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How to Fill Out a Minnesota Motorcycle Bill of Sale

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Reviewed against state DMV requirementsLast reviewed: April 20266 min readEditorial policy

Follow this checklist to complete the form correctly in Minnesota.

How to fill out a Minnesota motorcycle bill of sale

Total time: 5–10 minutes

You will need:

  • Signed vehicle title
  • Government-issued ID for both parties
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  1. Enter seller and buyer names

    Write the full legal names and current addresses of both the seller and buyer exactly as they appear on their government-issued IDs. Errors here can delay the Minnesota DMV title transfer.

  2. Add vehicle details

    Record the motorcycle's year, make, model, and color. Double-check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the dashboard or door jamb.

  3. Record the sale price and date

    Write the agreed sale price in both numerals and words to prevent disputes. Enter the exact date the ownership changes hands — this date triggers the Minnesota title transfer deadline.

  4. Disclose the odometer reading

    Write the exact mileage shown on the odometer at the time of sale. Federal law (49 CFR Part 580) requires this disclosure for most motor vehicles under 20 years old — omitting it can void the sale.

  5. Both parties sign the bill of sale

    Seller and buyer both sign and date the completed form. Each party keeps a signed original. Minnesota may require the signed bill of sale at the DMV to complete the title transfer.

  6. Download and print a copy for each party

    Print at least two copies — one for the buyer to submit to the DMV and one for the seller to keep as proof the vehicle was sold. Store your copy for at least three years.

Minnesota Motorcycle transfer fees and requirements

In Minnesota, the title transfer fee is $8.25 and registration costs $10 - $65+ based on vehicle value and age. Motorcycle sales are subject to 6.5% motor vehicle sales tax (not general sales tax). Minnesota does not require notarization for private-party motorcycle transfers. Minnesota does not require emission testing for private-party motorcycle sales.

  • Motor vehicle sales tax is 6.5%, separate from general sales tax
  • Title transfer at Driver and Vehicle Services office
  • Wheelage tax may apply in certain counties

Minnesota sales tax on motorcycle purchases

Minnesota has a 6.5% state sales tax rate. 6.5% motor vehicle sales tax (separate from general 6.875% rate). Private-party motorcycle sales in Minnesota are subject to sales tax. Motor vehicle sales tax applies to all vehicle sales. The title transfer fee is $8.

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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota

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.

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 Minnesota

When selling a motorcycle in Minnesota, 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.

Minnesota bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,371 bill of sale documents for Minnesota transactions, with 37 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

Generate your document

If you prefer to generate a completed Minnesota motorcycle bill of sale automatically, you can create one here.

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)

Informational purposes only. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed attorney for jurisdiction-specific guidance on vehicle transfers, title requirements, or related legal matters.