How to Sell an ATV Privately in New Mexico (2026)
| Titling agency | New Mexico DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 90 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4% (4% motor vehicle excise tax applies to all vehicle sales) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| OHV permit required | Yes — separate New Mexico OHV sticker for public land |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | MVD Title (lien section) |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in New Mexico — 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. New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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. New Mexico uses MVD Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — clean New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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. Note that the buyer will also need to obtain a New Mexico OHV permit to ride on public land.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the New Mexico ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. New Mexico requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify New Mexico DMV — buyer must title and register within 90 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with New Mexico DMV to remove future liability. The buyer also obtains the New Mexico OHV permit before riding on public land.
New Mexico lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes the lien release section on the back of the existing New Mexico title.
- Owner submits the released title and title application at a New Mexico MVD office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean New Mexico title.
New Mexico OHV permit — what the buyer needs to know
New Mexico requires every off-highway vehicle (ATV, UTV, dirt bike) to display a current OHV sticker before operating on BLM land, national forest trails, state forest land, or state park OHV areas. The permit is purchased annually and is separate from any DMV title or registration — note this on the bill of sale so the buyer is not surprised at the trailhead.
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Start My New Mexico ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — New Mexico
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in New Mexico?▾
Yes. New Mexico 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 New Mexico DMV.
Does New Mexico title ATVs?▾
Yes — New Mexico titles ATVs through New Mexico 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 New Mexico ATV title transfer deadline?▾
New Mexico requires the buyer to transfer the ATV title within 90 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 New Mexico?▾
New Mexico charges 4% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. 4% motor vehicle excise tax applies to all vehicle sales The buyer typically pays the tax at New Mexico DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in New Mexico?▾
Yes — New Mexico runs a separate Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) permit program. The new owner must purchase an OHV sticker before riding the ATV on public land, BLM trails, state forest land, or state park OHV areas. The sticker is separate from any DMV title or registration. Check the New Mexico OHV program website for the current annual fee.
Do I need a notary for a New Mexico ATV bill of sale?▾
New Mexico does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for New Mexico DMV.
Source: New Mexico DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07