Missouri motorcycle — quick answer
In Missouri, a motorcycle bill of sale is recommended and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is Form 1957. Titling and registration are handled by the Missouri DOR.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Missouri?
Recommended. A bill of sale (Form 1957) documents the sale; the seller must also file a Notice of Sale within 30 days.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers within 30 days at a license office.
Does a Missouri motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). Notarization applies only to major-component proof on rebuilt vehicles or when DOR specifically requests it.
What to include on a Missouri 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 Missouri
- 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 assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers within 30 days at a license office.
- 3File a notice of sale / release of liability.
The seller files Notice of Sale or Transfer (Form 5049) — file within 30 days to remove liability.
- 4Register with the Missouri DOR.
The buyer titles and registers the motorcycle, bringing Bill of Sale. 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
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Missouri DOR before you sign. Not legal advice.
Missouri Motorcycle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Missouri?
A bill of sale is recommended in Missouri. A bill of sale (Form 1957) documents the sale; the seller must also file a Notice of Sale within 30 days.
Does a Missouri motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. Notarization applies only to major-component proof on rebuilt vehicles or when DOR specifically requests it.
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.