Just Sold My Motorcycle in Pennsylvania — What’s Next? (2026)
Need Pennsylvania bill of sale documentation?
If you haven’t generated a Pennsylvania-compliant bill of sale yet, do it now — your proof-of-sale window closes the moment the buyer leaves.
Start My Pennsylvania Motorcycle Bill of Sale →Pennsylvania motorcycle sale facts
| Titling agency | Pennsylvania DMV ↗ |
| Title transfer deadline | 20 days from sale |
| Release of liability | File with Pennsylvania DMV within 5 days |
| Buyer’s sales / use tax | 6% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fee (buyer pays) | $58 |
| Motorcycle identifier | VIN (on frame near steering head) |
Your Pennsylvania motorcycle post-sale checklist
- 1
Keep your signed Pennsylvania bill of sale
This is your proof that you sold the motorcycle on the sale date. If the buyer gets a ticket, is in an accident, or fails to transfer the title within 20 days from the sale date, the Pennsylvania bill of sale shields you from liability. Keep both your copy and a scan for at least 5 years.
- 2
File a release of liability with Pennsylvania DMV
Most Pennsylvania sellers file this online through Pennsylvania DMV within 5 days of the sale. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents become the buyer's responsibility, not yours. Pennsylvania requires the buyer to title the motorcycle within 20 days — your release filing protects you if the buyer misses that deadline.
- 3
Cancel or transfer your motorcycle insurance
Contact your insurer the same day you hand over the keys. Pennsylvania does not require you to maintain insurance on a vehicle you no longer own, but you must not cancel before the sale is complete. If you are replacing the motorcycle with another, transfer the policy instead — many insurers offer a short grace period to bind coverage on the new vehicle.
- 4
Remove your license plate
In Pennsylvania, plates go with the seller — not with the motorcycle. Remove the plate(s) before the buyer drives or rides away. You can return them to Pennsylvania DMV or transfer them to your next vehicle.
- 5
Verify the 20-day title transfer window
Pennsylvania requires the buyer to retitle the motorcycle at Pennsylvania DMV within 20 days of the sale date. If you have not received confirmation that the title has been transferred by day 25, contact Pennsylvania DMV with your bill of sale and release-of-liability filing number to confirm the change of ownership.
- 6
Confirm your Pennsylvania tax obligations (seller's side)
Pennsylvania charges 6% sales/use tax on private-party motorcycle sales — the buyer pays this at Pennsylvania DMV when titling. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. Sellers generally do not owe Pennsylvania sales tax, but if the motorcycle sold for more than your original purchase price you may owe federal capital gains tax. Consult a tax advisor.
- 7
Watch for liens or loan payoff confirmation
If you had a loan on the motorcycle, confirm the lender received the buyer's payoff and has released the lien on the Pennsylvania title before you deliver the title. Pennsylvania uses MV-38L as the lien release form — your lender will file this with Pennsylvania DMV to clear the title record.
Motorcycle-specific note
Motorcycles use a 17-character VIN stamped on the frame near the steering head — confirm it matches the title and bill of sale before the buyer rides away.
Pennsylvania lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form MV-38L (Lienholder's Release).
- Owner submits MV-38L with current title and MV-1 (Application for Certificate of Title) at a PennDOT-authorized center.
- Pay $58 title fee.
- Receive clean title by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pennsylvania
How long do I have to file a release of liability in Pennsylvania?▾
Pennsylvania sellers should file a release of liability with Pennsylvania DMV within 5 days of the sale. Most Pennsylvania sellers can file this online directly through Pennsylvania DMV. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents fall on the buyer.
What is the Pennsylvania title transfer deadline for a motorcycle?▾
Pennsylvania requires the buyer to title the motorcycle within 20 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Do I owe Pennsylvania sales tax on the motorcycle I just sold?▾
Pennsylvania charges 6% sales/use tax on private-party motorcycle sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The buyer typically pays this at Pennsylvania DMV when titling — sellers generally owe no Pennsylvania sales tax on the proceeds. You may owe federal capital gains if you sold for more than the original purchase price.
Does Pennsylvania require a notary on the motorcycle bill of sale?▾
No. Pennsylvania does not require notarization for a private motorcycle bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' full names, addresses, signatures, and the date is sufficient for Pennsylvania DMV.
How does the buyer register the motorcycle in Pennsylvania?▾
The buyer brings the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Pennsylvania DMV, pays the title fee (~$58) plus 6% sales/use tax, and receives a new Pennsylvania title in their name. Transfer must be completed within 20 days of the sale date.
Where is the VIN on a motorcycle?▾
The 17-character VIN on a motorcycle is stamped on the frame near the steering head (headstock). It is also stamped on the engine case in some makes. Confirm the VIN on the frame matches the title and bill of sale before the buyer rides away — a mismatch will block the title transfer at the DMV.
Is motorcycle title transfer different from a car title transfer?▾
The DMV process is the same — bill of sale + signed title + odometer disclosure. Some states have separate motorcycle title forms or lower registration fees. The release-of-liability filing is identical to cars and protects you the same way.
Used BillOfSaleNow for your sale?
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Source: Pennsylvania DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07