How to Sell an ATV Privately in Michigan (2026)
| Titling agency | Michigan DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 15 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% (Use 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 | TR-11L |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in Michigan — 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. Michigan 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 Michigan 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. Michigan uses TR-11L.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. Michigan requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Michigan DMV — buyer must title and register within 15 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Michigan DMV to remove future liability.
Michigan lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes TR-11L (Notice of Lien Release).
- Owner submits TR-11L with title application (TR-11) at a Secretary of State office.
- Pay $15 title fee.
- Receive clean Michigan title.
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Start My Michigan ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Michigan
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in Michigan?▾
Yes. Michigan 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 Michigan DMV.
Does Michigan title ATVs?▾
Yes — Michigan titles ATVs through Michigan 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 Michigan ATV title transfer deadline?▾
Michigan requires the buyer to transfer the ATV title within 15 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 Michigan?▾
Michigan charges 6% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at Michigan DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in Michigan?▾
Michigan 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 Michigan ATV bill of sale?▾
Michigan does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Michigan DMV.
Source: Michigan DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07