How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in North Dakota (2026)
| Titling agency | North Dakota DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5% (Excise tax applies to all vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Emissions / inspection | Standard — DOT sticker on frame is sufficient |
| Lien release form | SFN 18609 |
How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in North Dakota — 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. North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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. North Dakota uses SFN 18609.
- 4Gather documentation — clean North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota title with buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. North Dakota requires odometer disclosure for motorcycles under 15 years old.
- 8Notify North Dakota DMV — buyer must title and register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with North Dakota DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
North Dakota lien release procedure
- Obtain Form SFN 18609 from the North Dakota DOT or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs SFN 18609 releasing the lien.
- Submit SFN 18609 with the existing title and title application at a county treasurer's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean North Dakota title.
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Start My North Dakota Motorcycle Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — North Dakota
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a motorcycle in North Dakota?▾
Yes. North Dakota 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 North Dakota DMV.
What is the North Dakota motorcycle title transfer deadline?▾
North Dakota requires the buyer to transfer the title within 30 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 North Dakota?▾
North Dakota charges 5% sales/use tax on private motorcycle sales. Excise tax applies to all vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at North Dakota DMV when titling the motorcycle.
Do I need a notary for a North Dakota motorcycle bill of sale?▾
North Dakota does not require notarization for a private motorcycle bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for North Dakota DMV.
How does a buyer register a motorcycle purchased privately in North Dakota?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to North Dakota DMV and pays the title fee plus 5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: North Dakota DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07