How to Sell an ATV Privately in Washington (2026)
| Titling agency | Washington DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 15 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.5% (Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| OHV permit required | Yes — separate Washington OHV sticker for public land |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | TD-420-069 or Title (lien section) |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in Washington — 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. Washington 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 Washington 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. Washington uses TD-420-069 or Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — clean Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington OHV permit to ride on public land.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the Washington ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. Washington requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Washington DMV — buyer must title and register within 15 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Washington DMV to remove future liability. The buyer also obtains the Washington OHV permit before riding on public land.
Washington lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form TD-420-069 or the lien release section on the existing Washington title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a Washington DOL office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Washington title.
Washington OHV permit — what the buyer needs to know
Washington 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 Washington ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Washington
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in Washington?▾
Yes. Washington 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 Washington DMV.
Does Washington title ATVs?▾
Yes — Washington titles ATVs through Washington 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 Washington ATV title transfer deadline?▾
Washington 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 Washington?▾
Washington charges 6.5% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at Washington DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in Washington?▾
Yes — Washington 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 Washington OHV program website for the current annual fee.
Do I need a notary for a Washington ATV bill of sale?▾
Washington does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Washington DMV.
Source: Washington DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07