Pontiac, Michigan
Pontiac Motorcycle Bill of Sale Requirements
Complete requirements checklist for a motorcycle bill of sale in Pontiac, Michigan (Form TR-52). Includes exact fees, notarization rules, and where to file at the Secretary of State – Pontiac.
Fees, notarization rules, and filing addresses on this page are reviewed against 49 CFR Part 390 — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Secretary of State – Pontiac. Source documents are cross-checked each quarter so Pontiac buyers and sellers always see the current Michigan motorcycle bill of sale standard, not stale third-party summaries.
Title Transfer Fee
$15.00
Sales Tax Rate
7.50%
Notarization
Not Required
Required Fields — Pontiac Motorcycle Bill of Sale
All of the following must appear on a valid motorcycle bill of sale in Pontiac, Michigan per Form TR-52:
- ✓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
- ✓Signature of buyer
Notarization in Pontiac: Not Required
Michigan does not require notarization for a motorcycle bill of sale. Michigan does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient. Both parties simply sign and date the completed form in the presence of each other.
Michigan Motorcycle transfer fees and requirements
In Michigan, the title transfer fee is $15 and registration costs Based on vehicle list price; varies widely. Motorcycle sales are subject to 6% use tax on purchase price. Michigan does not require notarization for private-party motorcycle transfers. Michigan does not require emission testing for private-party motorcycle sales.
- Secretary of State handles title and registration
- Title transfer must be completed within 15 days
- Plate transfer allowed between vehicles owned by same person
Official Michigan bill of sale form
The official Michigan bill of sale form is TR-52 (Vehicle Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Michigan requirements and can be used in place of the official form.
Michigan sales tax on motorcycle purchases
Michigan has a 6% state sales tax rate. Flat 6% use tax statewide. Private-party motorcycle sales in Michigan are subject to sales tax. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $15.
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 Michigan, 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 Michigan
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 Michigan
When selling a motorcycle in Michigan, 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.
Michigan bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 2,419 bill of sale documents for Michigan transactions, with 65 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
Where to File — Pontiac Title Office
Office
Secretary of State – Pontiac
Address
Visit https://www.michigan.gov/sos for the nearest Pontiac, MI office
Phone
See state DMV website for local office phone numbers
Hours
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Additional requirements in Pontiac County:
- Complete a title transfer at your local Michigan title office within the required timeframe
- Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases
- 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 MI DMV
- 1Completed, signed motorcycle bill of sale
- 2Motorcycle title signed over by seller on the back
- 3Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- 4Payment for title transfer fee: $15.00
- 5Payment for sales tax (7.50% of sale price)
- 6Odometer disclosure statement (if not included on title)
FAQ — Motorcycle Bill of Sale Requirements in Pontiac
- What are the required fields on a motorcycle bill of sale in Pontiac?
- A valid motorcycle bill of sale in Pontiac, Michigan must include both parties' full legal names and addresses, sale date, agreed sale price, VIN, year, make, model, and signatures of buyer and seller.
- What is the title transfer fee for a motorcycle in Pontiac?
- The title transfer fee in Pontiac County is $15.00. The motorcycle sales tax rate is 7.50%. Michigan state rate 6% + estimated local taxes (verify with your county)
- Is notarization required for a motorcycle bill of sale in Pontiac?
- No. Michigan does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient.
- Where do I file a motorcycle title transfer in Pontiac?
- File the title transfer at the Secretary of State – Pontiac, Visit https://www.michigan.gov/sos for the nearest Pontiac, MI office. Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: See state DMV website for local office phone numbers.