How to Sell an ATV Privately in Texas (2026)
| Titling agency | Texas DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.25% (Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| OHV permit required | No separate permit program |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | VTR-262 ↗ |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in Texas — 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. Texas 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 Texas 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. Texas uses VTR-262.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. Texas requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Texas DMV — buyer must title and register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Texas DMV to remove future liability.
Texas lien release procedure
- Obtain Form VTR-262 from the TxDMV website.
- Lienholder completes Part A (lienholder information) and notarizes.
- Owner submits VTR-262 with title application at the county tax assessor-collector.
- Pay title fee ($33).
- Receive clean title by mail within 2–4 weeks.
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Start My Texas ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Texas
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in Texas?▾
Yes. Texas 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 Texas DMV.
Does Texas title ATVs?▾
Yes — Texas titles ATVs through Texas 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 Texas ATV title transfer deadline?▾
Texas 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. TX does not require a notarized bill of sale; however, Form 14-317 (Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer) must be notarized.
Is sales tax owed on a private ATV sale in Texas?▾
Texas charges 6.25% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher The buyer typically pays the tax at Texas DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in Texas?▾
Texas 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 Texas ATV bill of sale?▾
Texas does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. TX does not require a notarized bill of sale; however, Form 14-317 (Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer) must be notarized. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Texas DMV.
Source: Texas DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07