What all does a bill of sale need to show, if the seller gives you that instead of a title?

Question

What all does the bill of sale need to show in order for it to be adequate to get the bike registered?

This is Texas.

Answer 1

You should get a bill of sale AND the title signed off properly by the owner and with no unsigned liens on it.

Answer 2

You still have to get a title before you can register it.  You can get a bonded title with a little work.  First you need to make sure the bike is clean.  If you know a police officer have them run the vin number, or use a site like Cycle Chex (similar to carfax for motorcycles).  Next you need to get the bike appraised for the wholesale value - usually costs $100-150.  Then you go to a bonding agency - in the phone book under bonds, most likely also an insurance agency, and get a bond on the bike by showing the bill of sale and the appraisal.  Typically a bond costs $20 per $1000 of the appraised value.You then take a bond and the bill of sale to a license agency and get the title.  It usually takes a few weeks for the state to approve the title.  They check the background of the bike too.  Finally, you should get your title and be able to license it.  Hope it works for you.