An ATV bill of sale is a written record that you and the buyer (or seller) both sign to show that ownership of the ATV has changed hands
A bill of sale protects both of you. For the seller, it proves you no longer own the machine and are not responsible for what happens to it after the sale. For the buyer, it documents that they paid for it and now own it. Without one, disputes can arise later — the buyer might claim they never received it, or the seller might be held liable if the ATV is used in an accident or crime after the sale.
Most states do not require a bill of sale for ATVs, but many do require one before you can register the vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your state's equivalent. Even if your state does not require it, creating one is a straightforward way to protect yourself and costs nothing.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale should include the names and contact information of both the seller and buyer, the date of sale, and the price paid.
- Describe the ATV clearly by including the year, make, model, color, and vehicle identification number (VIN) so there is no confusion about which machine changed hands.
- Both the seller and buyer must sign and date the bill of sale in front of a witness or notary public, depending on your state's requirements.
- Keep a copy for your records — the seller should keep one and the buyer should keep one — because you may need it when registering the ATV or resolving disputes later.
- Some states have a specific form you must use, while others accept any written document that includes the required information.
What information must go on the bill of sale
Start with the basics: the full legal name, address, and phone number of the person selling the ATV and the person buying it. Include the date the sale took place. Write down the exact price paid — whether that is cash, a check, a trade-in, or a combination. If the buyer is paying in installments, note that too.
Next, describe the ATV itself. Write the year, make, and model (for example, "2019 Honda TRX 420"). Include the color and any distinctive features — a new engine, custom paint, or damage that both parties agree is present. Most importantly, write the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a 17-character code stamped on the frame. The VIN is unique to that specific machine and prevents confusion if two similar ATVs are involved in a transaction.
Add a line stating the condition of the ATV at the time of sale — whether it is being sold "as-is" (meaning the buyer accepts it in its current state) or whether the seller is making any promises about how it runs. If there are known problems, write them down. This protects the seller from later claims that something was hidden, and it protects the buyer by making clear what they are purchasing.
How to format and sign the bill of sale
You do not need a fancy legal form. A bill of sale can be handwritten on a single sheet of paper or typed. What matters is that it contains the information above and that both parties sign it. Write it clearly enough that someone reading it months or years later can understand what was sold, for how much, and on what date.
At the bottom, leave space for the seller to sign and print their name, with a line for the date. Do the same for the buyer. Some states require a witness or notary public to sign as well — check your state's DMV website to see if that applies to you. A notary public is someone licensed to witness signatures; you can find one at a bank, law office, or UPS store, usually for a small fee.
Make at least two copies — one for the seller and one for the buyer. If a notary is involved, they may keep a copy too. Store your copy somewhere safe, like a filing cabinet or a folder on your computer if you scan it.
State-specific requirements and forms
Requirements vary by state. Some states have an official bill of sale form that the DMV provides, and using that form makes registration easier. Other states accept any written document as long as it includes the required information. A few states do not require a bill of sale at all for ATVs, though having one is still a good idea.
Before you complete the bill of sale, visit your state's DMV website and search for "ATV bill of sale" or "off-road vehicle bill of sale." You may find a template you are expected to use, or you may find a list of what information must be included. Some states also specify whether a notary signature is required or whether a witness is enough.
What happens if you sell without a bill of sale
If you sell an ATV without a bill of sale, you have no written proof that the sale occurred. If the buyer later causes damage or breaks the law with the ATV, the previous owner (you) might still be listed as the registered owner and could be held responsible. If the buyer refuses to pay or claims they never received the machine, you have no documentation to prove otherwise.
For the buyer, selling without a bill of sale means you have no proof of ownership if someone else claims the ATV is theirs, or if the seller later tries to repossess it. Registration becomes harder because the DMV will want documentation of the transfer.
Transferring the title after the sale
A bill of sale is different from a title. The title is the legal document issued by your state that proves ownership. After you sell an ATV, you and the buyer will need to transfer the title with your state's DMV or equivalent agency. The bill of sale is often one of the documents the DMV asks for during that transfer.
The seller typically signs the back of the title to release ownership, and the buyer submits that signed title along with the bill of sale and a registration form to the DMV. The process and timeline vary by state — some take a few weeks, others take longer. Check your state's DMV website for the exact steps and fees involved.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not leave the VIN blank or write it incorrectly. The VIN is how the DMV identifies the specific machine, and mistakes can delay or block registration. Double-check it against the ATV itself or the current title before you write it down.
Do not skip the price. Even if the ATV was a gift or a trade-in, write down what was exchanged. The DMV may use this to calculate taxes or fees, and it documents the nature of the transaction.
Do not sign the bill of sale unless both parties agree on all the details. Once signed, it is a record of what was agreed to. If something changes after you sign — the buyer wants to return it, or the seller discovers a problem — you will need a separate written agreement to document that change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale if I am trading in my ATV at a dealer?
No. A dealer will handle the paperwork themselves and will provide you with documentation of the trade-in. Keep that documentation for your records, but you do not need to create a separate bill of sale.
Can I use a bill of sale from the internet?
Yes, as long as it includes all the required information for your state. Search for "ATV bill of sale template" and your state name. Many states' DMV websites offer free templates, or you can find generic ones online. Fill in the blanks with the correct information and have both parties sign.
What if the buyer wants to pay me later?
Write that clearly on the bill of sale — for example, "Buyer agrees to pay $3,000 in two installments: $1,500 on [date] and $1,500 on [date]." Both parties should initial that section. This protects you if a dispute arises about when payment is due.
Can I sell an ATV if I do not have the title?
This depends on your state and the circumstances. If the title is lost, you may be able to get a duplicate from the DMV. If the ATV was never titled (which is possible for older machines or those never registered), check your state's DMV website for how to handle that situation. Selling without a title can create problems for the buyer during registration.
Is a handwritten bill of sale as good as a typed one?
Yes. As long as it is legible and includes all the required information, a handwritten bill of sale is just as valid as a typed one. Write clearly so there is no confusion about names, dates, or the VIN.