Salisbury, Maryland
Salisbury Motorcycle Bill of Sale Requirements
Complete requirements checklist for a motorcycle bill of sale in Salisbury, Maryland. Includes exact fees, notarization rules, and where to file at the MVA – Salisbury.
Fees, notarization rules, and filing addresses on this page are reviewed against 49 CFR Part 580 — Odometer Disclosure Requirements and the MVA – Salisbury. Source documents are cross-checked each quarter so Salisbury buyers and sellers always see the current Maryland motorcycle bill of sale standard, not stale third-party summaries.
Title Transfer Fee
$100.00
Sales Tax Rate
7.50%
Notarization
Required
Required Fields — Salisbury Motorcycle Bill of Sale
All of the following must appear on a valid motorcycle bill of sale in Salisbury, Maryland:
- ✓Full legal name and current address of seller
- ✓Full legal name and current address of buyer
- ✓Agreed sale price (in numerals and words)
- ✓Date of sale
- ✓Motorcycle year, make, model, and body style
- ✓17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- ✓Odometer reading at time of sale (federal disclosure required for most motor vehicles under 10 years old)
- ✓Signature of seller (must be notarized)
- ✓Signature of buyer (must be notarized)
Notarization in Salisbury: Required
Maryland requires both buyer and seller to sign the motorcycle bill of sale in front of a licensed notary public. Maryland requires notarization of the bill of sale or title assignment for vehicle transfers. Visit a local notary public before submitting documents. Find a notary at a bank, credit union, UPS Store, or via online notarization (Proof, Notarize.com).
Maryland Motorcycle transfer fees and requirements
In Maryland, the title transfer fee is $100 and registration costs $135 - $187 for 2-year registration. Motorcycle sales are subject to 6% excise tax on the purchase price or fair market value. Notarization is required for motorcycle bill of sale documents in Maryland. Emission testing is required in Maryland — verify the motorcycle passes before completing the sale.
- Notarized bill of sale required for title transfer
- Safety inspection required before registration
- Emissions testing required in certain counties
- MVA handles title and registration (not DMV)
Maryland sales tax on motorcycle purchases
Maryland has a 6% state sales tax rate. Flat 6% excise tax on purchase price or fair market value. Private-party motorcycle sales in Maryland are subject to sales tax. Excise tax applies to all vehicle sales. The title transfer fee is $100.
Motorcycle market data and safety information
The most common motorcycle makes in private-party sales are Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki. Average private-party motorcycle prices range from $2,000–$20,000. Motorcycles average 2.4 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Brakes.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used motorcycle
Before completing a motorcycle bill of sale in Maryland, verify these safety items:
- Check tire condition — motorcycle tires have a 5-year lifespan regardless of tread
- Inspect brake pads and fluid condition on both front and rear systems
- Verify chain/belt tension and sprocket wear
- Test all lighting including turn signals and brake light
- Check helmet lock and passenger peg integrity
- Verify ABS function (where equipped) by feeling lever pulse during firm stop
- Inspect frame for crash damage — look for paint cracks at steering head
- Test horn and emergency cutoff switch operation
Motorcycle insurance and depreciation in Maryland
Motorcycle insurance averages $700–$1,500/year for full coverage. Sport bikes cost significantly more to insure than cruisers. Motorcycles depreciate 35–50% in the first 3 years. Harley-Davidson and BMW models hold value best. Peak season for private motorcycle sales is late winter to early spring (february–april) as riding season approaches, with an average of 30 days on market.
Motorcycle registration and titling
Motorcycles are classified as "Motorcycle" for registration purposes. No weight-based exemption for motorcycles. All motorcycles under 20 years old require federal odometer disclosure. Federal odometer disclosure is required for motorcycles under 20 years old.
Motorcycle title transfer rules
Motorcycle title transfer requires a signed title and bill of sale. Unlike cars, motorcycles have no federal odometer exemption based on weight, so all motorcycles under 20 years old require odometer disclosure. Motorcycle titles include engine displacement (cc) and may differ from car titles in format. Some states issue a separate MCO (Manufacturer Certificate of Origin) for new motorcycles instead of a title.
Odometer disclosure for motorcycle sales
All motorcycles under 20 years old require federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580. There is no weight-based exemption for motorcycles. The seller must certify the odometer reading on the title or a separate form.
- Applicable law: 49 CFR Part 580 — Odometer Disclosure Requirements
Required disclosures for motorcycle sales in Maryland
When selling a motorcycle in Maryland, the following disclosures apply:
- Helmet law compliance varies by state — some require helmets for all riders, others only for riders under 18.
- Aftermarket exhaust or engine modifications may affect emission compliance in states with inspection programs.
- Salvage or theft-recovery title brands are common for motorcycles and must be disclosed.
Maryland bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,464 bill of sale documents for Maryland transactions, with 40 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
Where to File — Salisbury Title Office
Office
MVA – Salisbury
Address
Visit https://mva.maryland.gov for the nearest Salisbury, MD office
Phone
See state DMV website for local office phone numbers
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Additional requirements in Salisbury County:
- Complete a title transfer at your local Maryland title office within the required timeframe
- Excise tax applies to all vehicle sales
- Both buyer and seller should retain a signed copy of the bill of sale
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of insurance
What to Bring to the MD DMV
- 1Completed, signed motorcycle bill of sale (notarized)
- 2Motorcycle title signed over by seller on the back
- 3Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- 4Payment for title transfer fee: $100.00
- 5Payment for sales tax (7.50% of sale price)
- 6Odometer disclosure statement (if not included on title)
FAQ — Motorcycle Bill of Sale Requirements in Salisbury
- What are the required fields on a motorcycle bill of sale in Salisbury?
- A valid motorcycle bill of sale in Salisbury, Maryland must include both parties' full legal names and addresses, sale date, agreed sale price, VIN, year, make, model, and signatures of buyer and seller. Notarization is required in Maryland.
- What is the title transfer fee for a motorcycle in Salisbury?
- The title transfer fee in Salisbury County is $100.00. The motorcycle sales tax rate is 7.50%. Maryland state rate 6% + estimated local taxes (verify with your county)
- Is notarization required for a motorcycle bill of sale in Salisbury?
- Yes. Maryland requires notarization of the bill of sale or title assignment for vehicle transfers. Visit a local notary public before submitting documents.
- Where do I file a motorcycle title transfer in Salisbury?
- File the title transfer at the MVA – Salisbury, Visit https://mva.maryland.gov for the nearest Salisbury, MD office. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Phone: See state DMV website for local office phone numbers.