How to Sell an ATV Privately in California (2026)
| Titling agency | California DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 7.25% (Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| OHV permit required | Yes — separate California OHV sticker for public land |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | REG 227 ↗ |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in California — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the frame VIN — on ATVs the 17-character frame VIN is stamped on the frame near the engine, on the steering head, or on a stamped plate on the left side of the frame rail. California requires this on every bill of sale and the title.
- 2Note the engine displacement and class — ATV engines are sized in cc (cubic centimeters); youth ATVs under 90cc fall under separate California youth-rider rules and may have different registration paths than adult ATVs 250cc+.
- 3Clear any liens — if the ATV was financed, request a payoff quote and lien release letter. California uses REG 227.
- 4Gather documentation — clean California title (no liens), current registration card, maintenance records, manufacturer's owner's manual, and any OHV/trail permit stickers on the ATV.
- 5Price the ATV — check Kelley Blue Book Powersports, NADA Guides (ATVs), and recent California ATV Trader / Craigslist / Facebook Marketplace comps. Hours, condition, aftermarket parts (winch, plow, tires), and youth/adult class all affect value.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — frame VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, hours (if tracked), sale price, sale date, and both parties' full legal names and addresses. Note that the buyer will also need to obtain a California OHV permit to ride on public land.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the California ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. California requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify California DMV — buyer must title and register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with California DMV to remove future liability. The buyer also obtains the California OHV permit before riding on public land.
California lien release procedure
- Obtain REG 227 from the DMV or lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs REG 227.
- Submit REG 227 with title application at DMV or by mail.
- Receive new title without lien notation (allow 4–6 weeks by mail).
California OHV permit — what the buyer needs to know
California requires every off-highway vehicle (ATV, UTV, dirt bike) to display a current OHV sticker before operating on BLM land, national forest trails, state forest land, or state park OHV areas. The permit is purchased annually and is separate from any DMV title or registration — note this on the bill of sale so the buyer is not surprised at the trailhead.
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Start My California ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — California
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in California?▾
Yes. California requires a written bill of sale for private ATV transfers to document the frame VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the ATV with California DMV.
Does California title ATVs?▾
Yes — California titles ATVs through California DMV. The seller endorses the title to the buyer, and the buyer presents the endorsed title plus the signed bill of sale to title and register the ATV in their name.
What is the California ATV title transfer deadline?▾
California requires the buyer to transfer the ATV title within 10 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties. CA does not require notarization of the bill of sale, but the title transfer (REG 262) must be signed by both parties.
Is sales tax owed on a private ATV sale in California?▾
California charges 7.25% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate The buyer typically pays the tax at California DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in California?▾
Yes — California runs a separate Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) permit program. The new owner must purchase an OHV sticker before riding the ATV on public land, BLM trails, state forest land, or state park OHV areas. The sticker is separate from any DMV title or registration. Check the California OHV program website for the current annual fee.
Do I need a notary for a California ATV bill of sale?▾
California does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. CA does not require notarization of the bill of sale, but the title transfer (REG 262) must be signed by both parties. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for California DMV.
Source: California DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07