How to Sell an ATV Privately in Maryland (2026)
| Titling agency | Maryland DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 60 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% (Excise tax applies to all vehicle sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| OHV permit required | No separate permit program |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | VR-217 |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in Maryland — 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. Maryland 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 Maryland 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. Maryland uses VR-217.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. Maryland requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Maryland DMV — buyer must title and register within 60 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Maryland DMV to remove future liability.
Maryland lien release procedure
- Obtain Form VR-217 from the Maryland MVA or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs VR-217 releasing the lien.
- Submit VR-217 with the existing title and title application at a Maryland MVA office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Maryland title.
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Start My Maryland ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Maryland
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in Maryland?▾
Yes. Maryland 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 Maryland DMV.
Does Maryland title ATVs?▾
Yes — Maryland titles ATVs through Maryland 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 Maryland ATV title transfer deadline?▾
Maryland 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 Maryland?▾
Maryland charges 6% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Excise tax applies to all vehicle sales The buyer typically pays the tax at Maryland DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in Maryland?▾
Maryland 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 Maryland ATV bill of sale?▾
Maryland does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Maryland DMV.
Source: Maryland DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07