What is a side by side bill of sale?

A side by side bill of sale is a legal document that records the private transfer of a side by side between a buyer and seller. It documents the sale price, vehicle identification number, both parties' names and addresses, the odometer reading, and the date of sale. Both parties keep a signed original as proof of the transaction.

Is a side by side bill of sale required by law?

Requirements vary by state. Most states require or strongly recommend a signed bill of sale to transfer vehicle ownership and calculate sales tax at the DMV. Select your state above for state-specific requirements.

Does a side by side bill of sale need to be notarized?

Notarization is required in a few states — including Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Most states accept a signed bill of sale without notarization for private party transfers.

How long should I keep a side by side bill of sale?

Keep a signed copy for at least 5 years after the sale. The bill of sale is your legal proof that the transfer occurred on a specific date, protecting you from liability for future incidents or unpaid fines involving the vehicle.

Side by Side Bill of Sale

A side by side bill of sale is a legal document that records the private sale of a side by side between a buyer and a seller. It captures the sale price, vehicle details, and signatures from both parties — providing proof of ownership transfer and protecting both sides of the transaction. Requirements vary by state; select your state below to get the correct form.

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Side by Side Bill of Sale by State

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Side by Side-specific legal information

Transfer notes

Side-by-side (SxS) UTV title transfer follows off-highway vehicle (OHV) rules in most states. Many states issue an OHV title or registration card rather than a standard motor vehicle title. A signed bill of sale is critical because some states do not title SxS units at all and rely on the bill of sale as primary proof of ownership.

Odometer disclosure

Side-by-side UTVs are off-road vehicles and are exempt from federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580. Document the hour-meter reading on the bill of sale instead — engine hours are the industry-standard wear indicator for SxS units.

Title and registration

States that title SxS units typically use the same title format as ATVs. States that do not title them rely on the bill of sale and the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO). Always transfer the MCO if it has not been previously surrendered to a state.

Special disclosures

OHV registration and trail-use stickers are state-specific — confirm whether the unit is street-legal in your state under the applicable LSV (low-speed vehicle) or ROV (recreational off-highway vehicle) statute.
Aftermarket modifications (lift kits, exhaust, larger tires) may affect insurance and warranty status and should be itemized in the bill of sale.
Roll cage and seat-belt condition disclosures are recommended — federal ROV safety standards apply to manufacturers but not to private resale.