Out-of-state sale — What You Need to Know
The buyer and seller are in different states, or the vehicle is currently registered in a different state than where the buyer will register it. This can trigger additional inspections and title-reissuing requirements.
Seller guidance
You must title/register the transfer in the state whose rules govern the sale (typically the state where the transaction occurs). Provide the buyer with your state's standard bill of sale and a clean, signed title. Some states require you to obtain a VIN inspection before releasing a title to an out-of-state buyer.
Buyer guidance
You will need to re-title the vehicle in your home state after purchase. Bring the signed out-of-state title, the bill of sale, and any required inspection certificates to your local DMV. Many states require a state-certified VIN verification and an odometer disclosure statement to process an out-of-state title.
Legal note (Maine-specific)
ME requires the out-of-state title to be surrendered at the BMV. ME charges 5.5% sales tax on the purchase price if not paid. A ME safety inspection is required.
Out-of-state sale checklist
- Confirm the original title is signed and notarized if required by the seller's state
- Obtain a state VIN verification form if required in the buyer's state
- Complete odometer disclosure on the title or a separate form (49 CFR Part 580)
- Gather emissions or safety inspection certificates if required in the buyer's state
- File for title transfer in the buyer's home state within the permitted timeframe
- Surrender out-of-state title at ME BMV
- Pay 5.5% sales tax if not paid in state of purchase
- Pass ME safety inspection
- Transfer title within 30 days
ATV Safety & Recall Information
Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases
Average Safety Rating
0 / 5
Avg. Price Range
$2,000–$12,000
Odometer Disclosure
Not required
Safety checkpoints for atv buyers
- Check CV boots and axle condition — the most common failure point on ATVs
- Inspect skid plate and frame for cracks from off-road impacts
- Verify winch operation if equipped
- Test 4WD engagement and differential lock
- Confirm parking brake holds on a slope
- Verify throttle limiter is intact and free of binding
- Test kill switch and engine-off function
- Inspect handlebars for crash bend or weld repair
Common recall categories
Fuel SystemSteeringSuspensionElectricalThrottle
On average, each atv model has approximately 2.1 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.
Dover-Foxcroft Out-of-state sale atv generator — when to file
Maine requires title transfer within 30 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For out-of-state sale transactions specifically, file at Maine DMV – Dover-Foxcroft (Visit https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv to find the nearest Dover-Foxcroft office) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (verify hours with local office). Miss the 30-day window and Maine typically charges a late-transfer penalty plus accrued use tax, and the seller can remain on the title for civil liability until the buyer completes retitling. Bring the signed title, the completed Dover-Foxcroft bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $33.00 title transfer fee plus 5.5% sales tax on the purchase price.
Generator reminder. Whether you keep your generator as a generator-produced document, both buyer and seller should leave the signing with an identical executed copy. The buyer needs the original to present at Maine DMV – Dover-Foxcroft; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.