What Is an ATV Bill of Sale?
An ATV bill of sale is a legal document that formalizes the details of a transaction involving the sale of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) from one individual to another. This document serves as a crucial sale record, providing proof of transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. It typically includes important information such as the make, model, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), the names and addresses of the seller and buyer, the sale price, and the transaction date.
The bill of sale is not only for the buyer as proof of ownership, which is often required for registration, insurance, and in some jurisdictions, for legal operation of the vehicle, but also the seller, as it documents the relinquishment of their ownership and responsibility for the ATV.
What to Include in an ATV Bill of Sale
Including essential elements like the following can help you provide the appropriate information, validate the vehicle sale, and obtain registration more easily:
- Identifying Information: The form should include important contact information for the buyer and seller.
- Vehicle Information: The vehicle’s details should include the purchase price, make, model, year, and condition.
- Odometer Reading: Include the miles on the ATV or describe any circumstances affecting the listed miles.
- Signatures: The form should include the buyer and seller’s signatures and dates.
How to Sell an ATV ( 8 steps )
Step 1 – Prepare Your ATV
Prepare your ATV for sale by completing the following tasks:
- Inspect: Fully inspect to identify any problems or damage. You can remove coverings and inspect them visually, check battery terminals, look for tire damage, detect any leaks, and test the shocks. You can also perform a test drive, mainly if you haven’t used it recently.
- Make repairs: Make and perform standard maintenance to increase your asking price. You may have to replace the spark plugs, brake pads, or shocks, flush the coolant, make cable adjustments, and perform oil/oil filter changes.
- Clean: Cleaning the vehicle can help the seller make it more appealing and find a new owner. It may involve washing/polishing the exterior and detailing the steering wheel, cupholders, and pedals.
Step 2 – Determine a Fair Price
Once you’ve prepared your vehicle for sale, you can determine a fair price using these tips:
- Consider the age and condition. Evaluate your vehicle’s age and condition to assess its worth to a potential buyer.
- Check for comparable sales. Look up listings for vehicles of a similar make, model, age, and condition to determine what a buyer might be willing to pay.
- Get a professional inspection. Have a professional inspect your vehicle to determine its value.
- Use online valuation tools. Use tools like Kelley Blue Book, J.D. Power, and Power Motorsports to estimate your vehicle’s value.
Step 3 – Create a Listing
After you settle on a fair price, create a compelling listing for your vehicle. Include a detailed description and attach high-quality pictures so buyers know what’s available.
Step 4 – Advertise Your ATV
Advertise across various platforms to improve your chances of receiving an offer. Some common platforms include:
You may copy and paste the same listing across the different platforms, but you may benefit from optimizing your posts for each site.
Step 5 – Negotiate
Negotiate with potential buyers. You may include accessories or lower the purchase price to facilitate a sale. After negotiations, you can finalize the sale.
Step 6 – Transfer Ownership
Once the seller receives the funds, they can start the documentation of the sale and the process of transferring ownership:
- A filled-out bill of sale signed by the seller and the buyer. Have a notary present when signing the bill of sale if your state requires one.
- A signed ATV title provided by the seller. This document will prove the ownership of the new owner and will be needed for registration and insurance.
Step 7 – Remove Your Plates and Cancel Insurance
Once you’ve legally transferred ownership, physically remove your license plates to transfer the vehicle to the new owner. You can also cancel your insurance so you aren’t paying for protection you no longer need.
Step 8 – Provide a Receipt
Give a receipt to the buyer to confirm that you’ve received payment for the vehicle.
How to Write a Bill of Sale for an ATV
Step 1 – Add Buyer and Seller Details
Your bill of sale should include the buyers’ and sellers’ full names. Also, add each party’s address, including their street address, city, state, and zip code.
Step 2 – Include Legal Language for the Sale
The document should include the legal language necessary to transfer ownership of the vehicle to the buyer. For example, it might state, “I, [the seller], agree to sell, transfer, and convey all rights, title, and interest in the below-described vehicle to [the buyer] for the total sum of $[price], the receipt of which is at this moment acknowledged.” This legal language makes clear the seller intends to transfer ownership to the buyer for a specific price.
Step 3 – Include the Price
Add the vehicle’s sale price, which shows the legal consideration the parties agreed to transfer ownership.
Step 4 – List the Vehicle Information
- The make, model, and year
- The body style and color
- The vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The condition
Make sure this information is accurate. Failure to include necessary details could make the sale invalid or make obtaining registration for the ATV difficult.
Step 5 – Add Odometer Information
The number of miles on your ATV is an important detail. This information should be as accurate and honest as possible. Your bill of sale should include legal language warning of false statements about odometer readings.
The odometer section will list options to describe the odometer status, including whether the odometer is correct in what it displays and if you ever reset it.
Step 6 – Sign the Form
The bill of sale for your ATV should include signature lines for both the buyer and seller. It should include lines for the parties’ names in print, a signature, and a date line.
Each party’s signature is crucial to an effective bill of sale. Failure to obtain a valid signature could mean the bill of sale is invalid.
Sample
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to notarize an ATV bill of sale?
Some states have notary requirements for this document. Check your jurisdiction’s laws to determine if you need a notary present when signing it.
Even if your state doesn’t require a notary, having one present can improve the document’s validity.
Should I keep a copy of the bill of the sale after the transaction is complete?
Yes. Having this document in your records can help you prove ownership if a disagreement arises later.
What’s the difference between an ATV and a UTV?
While some people may use these terms interchangeably, all-terrain vehicles and utility-task vehicles have key differences:
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If you want to sell or buy a Utility Task Vehicle, use our UTV bill of sale form.
