When should I use the odometer exempt page?
Use this page when your motorcycle sale in Texas fits a odometer exempt scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Odometer exempt — Texas
Texas Motorcycle bill of sale for odometer exempt
Complete your Texas 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 Texas
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 Texas.
Seller guidance
In the odometer disclosure section of the Texas title certificate and on Form 130-U, select or write 'EXEMPT' in the odometer brand field — do not leave it blank or enter a mileage figure. No separate odometer disclosure form is required; the exemption claim is made directly on the title assignment and Form 130-U submitted to the county tax assessor-collector.
Buyer guidance
Confirm the seller has marked 'EXEMPT' in the odometer disclosure section of both the title and Form 130-U before you submit the title application; a blank field is not the same as a lawful exemption notation. An exempt designation means state and federal law do not require a mileage reading, though you may still request a best-estimate mileage from the seller for your own records.
Texas-Specific Note
Texas Transportation Code § 501.072(c) exempts a vehicle from odometer disclosure when it qualifies under 49 C.F.R. Part 580, adopting federal exemptions by reference with no independent state-law threshold. Under the NHTSA final rule amending 49 C.F.R. § 580.17 (issued October 2, 2019, 84 FR 52664, as clarified by 84 FR 65019, November 26, 2019, effective January 1, 2021), vehicles of MY 2011 or newer are not exempt until 20 model years old (first qualifying year: 2031), while MY 2010-and-older vehicles remain exempt under the grandfathered 10-year rule; vehicles with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs and non-self-propelled vehicles are also exempt. Knowingly providing false information on Form 130-U or the title assignment — including the odometer disclosure fields embedded in those required transfer documents — reaches the felony-of-the-third-degree provision of Tex. Transp. Code § 501.155 via its catchall covering documents required by the department or necessary to the transfer of ownership; a separate federal civil penalty applies under 49 U.S.C. § 32709.
Legal considerations
Texas Transportation Code § 501.072(c) exempts a vehicle from odometer disclosure when it qualifies under 49 C.F.R. Part 580, adopting federal exemptions by reference with no independent state-law threshold. Under the NHTSA final rule amending 49 C.F.R. § 580.17 (issued October 2, 2019, 84 FR 52664, as clarified by 84 FR 65019, November 26, 2019, effective January 1, 2021), vehicles of MY 2011 or newer are not exempt until 20 model years old (first qualifying year: 2031), while MY 2010-and-older vehicles remain exempt under the grandfathered 10-year rule; vehicles with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs and non-self-propelled vehicles are also exempt. Knowingly providing false information on Form 130-U or the title assignment — including the odometer disclosure fields embedded in those required transfer documents — reaches the felony-of-the-third-degree provision of Tex. Transp. Code § 501.155 via its catchall covering documents required by the department or necessary to the transfer of ownership; a separate federal civil penalty applies under 49 U.S.C. § 32709.
Texas Motorcycle transfer fees and requirements
In Texas, the title transfer fee is $33 and registration costs $50.75 per year. Motorcycle sales are subject to 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on purchase price. Texas does not require notarization for private-party motorcycle transfers. Emission testing is required in Texas — verify the motorcycle passes before completing the sale.
- Annual safety inspection required; emissions testing in select counties
- Title transfer within 30 days at county tax office
- Form 130-U required for title transfer
- Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) used for tax assessment on private sales
Texas sales tax on motorcycle purchases
Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax rate. Flat 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax statewide. Private-party motorcycle sales in Texas are subject to sales tax. Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher. The title transfer fee is $33.
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 Texas, 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 Texas
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 Texas, 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 Texas
- 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
- Verify the vehicle meets a 49 C.F.R. Part 580 exemption category before omitting mileage: MY 2010 or older and at least 10 years old, OR MY 2011 or newer and at least 20 years old, OR GVWR over 16,000 lbs, OR non-self-propelled
- Write or select 'EXEMPT' in the odometer brand field on the face of the Texas title certificate and on Form 130-U
- Submit Form 130-U to the county tax assessor-collector within 30 days of the sale date per Tex. Transp. Code § 501.145
- Retain copies of the signed title and Form 130-U — false odometer disclosure on required transfer documents is a third-degree felony under Tex. Transp. Code § 501.155
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main Texas motorcycle bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas fees for a odometer exempt motorcycle transfer?
Texas charges a $33 title transfer fee. Registration costs $50.75 per year. Sales tax: 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax on purchase price. Notarization is not required for most transfers.
What motorcycle makes are most commonly sold in Texas?
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 Texas?
Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax rate. Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher
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