How to Sell an ATV Privately in Massachusetts (2026)
| Titling agency | Massachusetts DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.25% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| OHV permit required | No separate permit program |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | RMV-1 (lien section) |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in Massachusetts — 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. Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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. Massachusetts uses RMV-1 (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — clean Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. Massachusetts requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Massachusetts DMV — buyer must title and register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Massachusetts DMV to remove future liability.
Massachusetts lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes the lien release section on the existing title or provides a separate release letter.
- Owner submits the released title with Form RMV-1 (registration/title application) at a Massachusetts RMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Massachusetts title.
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Start My Massachusetts ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Massachusetts
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in Massachusetts?▾
Yes. Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts DMV.
Does Massachusetts title ATVs?▾
Yes — Massachusetts titles ATVs through Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts ATV title transfer deadline?▾
Massachusetts 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.
Is sales tax owed on a private ATV sale in Massachusetts?▾
Massachusetts charges 6.25% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at Massachusetts DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in Massachusetts?▾
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts ATV bill of sale?▾
Massachusetts does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Massachusetts DMV.
Source: Massachusetts DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07