What Is an ATV / Off-Road Vehicle Bill of Sale?
An ATV bill of sale is a legal document that records the private sale and transfer of an all-terrain vehicle, utility terrain vehicle (UTV), dirt bike, snowmobile, or other off-road vehicle from one party to another. It serves as proof of purchase and is typically required to transfer the title, register the vehicle, or obtain an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) permit.
Unlike a standard vehicle bill of sale, an ATV bill of sale includes off-road-specific details such as the VIN or serial number, engine displacement in cubic centimeters (cc), vehicle type classification, and whether the machine is two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Since registration and titling requirements for off-road vehicles vary dramatically between states, having a proper bill of sale is often the most important document in an ATV transaction.
Whether you're buying a used four-wheeler for trail riding, selling a side-by-side, or transferring a snowmobile to a family member, a properly completed ATV bill of sale protects both parties and ensures a smooth registration process at your local DMV or fish and wildlife office.
OHV Registration
Required in most states for riding on public trails and lands
VIN / Serial Number
Unique identifier required for titling and theft prevention
Ownership Proof
Protects both parties and establishes legal ownership transfer
ATV Bill of Sale by State
Each state has different requirements for ATV and off-road vehicle bills of sale. Some states require full titling and registration, others only require an OHV permit for public land use, and a few have minimal requirements. Select your state below for a template that meets your specific requirements.
How to Write an ATV Bill of Sale
An ATV bill of sale must contain specific information to be accepted for registration and hold up legally. Follow these steps to ensure your document is complete.
Record Buyer and Seller Information
Include the full legal names, current mailing addresses, and phone numbers of both the buyer and seller. Some states also require driver's license numbers. If the ATV is co-owned, all owners must sign the bill of sale.
Identify the ATV / Off-Road Vehicle
Provide the year, make, model, color, and vehicle type (ATV, UTV, dirt bike, snowmobile, etc.). Record the full VIN or serial number from the frame. Include the engine displacement in cc and whether it is 2WD or 4WD. Verify the VIN matches any existing title or registration.
Record Odometer or Hour Meter Reading
If the ATV has an odometer or hour meter, document the current reading. While federal odometer disclosure requirements technically apply only to on-road vehicles, recording the mileage or hours protects both parties and helps establish the vehicle's value and condition.
Document the Sale Price and Payment
State the agreed purchase price in both numerals and written form. Note the payment method — cash, cashier's check, or bank transfer. If the ATV is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." The stated price may be used to calculate sales or use tax at registration.
State the Condition and Warranty
Most private ATV sales are "as-is" with no warranty. Describe the overall condition and disclose any known issues — engine problems, frame damage, electrical issues. List any included accessories such as winches, plows, trailers, or helmets.
Sign, Date, and Keep Copies
Both buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies — one for each party. Check your state's notarization requirements. The buyer should take the bill of sale along with the signed title (if applicable) to the DMV, fish and wildlife office, or other agency to register the ATV.
Key Components of an ATV Bill of Sale
An ATV bill of sale must include specific off-road vehicle information. Missing any of these elements could delay your registration or leave you unprotected.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Buyer & Seller Names | Full legal names and addresses of both parties |
| Vehicle Type | ATV, UTV/Side-by-Side, dirt bike, snowmobile, sand rail, go-kart |
| Year, Make, Model | E.g., 2023 Polaris Sportsman 570, Green |
| VIN / Serial Number | 17-character VIN or manufacturer serial number from the frame |
| Engine Displacement | Engine size in cubic centimeters (cc) — affects registration and age restrictions |
| Odometer / Hour Meter | Current mileage or engine hours if equipped |
| Sale Price | Amount in numbers and words, payment method |
| As-Is / Warranty | Condition statement and any warranty terms |
| Signatures & Date | Dated signatures of buyer and seller (notarized if required) |
Types of Off-Road Vehicles
Our ATV bill of sale templates cover all types of off-road and off-highway vehicles. Registration requirements and age restrictions may differ based on the vehicle type and engine size.
Utility ATV
Four-wheeled all-terrain vehicles designed for work and recreation, typically with racks and towing capacity
Sport ATV
Lightweight, high-performance ATVs built for speed and agility on trails and tracks
UTV / Side-by-Side
Multi-passenger off-road vehicles with roll cages, bench or bucket seats, and cargo beds
Dirt Bike
Off-road motorcycles designed for trail riding, motocross, and enduro — not street legal in most states
Snowmobile
Motorized vehicles designed for winter travel over snow and ice, registered separately in most states
Sand Rail / Dune Buggy
Lightweight off-road vehicles built for sand dunes and desert terrain, often custom-fabricated
Go-Kart
Small open-wheel vehicles used recreationally or competitively, typically not titled but may require a bill of sale
ATV Registration & OHV Permits
After completing your ATV bill of sale, you'll likely need to register the vehicle or obtain an OHV permit. Requirements vary dramatically by state — here's a general overview:
Important: State Requirements Vary Widely
ATV and off-road vehicle regulations differ significantly from state to state. Some states require full titling and registration (like a car), while others only require an OHV sticker for public land use. Some states have no requirements for ATVs used exclusively on private property. Always check your specific state's page for accurate requirements.
- Title Transfer: If your state titles ATVs, bring the signed title and bill of sale to the DMV to transfer ownership
- OHV Registration: Many states require an Off-Highway Vehicle registration sticker to ride on public trails and lands
- Safety Course: Most states require riders under 16 (and some require all riders) to complete an ATV safety course
- Insurance: Some states require liability insurance for ATVs used on public land — check your state's requirements
- Age Restrictions: Most states restrict young riders by engine size — e.g., under 70cc for riders under 12
Sample ATV Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our ATV / off-road vehicle bill of sale template. Your customized document will include all fields required by your state.
ATV / OFF-ROAD VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Off-Road Vehicle Transfer Document
This ATV / Off-Road Vehicle Bill of Sale is entered into on[Date]between:
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Seller Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Buyer Address]
1. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION
Type: [ATV/UTV/Dirt Bike/Snowmobile]
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN/Serial #: [VIN or Serial Number]
Engine Size: [cc] cc Color: [Color]
2. ODOMETER / HOUR METER
Reading: [Miles/Hours]
☐ Miles ☐ Hours ☐ No meter equipped
3. SALE PRICE
$[Amount]([Amount in Words] Dollars)
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about ATV bills of sale, registration, OHV permits, and titling requirements.
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