
Yes. New Jersey 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 New Jersey DMV.
What is the New Jersey motorcycle title transfer deadline?▾
New Jersey 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.
Is sales tax owed on a private motorcycle sale in New Jersey?▾
New Jersey charges 6.625% sales/use tax on private motorcycle sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at New Jersey DMV when titling the motorcycle.
Do I need a notary for a New Jersey motorcycle bill of sale?▾
New Jersey does not require notarization for a private motorcycle bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for New Jersey DMV.
How does a buyer register a motorcycle purchased privately in New Jersey?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to New Jersey DMV and pays the title fee plus 6.625% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 10 days of the sale date. In New Jersey, the buyer may also need to confirm the motorcycle meets state emissions/inspection rules before the title is issued.
Source: New Jersey DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07