How to Sell an ATV Privately in Louisiana (2026)
| Titling agency | Louisiana DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 40 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4.45% (Sales tax applies; parish taxes vary significantly) |
| Bill of sale notary | Required |
| OHV permit required | No separate permit program |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | DPSMV 1863 |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in Louisiana — 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. Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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. Louisiana uses DPSMV 1863.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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. Sign in front of a notary.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the Louisiana ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. Louisiana requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Louisiana DMV — buyer must title and register within 40 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Louisiana DMV to remove future liability.
Louisiana lien release procedure
- Obtain Form DPSMV 1863 from the Louisiana OMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs DPSMV 1863 releasing the lien.
- Submit DPSMV 1863 with the existing title and title application at a Louisiana OMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Louisiana title.
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Start My Louisiana ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Louisiana
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in Louisiana?▾
Yes. Louisiana 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 Louisiana DMV.
Does Louisiana title ATVs?▾
Yes — Louisiana titles ATVs through Louisiana 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 Louisiana ATV title transfer deadline?▾
Louisiana requires the buyer to transfer the ATV title within 40 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties. Louisiana is unique: a bill of sale for a motor vehicle must be signed before a notary public and two witnesses to be legally valid. This is required under Louisiana Civil Code art. 1833.
Is sales tax owed on a private ATV sale in Louisiana?▾
Louisiana charges 4.45% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Sales tax applies; parish taxes vary significantly The buyer typically pays the tax at Louisiana DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in Louisiana?▾
Louisiana 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 Louisiana ATV bill of sale?▾
Yes — Louisiana requires notarization of the ATV bill of sale. Louisiana is unique: a bill of sale for a motor vehicle must be signed before a notary public and two witnesses to be legally valid. This is required under Louisiana Civil Code art. 1833. Sign both copies (buyer + seller) in front of a notary public.
Source: Louisiana DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07