Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo Motorcycle Bill of Sale Requirements
Complete requirements checklist for a motorcycle bill of sale in Fargo, North Dakota (Form SFN 2872). Includes exact fees, notarization rules, and where to file at the ND DOT – Fargo Driver License Office.
Fees, notarization rules, and filing addresses on this page are reviewed against 49 CFR Part 580 — Odometer Disclosure Requirements and the ND DOT – Fargo Driver License Office. Source documents are cross-checked each quarter so Fargo buyers and sellers always see the current North Dakota motorcycle bill of sale standard, not stale third-party summaries.
Title Transfer Fee
$5.00
Sales Tax Rate
5.50%
Notarization
Not Required
Required Fields — Fargo Motorcycle Bill of Sale
All of the following must appear on a valid motorcycle bill of sale in Fargo, North Dakota per Form SFN 2872:
- ✓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 Fargo: Not Required
North Dakota does not require notarization for a motorcycle bill of sale. North Dakota does not require notarization for private vehicle sales. Both parties simply sign and date the completed form in the presence of each other.
North Dakota Motorcycle transfer fees and requirements
In North Dakota, the title transfer fee is $5 and registration costs Based on weight and age; $49 - $274. Motorcycle sales are subject to 5% excise tax on vehicle purchase price. North Dakota does not require notarization for private-party motorcycle transfers. North Dakota does not require emission testing for private-party motorcycle sales.
- 5% motor vehicle excise tax applies
- Title transfer at county motor vehicle office
- No emissions testing requirement
Official North Dakota bill of sale form
The official North Dakota bill of sale form is SFN 2872 (Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all North Dakota requirements and can be used in place of the official form.
North Dakota sales tax on motorcycle purchases
North Dakota has a 5% state sales tax rate. 5% motor vehicle excise tax statewide. Private-party motorcycle sales in North Dakota are subject to sales tax. Excise tax applies to all vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $5.
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 North Dakota, 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 North Dakota
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 North Dakota
When selling a motorcycle in North Dakota, 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.
North Dakota bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 194 bill of sale documents for North Dakota transactions, with 5 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
Where to File — Fargo Title Office
Office
ND DOT – Fargo Driver License Office
Address
1005 Main Ave W, West Fargo, ND 58078
Phone
(701) 328-2725
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Additional requirements in Cass County:
- Title transfer at the Cass County Recorder within 30 days
- ND 5% excise tax on vehicle purchases
- Seller must sign the title assignment
- Odometer disclosure required
What to Bring to the ND 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: $5.00
- 5Payment for sales tax (5.50% of sale price)
- 6Odometer disclosure statement (if not included on title)
FAQ — Motorcycle Bill of Sale Requirements in Fargo
- What are the required fields on a motorcycle bill of sale in Fargo?
- A valid motorcycle bill of sale in Fargo, North Dakota 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 Fargo?
- The title transfer fee in Cass County is $5.00. The motorcycle sales tax rate is 5.50%. North Dakota state rate 5% + Fargo city 0.5% (excise tax on vehicles is 5% statewide)
- Is notarization required for a motorcycle bill of sale in Fargo?
- No. North Dakota does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.
- Where do I file a motorcycle title transfer in Fargo?
- File the title transfer at the ND DOT – Fargo Driver License Office, 1005 Main Ave W, West Fargo, ND 58078. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: (701) 328-2725.