When should I use the odometer exempt page?
Use this page when your motorcycle sale in Pennsylvania fits a odometer exempt scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Odometer exempt — Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Motorcycle bill of sale for odometer exempt
Complete your Pennsylvania motorcycle bill of sale for a odometer exempt transaction. Enter buyer and seller details, vehicle information, and generate a signed PDF in minutes.
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What to know about odometer exempt sales in Pennsylvania
Under 49 CFR § 580.17 as amended in 2021, the age exemption is two-tier: vehicles of model year 2010 or older are exempt (the old 10-year rule), but model year 2011 and newer vehicles are exempt only once they are 20 or more model years old — a 2011-or-newer vehicle that is merely 10+ years old still requires full odometer disclosure. You still must not knowingly falsify mileage. Even if federally exempt, some states have their own mileage disclosure requirements — document the known odometer reading in the bill of sale regardless.
What to include in your bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
- Motorcycle make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
- Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
- Any odometer exempt-specific disclosures required in Pennsylvania.
Seller guidance
On Form MV-4ST (PA-titled vehicles) or Form MV-1 (out-of-state or new titles), indicate in the odometer field that the vehicle is exempt from disclosure; PennDOT will record the odometer status accordingly. Both forms are available only through authorized PennDOT agents and require notarization at the time of transfer.
Buyer guidance
Once PennDOT records a vehicle's odometer status as exempt, a formal correction application is required to change that designation; if you are purchasing a MY 2011 or newer vehicle bearing an out-of-state exempt brand, PennDOT will record the odometer reading from the out-of-state title rather than carry the exemption forward.
Pennsylvania-Specific Note
Pennsylvania odometer disclosure is governed by 75 Pa.C.S. § 7134. The state statute at § 7134(e)(2) still codifies a flat exemption for a motor vehicle 10 years or older, but the NHTSA final rule amending 49 CFR § 580.17 (effective January 1, 2021), implemented in Pennsylvania through PennDOT Bulletin 20-24 and federal preemption principles, requires disclosure for MY 2011 and newer vehicles until 20 model years old, with first exemptions beginning January 1, 2031. MY 2010 and older vehicles remain exempt at 10 model years under both state and federal law. Vehicles with a registered gross weight of more than 16,000 pounds are exempt under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7134(e)(1). Intentional violations carry civil liability of three times actual damages or $3,000, whichever is greater, plus attorney fees, under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7138; violations also constitute an unfair or deceptive act under Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law per 75 Pa.C.S. § 7137.
Legal considerations
Pennsylvania odometer disclosure is governed by 75 Pa.C.S. § 7134. The state statute at § 7134(e)(2) still codifies a flat exemption for a motor vehicle 10 years or older, but the NHTSA final rule amending 49 CFR § 580.17 (effective January 1, 2021), implemented in Pennsylvania through PennDOT Bulletin 20-24 and federal preemption principles, requires disclosure for MY 2011 and newer vehicles until 20 model years old, with first exemptions beginning January 1, 2031. MY 2010 and older vehicles remain exempt at 10 model years under both state and federal law. Vehicles with a registered gross weight of more than 16,000 pounds are exempt under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7134(e)(1). Intentional violations carry civil liability of three times actual damages or $3,000, whichever is greater, plus attorney fees, under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7138; violations also constitute an unfair or deceptive act under Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law per 75 Pa.C.S. § 7137.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle transfer fees and requirements
In Pennsylvania, the title transfer fee is $58 and registration costs $38 per year. Motorcycle sales are subject to 6% sales tax (7% in Allegheny County, 8% in Philadelphia). Pennsylvania does not require notarization for private-party motorcycle transfers. Emission testing is required in Pennsylvania — verify the motorcycle passes before completing the sale.
- Annual safety and emissions inspection required
- PennDOT handles titles and registration
- Title transfer within 20 days of sale
- MV-4ST form required for sales tax calculation
Pennsylvania sales tax on motorcycle purchases
Pennsylvania has a 6% state sales tax rate. 6% state (7% Allegheny County, 8% Philadelphia). Private-party motorcycle sales in Pennsylvania are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $58.
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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
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.
Safety tips for odometer exempt motorcycle transactions
When completing a odometer exempt motorcycle sale in Pennsylvania, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common motorcycle recall categories are Fuel System, Electrical, Brakes. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.
Checklist for odometer exempt motorcycle sale in Pennsylvania
- Confirm the vehicle qualifies: model year 2010 or older, OR model year 2011+ and 20+ model years old, OR GVWR over 16,000 lbs
- Check your state's mileage disclosure rules — some exceed the federal minimum
- Record the actual known mileage in the bill of sale voluntarily
- Note on the bill of sale that odometer disclosure is exempt under 49 CFR § 580.17
- Retain a copy of the bill of sale showing the exempt-disclosure notation
- Confirm the vehicle's model year and applicable threshold: 10 model years old for MY 2010 and earlier; 20 model years old for MY 2011 and later (federal preemption governs, not the PA state statute alone)
- Complete the title transfer through an authorized PennDOT agent — Forms MV-4ST and MV-1 are not available for public download and must be obtained at the agent's office
- Submit completed title transfer documentation to PennDOT within 20 days of notarization
- Dealers and auction companies must retain odometer disclosure records for at least five years under 49 CFR § 580.8; 75 Pa.C.S. § 7135 sets a four-year state period but the longer federal floor governs
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main Pennsylvania motorcycle bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open Pennsylvania Motorcycle bill of saleThe Private Vehicle Sale Market
17.5M private sales/yr
About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.
Source: Cox Automotive 2024
Other Pennsylvania motorcycle sale situations
Frequently asked questions
Why does the odometer exempt scenario have its own page?
Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a odometer exempt transaction specifically.
What should be included in this bill of sale?
Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the odometer exempt transaction.
What are the Pennsylvania fees for a odometer exempt motorcycle transfer?
Pennsylvania charges a $58 title transfer fee. Registration costs $38 per year. Sales tax: 6% sales tax (7% in Allegheny County, 8% in Philadelphia). Notarization is not required for most transfers.
What motorcycle makes are most commonly sold in Pennsylvania?
The most popular motorcycle makes in private-party sales are Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki. Average private-party prices range from $2,000–$20,000.
Do I pay sales tax on a odometer exempt motorcycle sale in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a 6% state sales tax rate. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases
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