Do golf carts have titles?

In most states, golf carts are not titled. Unlike cars, trucks, or motorcycles, a golf cart is typically treated as an untitled vehicle — which means the bill of sale is the primary document proving ownership after a private sale. A small number of states issue or require a title only when the golf cart is registered for use on public roads (for example, Arizona requires registration as a Low-Speed Vehicle for road use). Confirm the rule with your state's motor vehicle agency before the transaction.

Do golf carts have titles in Iowa?

No. Under Iowa Code § 321.247, golf carts are exempt from the standard vehicle registration requirements that apply to motor vehicles. Iowa cities may allow golf cart operation on city streets by persons with a valid driver's license, but a state title is not issued. The bill of sale is the recommended ownership record for any private golf cart sale in Iowa.

What should a golf cart bill of sale include?

Include the year, make, model, color, and serial number (VIN or manufacturer's serial) of the golf cart; the sale price and date; full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller; a statement of condition (as-is or with warranty); and signatures from both parties. If the cart has aftermarket modifications or accessories included in the sale, list them. Some states require a permit decal transfer notice on sale — South Carolina sellers, for example, must notify the DMV in writing after a sale.

Can I drive a golf cart on public roads?

That depends on your state and municipality. Most states restrict golf carts to golf courses, private property, or specific local streets designated by ordinance. A few states allow operation on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less under specific conditions — generally requiring a permit, registration, liability insurance, and a valid driver's license. Check the rules for your specific state and county before operating on any public road.

Do I owe sales tax on a private golf cart sale?

Some states collect use tax on private golf cart sales, assessed on the sale price recorded in the bill of sale. The rules vary by state and often depend on whether the cart is being registered or permitted. Recording the actual sale price accurately protects both parties. Check with your state's department of revenue or motor vehicle agency to confirm whether use tax applies.

Does South Carolina require a special permit for golf carts?

Yes. South Carolina requires that golf carts operated on public highways be registered and permitted through SCDMV using Form GC-2. The driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license, must operate within four miles of the registered address, and must stay on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. Operation is limited to daylight hours unless a local ordinance extends nighttime use. When a golf cart is sold, the seller must notify SCDMV of the new owner and remove the permit decal. Source: South Carolina DMV, dmv.sc.gov.

What is the difference between a golf cart and a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)?

Under Florida law (§ 320.01, Florida Statutes), a golf cart is defined as a vehicle that cannot exceed 20 mph and is designed for use on a golf course. An LSV is a four-wheeled vehicle with a top speed greater than 20 mph but no more than 25 mph, and must meet federal equipment standards. Florida golf carts do not need to be titled or registered; Florida LSVs must be titled, registered, and insured. Other states use similar distinctions — a faster or modified cart may be classified as an LSV and subject to title and registration requirements. Source: Florida DHSMV, flhsmv.gov.

Golf Cart Bill of Sale

Generate a printable golf cart bill of sale in minutes. Because most states do not issue a title for golf carts, this document is your primary proof of ownership — include the serial number, sale price, both parties' signatures, and any state permit notes.

Create Golf Cart Bill of Sale

Why golf carts rarely have titles — and why that makes the bill of sale essential

Most states do not issue a certificate of title for golf carts. Unlike a car or a motorcycle, a golf cart is not automatically enrolled in the state titling system when it is manufactured or sold new. That means when you buy or sell a used golf cart through a private transaction, there is no title to sign over. The bill of sale is the document that transfers ownership — and without one, the buyer has limited recourse to prove the cart belongs to them.

A well-drafted golf cart bill of sale records the serial number (the cart's equivalent of a VIN), the sale price used for any applicable use-tax assessment, the condition of the cart, and signatures from both parties. Sellers also rely on it to document the date ownership transferred, which matters for insurance and liability purposes.

