What county is Tempe in, and which office handles title transfers?
Tempe is in Maricopa County. Title transfers are handled by the AZ MVD – Tempe Office at 1840 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: (602) 255-0072.
City release page
Tempe, Arizona Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Use this bill of sale when selling a motorcycle in Tempe, Arizona. It documents the transfer and helps you complete DMV title paperwork.
Tempe, ArizonaMotorcyclePopulation rank #132
What to include
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Motorcycle VIN and vehicle details
- Sale price and date
- Signatures from both parties
Next step
Create a compliant bill of sale and download the signed PDF immediately.
Local Requirements — Maricopa County
DMV / Title Office
AZ MVD – Tempe Office
Address
1840 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone
(602) 255-0072
Office Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Transfer Fees & Taxes
Title Transfer Fee
$4.00
Sales Tax Rate
8.10%
Base Registration Fee
$8.00
Arizona state rate 5.6% + Maricopa County 0.7% + Tempe city rate 1.8%
Notarization: NOT REQUIRED
Arizona does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.
Tempe Transfer Checklist
- Complete AZ MVD title application within 15 days
- Vehicle emissions testing required in Maricopa County
- Use tax paid at time of title transfer
- Seller must sign the title certificate assignment
County Information — Maricopa County
County Clerk / Recorder
Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court
Phone
(602) 372-5375
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 Arizona, 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
Motorcycle insurance and depreciation in Arizona
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 sales in Tempe, Arizona
Tempe residents completing a motorcycle bill of sale should be aware of local requirements in addition to Arizona state rules. The state sales tax rate is 5.6%, dealer sales: 5.6% + county. private sales: flat $20 vlt instead. The most popular motorcycle makes in Arizona include Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha.
Arizona bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 2,871 bill of sale documents for Arizona transactions, with 77 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price
45% faster sale
Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.
Source: Experian / AutoCheck
$4,000 avg loss
NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.
Source: NHTSA
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
1 in 3 buyers
Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.
Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate on a motorcycle sale in Tempe?
The combined rate is 8.10%. Arizona state rate 5.6% + Maricopa County 0.7% + Tempe city rate 1.8%.
Is notarization required for a motorcycle bill of sale in Tempe?
No. Arizona does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.
What fees should I expect when transferring a motorcycle title in Tempe?
Title transfer fee: $4.00. Base registration fee: $8.00. Sales tax at 8.10% is collected at the time of title transfer.