Hawaii motorcycle — quick answer
In Hawaii, a motorcycle bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is CS-L(MVR)40 / county forms. Titling and registration are handled by the County DMV.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Hawaii?
Situational. A bill of sale is used in the transfer; titling is handled by each county.
Seller signs the title; the buyer completes transfer at the county motor vehicle office for their island.
Does a Hawaii motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). A notarized bill of sale is required when the recorded owner is not releasing the title. Standard transfers use ink signatures on the title.
What to include on a Hawaii 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 Hawaii
- 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 signs the title; the buyer completes transfer at the county motor vehicle office for their island.
- 3Register with the County DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the motorcycle, bringing County Vehicle 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
- County Motor Vehicle offices (Hawaii titling is county-administered)
- County Vehicle Bill of Sale (CS-L(MVR)40 / county forms)
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the County DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Hawaii Motorcycle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Hawaii?
A bill of sale is situational in Hawaii. A bill of sale is used in the transfer; titling is handled by each county.
Does a Hawaii motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. A notarized bill of sale is required when the recorded owner is not releasing the title. Standard transfers use ink signatures on the title.
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.