What to include on a golf cart bill of sale

Serial number — the manufacturer's serial number (found on a frame plate near the battery compartment or under the seat). This is the cart's primary identifier in states that do not title it.
Year, make, model, and color — common makes include Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha, and Star EV.
Battery type and motor type — note whether the cart is electric or gas, and the battery age or engine size, especially if the buyer relies on this for valuation.
Accessories and modifications — lifted suspension, custom wheels, enclosures, or aftermarket seats included in the sale should be listed explicitly.
Sale price and date — required for use-tax assessment in states that collect it.
Full legal names and addresses for buyer and seller.
As-is statement — most private golf cart sales are as-is; spelling that out protects the seller from later claims about condition.
Signatures from both parties, dated at the time of transfer.

State-by-state golf cart titling and permit rules

Golf cart regulations vary more than almost any other vehicle type — the rules are set by a combination of state law and local ordinance. The table below covers the states with the most distinct verified rules. For every other state, the conservative baseline applies: no state title is issued for golf carts, street use (if permitted at all) is governed by local ordinance, and the bill of sale is the primary ownership document. Always confirm with your state's motor vehicle agency before the transaction.

State	Title issued?	Permit or registration required for road use?	Age / license requirement	Primary source
Arizona	Yes, if operated on public roads (must register as LSV with ADOT). Exempt if used only on a golf course or crossing incidentally.	Yes — title, registration, insurance, and license plate required for public road use. Roads 35 mph or less.	Valid driver's license; age 16+.	ARS § 28-2153, azleg.gov
Florida	No title for golf carts (≤ 20 mph). LSVs (20–25 mph) must be titled and registered.	Golf carts: no registration required. May operate on designated roads ≤ 30 mph. LSVs: registration, title, and insurance required; roads ≤ 35 mph.	Golf cart: age 14+ with learner's license, or valid government ID if 18+. LSV: valid driver's license required.	Fla. Stat. §§ 320.01(22), 320.01(41); flhsmv.gov
Georgia	No state title for golf carts. Exempt from standard registration (O.C.G.A. § 40-1-1(17.2)).	Street use authorized only by local ordinance (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-331). Local governing bodies may require local registration (fee up to $15, renewed every 5 years). Roads ≤ 35 mph; max 20 mph.	Age 16+ with valid driver's license; age 15 with learner's permit; age 12–14 with licensed adult in front seat.	O.C.G.A. § 40-6-331; dps.georgia.gov
Iowa	No. Golf carts are exempt from standard title and registration under Iowa Code § 321.247.	City ordinances may permit golf cart operation on designated city streets. Cannot operate on primary road extensions.	Valid driver's license required for street use.	Iowa Code § 321.247; legis.iowa.gov
South Carolina	No state title. Permit/registration via SCDMV Form GC-2 required for road use.	Yes — SCDMV permit required. Must be insured. Within 4 miles of registered address. Roads ≤ 35 mph. Daylight hours only (unless local ordinance extends). Seller must notify SCDMV and remove permit decal on sale.	Age 16+ with valid driver's license. Passengers under 12 must wear a seatbelt.	S.C. Code § 56-2-90; dmv.sc.gov
Texas	No. TxDMV does not issue a title for golf carts. Golf Cart license plate available (no title).	Golf Cart license plate from county tax office (Form 130-U). Road use: roads ≤ 35 mph, daytime only, within 2 miles of where usually parked or to/from a golf course. Slow-moving vehicle emblem required.	Check with your county for local requirements; no state minimum age specified beyond general traffic law.	TxDMV Unique Vehicles; txdmv.gov
All other states	Generally no state title for golf carts.	Street use governed by municipal or county ordinance. Verify with your local authority before operating on any public road.	Check with your state's motor vehicle agency.	Check with your state's motor vehicle agency.

How to complete a golf cart bill of sale

Locate the golf cart's serial number — typically stamped on a plate on the frame near the battery compartment or under the seat.
Collect the year, make (Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha, etc.), model, color, and any aftermarket accessories included in the sale.
Agree on the sale price and confirm whether the sale is as-is or includes any representations about condition.
Record full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
Generate the bill of sale and fill in all golf cart details, parties, price, and date.
Both parties sign and date the bill of sale; keep a copy each.
If your state requires a permit or registration update on sale — such as South Carolina's DMV notification — complete that step before handing over the cart.