Ohio motorcycle — quick answer
In Ohio, a motorcycle bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is required. The state form used for titled vehicles is BMV 3770. Titling and registration are handled by the Ohio BMV.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Ohio?
Situational. For casual private sales the seller assignment (or BMV 3770 when the title space is full) must be notarized.
Seller signs the title assignment before a notary; the buyer titles at a County Clerk of Courts Title Office.
Does a Ohio motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Required. Ohio is a title-notary state: for private sales the seller's signature on the title assignment must be notarized. Dealers are exempt.
Because Ohio requires notarization for the title transfer, do not sign the title until you are in front of a notary.
What to include on a Ohio 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 Ohio
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Sign the title before a notary, as Ohio requires.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title assignment before a notary; the buyer titles at a County Clerk of Courts Title Office.
- 3Register with the Ohio BMV.
The buyer titles and registers the motorcycle, bringing Ownership Assignment & Title Application for Casual 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 Ohio BMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Ohio Motorcycle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Ohio?
A bill of sale is situational in Ohio. For casual private sales the seller assignment (or BMV 3770 when the title space is full) must be notarized.
Does a Ohio motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Yes. Ohio is a title-notary state: for private sales the seller's signature on the title assignment must be notarized. Dealers are exempt.
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.