How to Sell an ATV Privately in Wisconsin (2026)
| Titling agency | Wisconsin DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5% (Sales 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 | MV1 (Title Application lien release) |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in Wisconsin — 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. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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. Wisconsin uses MV1 (Title Application lien release).
- 4Gather documentation — clean Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. Wisconsin requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Wisconsin DMV — buyer must title and register within 10 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Wisconsin DMV to remove future liability.
Wisconsin lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes the lien release section on Form MV1 (Title Application) or provides a separate release letter.
- Owner submits MV1 with the existing title at a Wisconsin DMV service center.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Wisconsin title.
Generate your Wisconsin ATV bill of sale
Compliant with Wisconsin DMV requirements. From $9 — instant PDF, no signup.
Start My Wisconsin ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Wisconsin
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in Wisconsin?▾
Yes. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin DMV.
Does Wisconsin title ATVs?▾
Yes — Wisconsin titles ATVs through Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin ATV title transfer deadline?▾
Wisconsin requires the buyer to transfer the ATV title within 10 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 Wisconsin?▾
Wisconsin charges 5% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at Wisconsin DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in Wisconsin?▾
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin ATV bill of sale?▾
Wisconsin does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Wisconsin DMV.
Source: Wisconsin DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07