How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in Texas (2026)
| Titling agency | Texas DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.25% (Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Emissions / inspection | Standard — DOT sticker on frame is sufficient |
| Lien release form | VTR-262 ↗ |
How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in Texas — 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. Texas 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 Texas 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. Texas uses VTR-262.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas title with buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Texas requires odometer disclosure for motorcycles under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Texas DMV — buyer must title and register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Texas DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
Texas lien release procedure
- Obtain Form VTR-262 from the TxDMV website.
- Lienholder completes Part A (lienholder information) and notarizes.
- Owner submits VTR-262 with title application at the county tax assessor-collector.
- Pay title fee ($33).
- Receive clean title by mail within 2–4 weeks.
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Start My Texas Motorcycle Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Texas
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a motorcycle in Texas?▾
Yes. Texas 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 Texas DMV.
What is the Texas motorcycle title transfer deadline?▾
Texas 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. TX does not require a notarized bill of sale; however, Form 14-317 (Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer) must be notarized.
Is sales tax owed on a private motorcycle sale in Texas?▾
Texas charges 6.25% sales/use tax on private motorcycle sales. Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher The buyer typically pays the tax at Texas DMV when titling the motorcycle.
Do I need a notary for a Texas motorcycle bill of sale?▾
Texas does not require notarization for a private motorcycle bill of sale. TX does not require a notarized bill of sale; however, Form 14-317 (Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer) must be notarized. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Texas DMV.
How does a buyer register a motorcycle purchased privately in Texas?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Texas DMV and pays the title fee plus 6.25% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Texas DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07