Selling a motorcycle privately in California works like selling a car, minus the smog check. Sign the California title over to the buyer (or complete a REG 227 if it's lost), record the odometer reading, take off any personalized plates, and file the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) within 5 days. Motorcycles are exempt from California's smog check program, so there's no smog certificate to provide. The buyer transfers the registration and pays use tax at DMV.
Educational information only. This article is not legal advice.
In this article
- Seller checklist
- Test rides
- Getting paid safely
- Selling motorcycles as a business
- Frequently asked questions
Seller checklist
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pay off any loan | If a lender is on the title, it must release its interest |
| Sign the title | Every registered owner signs as seller. Use a REG 227 if the title is missing |
| Odometer | Record it on the title, or on a REG 262 if needed |
| Bill of sale | Not always required, but useful. Record the date, price, VIN and both parties' names |
| Smog | None. Motorcycles are exempt |
| Plates | Personalized or special-interest plates stay with you |
| Release of liability | File the REG 138 within 5 days |
Test rides
- Ask to see a valid motorcycle license (Class M1, or M2 for mopeds and motorized scooters) before any test ride.
- Hold a deposit or keep the buyer's car keys during the ride.
- Agree in advance on who pays if the bike gets dropped.
Getting paid safely
- Cash counted at a bank, or a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank
- Don't sign over the title until the funds are verified
- Meet in a public place, ideally one with cameras
Selling motorcycles as a business
Selling your own bike is a private sale. Buying motorcycles to resell for a profit is dealer activity, and California requires a dealer license for it. California's new used-vehicle 3-day cancellation right under the CARS Act excludes motorcycles, but other dealer rules still apply. See How many cars can you sell without a dealer license? and CARS Act guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do motorcycles need a smog check to sell in California?
No. Motorcycles are exempt from the smog check program.
What paperwork do I need to sell a motorcycle in California?
The signed title (or REG 227), an odometer reading and a filed release of liability (REG 138) within 5 days. A bill of sale is a good idea.
Does the buyer pay sales tax on a used motorcycle?
Yes. The buyer pays use tax at DMV at the rate for their address, unless an exemption such as a family transfer applies.
Related questions
- How many days to notify DMV after selling a car?
- Sales tax on a private-party car sale
- How to register a used car in California
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Resources
- California DMV: How to change vehicle ownership (HTVR 32) (Opens in new window)
- Bureau of Automotive Repair: Smog Check (Opens in new window)
- CDTFA: Tax guide for purchasers of vehicles (Opens in new window)
Sources: DMV HTVR 32 · BAR Smog Check (motorcycle exemption) · CDTFA vehicle guide · CDA CARS Act guide (motorcycle exclusion). Verified 2026-10-16.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Check DMV's current requirements before you sell.