Florida motorcycle — quick answer
In Florida, a motorcycle bill of sale is recommended and notarization of the title transfer is not required. The state form used for titled vehicles is HSMV 82050. Titling and registration are handled by the FLHSMV.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Florida?
Recommended. FLHSMV recommends a bill of sale and provides HSMV 82050, which also serves as a notice of sale.
Seller completes the transfer section of the Florida title; the buyer titles and registers at a tax collector or license-plate agency.
Does a Florida motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. Notarization was removed from the HSMV forms. FLHSMV recommends — but does not require — notarizing the bill of sale.
What to include on a Florida motorcycle bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and engine size (cc)
- 17-character VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price and date
- Both signatures
How to transfer a motorcycle in Florida
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller completes the transfer section of the Florida title; the buyer titles and registers at a tax collector or license-plate agency.
- 3File a notice of sale / release of liability.
The seller files Notice of Sale (HSMV 82050) — file to remove liability to remove liability.
- 4Register with the FLHSMV.
The buyer titles and registers the motorcycle, bringing Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
Official sources
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
- Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle (HSMV 82050)
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the FLHSMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Florida Motorcycle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Florida?
A bill of sale is recommended in Florida. FLHSMV recommends a bill of sale and provides HSMV 82050, which also serves as a notice of sale.
Does a Florida motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Notarization was removed from the HSMV forms. FLHSMV recommends — but does not require — notarizing the bill of sale.
Does a motorcycle bill of sale need a VIN?
Yes. The 17-character VIN uniquely identifies the motorcycle and is required to register it. Our tool checks that the VIN is the correct length.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title proves and transfers ownership; the bill of sale documents the sale and price. You typically need both to register the motorcycle.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.