Washington, D.C. Scooter / Moped Bill of Sale

How to sell a scooter in Washington, D.C.

A scooter or moped bill of sale covers gas scooters, mopeds and street-legal electric scooters. Whether it needs a title and registration depends on the engine size and the state: most states draw the line around 50cc. Either way the buyer wants a signed bill of sale with the VIN.

Seller steps

1. Confirm you hold clear title. If a lender is on the title, get the lien release before you list it.
2. Agree on the price and fill in the Washington, D.C. scooter bill of sale above with the buyer. Record the VIN and the exact odometer reading.
3. Both parties sign and each keeps a copy. Washington, D.C. does not require a notary.
4. Sign the title over to the buyer exactly as your name appears on it, and complete the odometer section on the title if the scooter has one.
5. File a notice of sale or release of liability with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles if Washington, D.C. offers one, remove your plates if the state keeps plates with the seller, and cancel the insurance once the buyer has driven away.

Buyer steps

1. Bring the signed bill of sale, the signed title and your ID to the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles.
2. Expect to pay sales or use tax on the price shown on the bill of sale, plus title and registration fees.
3. Register within Washington, D.C.'s deadline, commonly 10 to 30 days from the sale date, to avoid late penalties.

Before you sign

• The VIN is on the frame near the steering column or under the floorboard.
• State the engine size clearly; it decides whether a title is required.
• Include the odometer reading if the scooter has one.
• Hand over the title if there is one; otherwise the MCO or old registration.

Why a bill of sale matters for a scooter

• Scooters over the state's cc limit are titled and registered like motorcycles.
• Small mopeds are often unregistered, which makes this the ownership record.
• Records the odometer reading on scooters that have one.
• Proves the sale date if a ticket or tow shows up later.

Selling a scooter? The $19 sell-your-vehicle kit adds a signed release of liability and a Washington, D.C. checklist to the pack, so the handoff is finished the day you sign.