How to Sell an ATV Privately in Colorado (2026)
| Titling agency | Colorado DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 60 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 2.9% (Sales tax applies; ownership tax also assessed based on vehicle age) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| OHV permit required | Yes — separate Colorado OHV sticker for public land |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | DR 2444A |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in Colorado — 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. Colorado 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 Colorado 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. Colorado uses DR 2444A.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Colorado 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 Colorado 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 Colorado OHV permit to ride on public land.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the Colorado ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. Colorado requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Colorado DMV — buyer must title and register within 60 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Colorado DMV to remove future liability. The buyer also obtains the Colorado OHV permit before riding on public land.
Colorado lien release procedure
- Obtain Form DR 2444A from the Colorado DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs DR 2444A releasing the lien.
- Submit DR 2444A with the existing title and title application at your county motor vehicle office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean title.
Colorado OHV permit — what the buyer needs to know
Colorado 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 Colorado ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in Colorado?▾
Yes. Colorado 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 Colorado DMV.
Does Colorado title ATVs?▾
Yes — Colorado titles ATVs through Colorado 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 Colorado ATV title transfer deadline?▾
Colorado requires the buyer to transfer the ATV title within 60 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private ATV sale in Colorado?▾
Colorado charges 2.9% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Sales tax applies; ownership tax also assessed based on vehicle age The buyer typically pays the tax at Colorado DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in Colorado?▾
Yes — Colorado 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 Colorado OHV program website for the current annual fee.
Do I need a notary for a Colorado ATV bill of sale?▾
Colorado does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Colorado DMV.
Source: Colorado DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07