How to Sell an ATV Privately in Illinois (2026)
| Titling agency | Illinois DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 20 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.25% (Private vehicle use tax applies based on purchase price bracket) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| OHV permit required | No separate permit program |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | VSD 790 ↗ |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in Illinois — 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. Illinois 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 Illinois 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. Illinois uses VSD 790.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Illinois 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 Illinois 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.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the Illinois ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. Illinois requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Illinois DMV — buyer must title and register within 20 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Illinois DMV to remove future liability.
Illinois lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes VSD 790 (Notice of Lien Release).
- Owner submits VSD 790 with current title to the Secretary of State.
- Pay $15 title fee.
- Receive new title with lien removed.
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Start My Illinois ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Illinois
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in Illinois?▾
Yes. Illinois 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 Illinois DMV.
Does Illinois title ATVs?▾
Yes — Illinois titles ATVs through Illinois 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 Illinois ATV title transfer deadline?▾
Illinois requires the buyer to transfer the ATV title within 20 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 Illinois?▾
Illinois charges 6.25% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Private vehicle use tax applies based on purchase price bracket The buyer typically pays the tax at Illinois DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in Illinois?▾
Illinois does not run a separate OHV permit program. The buyer's title/registration plus the bill of sale is sufficient to operate the ATV on public OHV trails. Private-property use does not require additional permits.
Do I need a notary for a Illinois ATV bill of sale?▾
Illinois does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Illinois DMV.
Source: Illinois DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07