How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in Rhode Island (2026)
| Titling agency | Rhode Island DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 7% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Emissions / inspection | Standard — DOT sticker on frame is sufficient |
| Lien release form | BAR-MV-013 |
How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in Rhode Island — 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. Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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. Rhode Island uses BAR-MV-013.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island title with buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Rhode Island requires odometer disclosure for motorcycles under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Rhode Island DMV — buyer must title and register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Rhode Island DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
Rhode Island lien release procedure
- Obtain Form BAR-MV-013 from the Rhode Island DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs BAR-MV-013 releasing the lien.
- Submit BAR-MV-013 with the existing title and title application at a RI DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Rhode Island title.
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Start My Rhode Island Motorcycle Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Rhode Island
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a motorcycle in Rhode Island?▾
Yes. Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island DMV.
What is the Rhode Island motorcycle title transfer deadline?▾
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?▾
Rhode Island charges 7% sales/use tax on private motorcycle sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at Rhode Island DMV when titling the motorcycle.
Do I need a notary for a Rhode Island motorcycle bill of sale?▾
Rhode Island does not require notarization for a private motorcycle bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Rhode Island DMV.
How does a buyer register a motorcycle purchased privately in Rhode Island?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Rhode Island DMV and pays the title fee plus 7% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 10 days of the sale date.
Source: Rhode Island DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07