BillOfSaleNow

How to Fill Out a Vermont 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 Vermont.

How to fill out a Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont 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. Vermont 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.

Vermont Motorcycle transfer fees and requirements

In Vermont, the title transfer fee is $35 and registration costs $76 per year. Motorcycle sales are subject to 6% purchase and use tax on vehicles. Vermont does not require notarization for private-party motorcycle transfers. Emission testing is required in Vermont — verify the motorcycle passes before completing the sale.

  • Annual safety and emissions inspection required
  • Title transfer within 30 days
  • Vermont is popular for out-of-state titling due to accessible process

Official Vermont bill of sale form

The official Vermont bill of sale form is VD-012 (Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Vermont requirements and can be used in place of the official form.

Vermont sales tax on motorcycle purchases

Vermont has a 6% state sales tax rate. Flat 6% purchase and use tax statewide. Private-party motorcycle sales in Vermont are subject to sales tax. Purchase and use tax applies to all vehicle sales. The title transfer fee is $35.

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 Vermont, 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 Vermont

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 Vermont

When selling a motorcycle in Vermont, 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.

Vermont bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 183 bill of sale documents for Vermont transactions, with 5 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

Generate your document

If you prefer to generate a completed Vermont 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.