Wisconsin motorcycle — quick answer
In Wisconsin, a motorcycle bill of sale is recommended and notarization of the title transfer is not required. The state form used for titled vehicles is MV1. Titling and registration are handled by the Wisconsin DMV.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Wisconsin?
Recommended. Transfer is by the title assignment plus the MV1 application; a sample bill of sale is in the MV2928 instructions.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers with WisDOT (the seller can notify online).
Does a Wisconsin motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. No notarization required.
What to include on a Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
- 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 with WisDOT (the seller can notify online).
- 3Register with the Wisconsin DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the motorcycle, bringing Title & License Application (MV1) / Selling Instructions (MV2928). 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 Wisconsin DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Wisconsin Motorcycle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Wisconsin?
A bill of sale is recommended in Wisconsin. Transfer is by the title assignment plus the MV1 application; a sample bill of sale is in the MV2928 instructions.
Does a Wisconsin motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. No notarization required.
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.