Salem, Oregon
Salem Motorcycle Bill of Sale Requirements
Complete requirements checklist for a motorcycle bill of sale in Salem, Oregon. Includes exact fees, notarization rules, and where to file at the Oregon DMV – Salem Office.
Fees, notarization rules, and filing addresses on this page are reviewed against California Vehicle Code § 5900 — Transfer of Title and the Oregon DMV – Salem Office. Source documents are cross-checked each quarter so Salem buyers and sellers always see the current Oregon motorcycle bill of sale standard, not stale third-party summaries.
Title Transfer Fee
$77.00
Sales Tax Rate
0.00%
Notarization
Not Required
Required Fields — Salem Motorcycle Bill of Sale
All of the following must appear on a valid motorcycle bill of sale in Salem, Oregon:
- ✓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 Salem: Not Required
Oregon does not require notarization for a motorcycle bill of sale. Oregon does not require notarization. Both parties simply sign and date the completed form in the presence of each other.
Oregon Motorcycle transfer fees and requirements
In Oregon, the title transfer fee is $98.5 and registration costs $122 - $306 for 2-year registration. Motorcycle sales are subject to No sales tax; 0.5% statewide transit tax on new vehicles. Oregon does not require notarization for private-party motorcycle transfers. Emission testing is required in Oregon — verify the motorcycle passes before completing the sale.
- No state sales tax on vehicle purchases
- DEQ emissions testing required in Portland and Medford areas
- Title transfer within 30 days of purchase
- Use fuel tax applies to electric vehicles
Oregon sales tax on motorcycle purchases
Oregon has a 0% state sales tax rate. No sales tax; 0.5% statewide transit tax on new vehicles only. Private-party motorcycle sales in Oregon may be exempt from state sales tax. Oregon has no state sales tax on vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $99.
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 Oregon, 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 Oregon
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 Oregon
When selling a motorcycle in Oregon, 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.
Oregon bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,038 bill of sale documents for Oregon transactions, with 28 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
Where to File — Salem Title Office
Office
Oregon DMV – Salem Office
Address
1905 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Phone
(503) 945-5000
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Additional requirements in Marion County:
- No sales tax on used vehicle purchases
- Title transfer within 30 days
- DEQ emissions testing required in Salem area
- Seller must sign title assignment
What to Bring to the OR 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: $77.00
- 5Payment for sales tax (0.00% of sale price)
- 6Odometer disclosure statement (if not included on title)
FAQ — Motorcycle Bill of Sale Requirements in Salem
- What are the required fields on a motorcycle bill of sale in Salem?
- A valid motorcycle bill of sale in Salem, Oregon 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 Salem?
- The title transfer fee in Marion County is $77.00. The motorcycle sales tax rate is 0.00%. Oregon has no sales tax. No tax on used private-party sales.
- Is notarization required for a motorcycle bill of sale in Salem?
- No. Oregon does not require notarization.
- Where do I file a motorcycle title transfer in Salem?
- File the title transfer at the Oregon DMV – Salem Office, 1905 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: (503) 945-5000.