When purchasing or selling an ATV, it is highly recommended that you document the transaction. Typically, this is accomplished by signing the “Transfer by Owner” or “Assignment” section of the original title (or manufacturer’s statement of origin), as well as a valid ATV bill of sale which serves two purposes. It is your proof of the transaction should a title not exist, and it documents the sale price which is required by many states before a vehicle can be registered.
Why is a Bill of Sale Needed when Buying/Selling an ATV?
An ATV Bill of sale acts as the “contract” between two parties exchanging the vehicle and can be enforceable in a court of law. It documents each party’s information, a description of the vehicle (VIN, Make, Model, etc.), the sales price, and any other agreements as part of the sale (condition, warranties, etc.).
Depending on your state, you may or may not have the ability to obtain a certificate of title for the ATV. In states where titling is not possible, the bill of sale acts as your proof of ownership.
If your resident state allows for registration of the ATV, the bill of sale is required in order to complete this process. Specifically, the state will need the sales price in order to calculate appropriate fees or taxes for registration and prove that you are the documented owner of the ATV.
What does a Bill of Sale Need to Include?
An ATV bill of sale should, at a minimum, mimic the transfer requirements in a normal title transfer process.
In many states where titles aren’t required, the Bill of Sale acts as the only documentation of transfer, so it’s important that you capture at least the minimum information necessary for the state to recognize new ownership (if registration is allowed).
If you are still unsure whether your bill of sale is sufficient for your state (and will hold up in a court of law), check out this list of recommended requirements:
- Each Parties Information
- Vehicle Information
- Sale Price (or Value)
- Signature of Each Party
These requirements match the contractual elements required by courts (Offer, Acceptance, Consideration, Capacity, Legality), protecting both the buyer and seller in the transaction.
Depending on the condition of the ATV being purchased, it may also be a good idea to include a few optional notes to further protect the buyer and seller.
- Vehicle Condition and/or Warranties
- Liability Waiver(s)
- Notarization (optional)
Preparing to Sell an ATV
Getting top dollar for your ATV is the objective when deciding to sell. Before hitting publish on the listing, we highly recommend completing a few checklist items to ensure a smooth and successful transaction with the least number of showings as possible.
- Inspect the ATV for signs of excessive wear or damage that should be repaired or replaced.
- Take the ATV for a drive and note any issues with the performance. If they cab be fixed, do so, or at a minimum disclose them to the buyer in the listing.
- Deep clear your ATV to remove dirt and grease from plastics, suspension, and drivetrain.
- Take pictures in full lighting (avoid shadows and/or shade) from all angles and of all major components.
Download an ATV Bill of Sale Template
| PDF | Word | |
ATV Forms/Laws by State
| State | Our Link | Is a Title Required? | Is Registration Required? |
| Alabama | No | No | |
| Alaska | No | No | |
| Arizona | No | No | |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes | |
| California | Yes | Yes | |
| Colorado | No | Yes | |
| Connecticut | No | Yes | |
| Delaware | No | No | |
| Florida | Yes | No | |
| Georgia | No | No | |
| Hawaii | No | No | |
| Idaho | Yes | Yes | |
| Illinois | Yes | No | |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes | |
| Iowa | No | No | |
| Kansas | No | No | |
| Kentucky | Yes | No | |
| Louisiana | Yes | Yes | |
| Maine | No | No | |
| Maryland | Yes | No | |
| Massachusetts | No | Yes | |
| Michigan | Yes | No | |
| Minnesota | No | Yes | |
| Mississippi | No | No | |
| Missouri | Yes | Yes | |
| Montana | No | No | |
| Nebraska | Yes | No | |
| Nevada | Yes | No | |
| New Hampshire | No | No | |
| New Jersey | No | Yes | |
| New Mexico | No | No | |
| New York | No | Yes | |
| North Carolina | No | No | |
| North Dakota | No | No | |
| Ohio | Yes | No | |
| Oklahoma | No | Yes | |
| Oregon | No | No | |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes | |
| Rhode Island | No | Yes | |
| South Carolina | No | No | |
| South Dakota | Yes | No | |
| Tennessee | Yes | No | |
| Texas | Yes | No | |
| Utah | Yes | Yes | |
| Vermont | Yes | Yes | |
| Virginia | No | No | |
| Washington | No | No | |
| West Virginia | Yes | No | |
| Wisconsin | No | Yes | |
| Wyoming | Yes | Yes |