Selling to Out-of-State Buyers

Selling a motorcycle online expands your reach beyond the local area. It attracts buyers who live outside of your state, even outside of the United States, to inquire about your motorcycle.

Having access to a bigger pool of interested buyers is great. It's every seller's dream.

The only tricky part is figuring out how to sell a motorcycle to someone who lives in a different state or country. The good news is that it's not that complicated.

The other good news is that the buyer will need to do most of the work. The seller is only responsible for providing the documents that the buyer needs to complete the sale.

Documents the Seller Should Have Ready

• Title for the motorcycle
• Bill of Sale
• Proof of maintenance (receipts)
• Warranty information

What an Out-of-State Buyer May Do

• Come to see and buy the motorcycle in person
• Use a broker to handle the sale, especially if the buyer lives in a different country
• Pay via escrow
• Hire a shipping company to transport the motorcycle

Selling a motorcycle to someone outside of your state is fairly common, but it's also a personal preference. If you feel more comfortable with selling to someone who lives in your state, that is a fine option. It's your motorcycle and your decision.

You should also contact your local DMV office for expert advice. They specialize in sales and registration of all types of vehicles, and can give you the most accurate information.

Of course, don't ignore your gut instinct. If something about an interested buyer doesn't sit well with you, you are not obligated to sell your motorcycle to them. At that point, you should do one of the following:

• Tell the interested buyer that you don't want to sell your motorcycle to them
• Use an escrow service to make sure that you are protected during the entire process
• Contact us for guidance

Don't forget to take a few minutes to read about online safety for sellers.