Rhode Island motorcycle — quick answer
In Rhode Island, a motorcycle bill of sale is recommended and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is Bill of Sale. Titling and registration are handled by the Rhode Island DMV.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Rhode Island?
Recommended. A bill of sale accompanies the assigned title. Rhode Island began titling all vehicles in 2024.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers at the RI DMV.
Does a Rhode Island motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). Notarization applies only when an absent co-owner must sign the registration application.
What to include on a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
- 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 at the RI DMV.
- 3Register with the Rhode Island DMV.
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 Rhode Island DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Rhode Island Motorcycle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Rhode Island?
A bill of sale is recommended in Rhode Island. A bill of sale accompanies the assigned title. Rhode Island began titling all vehicles in 2024.
Does a Rhode Island motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. Notarization applies only when an absent co-owner must sign the registration application.
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.