Arkansas motorcycle — quick answer
Use this template to record the buyer, seller, price and identifying details for a motorcycle in Arkansas. Check the item's title status and the current item-specific agency instructions. A bill of sale alone may not be enough to transfer ownership or register the item.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Arkansas?
Check the current Arkansas requirements for this item and whether it has a title. An ordinary bill of sale is a record of the agreement, not a replacement for missing ownership documents.
Does a Arkansas motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Check the instructions for the specific title and bill-of-sale form. A requirement to notarize a title assignment does not automatically mean the separate bill of sale needs notarization. If notarization is required, wait to sign until the notary instructs you.
What to include on a Arkansas 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 Arkansas
- 1
Confirm the seller owns the item and identify any title, serial number, lien or other ownership document.
- 2
Check the official agency process for this item and its current title status before completing the sale.
- 3
Record the buyer, seller, item identifiers, price, date and agreed conditions accurately. Keep signed copies.
- 4
Complete any separately required title transfer, lien release, registration or tax paperwork.
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 Arkansas DFA before you sign. Not legal advice.
Arkansas Motorcycle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Arkansas?
Requirements depend on the item and title status. Check the current Arkansas instructions for this type of sale; the general motor-vehicle rule may not apply.
Does a Arkansas motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Check the signing requirements for the specific title and bill-of-sale form. Notarization of a title assignment and notarization of a bill of sale are separate questions; a car rule does not establish the rule for this item.
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.