How to Sell an ATV Privately in North Dakota (2026)
| Titling agency | North Dakota DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5% (Excise tax applies to all vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| OHV permit required | No separate permit program |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | SFN 18609 |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in North Dakota — 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. North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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. North Dakota uses SFN 18609.
- 4Gather documentation — clean North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. North Dakota requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify North Dakota DMV — buyer must title and register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with North Dakota DMV to remove future liability.
North Dakota lien release procedure
- Obtain Form SFN 18609 from the North Dakota DOT or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs SFN 18609 releasing the lien.
- Submit SFN 18609 with the existing title and title application at a county treasurer's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean North Dakota title.
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Start My North Dakota ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — North Dakota
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in North Dakota?▾
Yes. North Dakota 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 North Dakota DMV.
Does North Dakota title ATVs?▾
Yes — North Dakota titles ATVs through North Dakota 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 North Dakota ATV title transfer deadline?▾
North Dakota requires the buyer to transfer the ATV title within 30 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 North Dakota?▾
North Dakota charges 5% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Excise tax applies to all vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at North Dakota DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in North Dakota?▾
North Dakota 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 North Dakota ATV bill of sale?▾
North Dakota does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for North Dakota DMV.
Source: North Dakota DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07