California ATV Bill of Sale Overview
California has some of the most comprehensive ATV regulations in the country. The California DMV requires titling and registration of all ATVs, and the California State Parks OHV Division requires a Green or Red Sticker for operation on public lands. California's strict age requirements prohibit children under 14 from operating ATVs, and riders ages 14-17 must have an ATV safety certificate. Despite the regulations, California offers world-class riding at Glamis (Imperial Sand Dunes), Ocotillo Wells, Hollister Hills, and hundreds of other OHV areas.
Whether you're buying a used ATV, selling a UTV, or transferring a dirt bike or snowmobile in California, a properly completed bill of sale protects both parties and documents the transaction for titling, registration, and tax purposes.
7.25%+
Sales Tax
Required
Titling
Required
OHV Sticker
14
Min. Age
California ATV Registration & Titling Requirements
All ATVs in California must be titled and registered through the California DMV. Buyers must submit the signed title (or REG 227 form), bill of sale, smog exemption (ATVs are exempt), and applicable fees. In addition, an OHV sticker is required from California State Parks: a Green Sticker for emission-compliant models (year-round riding) or a Red Sticker for non-compliant models (seasonal restrictions). The OHV program funds trail maintenance statewide.
Important: Keep Your Bill of Sale
Your bill of sale is a critical document for proving ownership, calculating taxes, and completing title or registration transfers. Keep the original in a safe place alongside any title documents and registration receipts.
What to Include in Your California ATV Bill of Sale
- Buyer & Seller Information: Full legal names, addresses, and contact information for both parties
- Vehicle Details: Year, make, model, color, vehicle type (ATV, UTV, dirt bike, snowmobile)
- VIN / Serial Number: The unique identification number from the vehicle frame
- Engine Displacement: Engine size in cubic centimeters (cc)
- Sale Price & Date: Purchase amount, payment method, and date of transaction
- Signatures: Both buyer and seller must sign and date the document
California ATV Trail Access & Riding Areas
California has the largest OHV program in the nation with over 100 OHV recreation areas. Premier destinations include the Imperial Sand Dunes (Glamis), Ocotillo Wells SVRA, Hollister Hills SVRA, Hungry Valley SVRA, Carnegie SVRA, and extensive BLM and National Forest trails. Green Sticker vehicles can ride year-round; Red Sticker vehicles have seasonal riding restrictions in certain areas to protect air quality.
California ATV Safety Requirements
California prohibits anyone under 14 from operating an ATV. Riders ages 14-17 must possess an ATV safety certificate from an approved course. Helmets are required for all ATV operators and passengers regardless of age. ATVs must have a USDA-approved spark arrester and a sound level of 96 dB or less. Passengers are allowed only on ATVs designed for multiple riders.
California ATV Fees & Taxes
Here's a breakdown of the fees and taxes you can expect when purchasing an ATV in California:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title Transfer Fee | $23 |
| Registration Fee | $54 |
| OHV Green Sticker | $54 (biennial) |
| OHV Red Sticker | $54 (biennial) |
| State Sales Tax | 7.25% of sale price |
| Local Taxes | 0.15-3% additional |
| Use Tax | Same as sales tax (private sales) |
Sample California ATV Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our California-specific ATV bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by California state agencies.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
ATV / OFF-ROAD VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Off-Road Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [California Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [California Address]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Type: [ATV/UTV/Dirt Bike] Year: [Year]
Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN/Serial: [VIN or Serial #]
Engine: [cc] cc Color: [Color]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
California ATV Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about California ATV bills of sale, registration, and off-road vehicle requirements.
Official California Resources
Use these official resources for California ATV registration, trail information, and safety requirements.
California DMV — Off-Highway Vehicles
OHV registration and titling requirements
California State Parks — OHV Division
OHV stickers, trail maps, and recreation areas
Bureau of Land Management — California
BLM land OHV access and regulations
California Air Resources Board — OHV
Emissions requirements and Red/Green Sticker rules
Other California Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for California? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
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Create your California Atv Bill of Sale in under 5 minutes.
Answer a few questions and download a California-compliant document, ready for the state agency.