How to Fill Out a Maryland ATV Bill of Sale
Follow this checklist to complete the form correctly in Maryland.
How to fill out a Maryland atv bill of sale
Total time: 5–10 minutes
You will need:
- Signed vehicle title
- Government-issued ID for both parties
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Enter seller and buyer names
Write the full legal names and current addresses of both the seller and buyer exactly as they appear on their government-issued IDs. Errors here can delay the Maryland DMV title transfer.
Add vehicle details
Record the atv's year, make, model, and color. Double-check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the dashboard or door jamb.
Record the sale price and date
Write the agreed sale price in both numerals and words to prevent disputes. Enter the exact date the ownership changes hands — this date triggers the Maryland title transfer deadline.
Disclose the odometer reading
Write the exact mileage shown on the odometer at the time of sale. Federal law (49 CFR Part 580) requires this disclosure for most motor vehicles under 20 years old — omitting it can void the sale.
Both parties sign the bill of sale
Seller and buyer both sign and date the completed form. Each party keeps a signed original. Maryland may require the signed bill of sale at the DMV to complete the title transfer.
Download and print a copy for each party
Print at least two copies — one for the buyer to submit to the DMV and one for the seller to keep as proof the vehicle was sold. Store your copy for at least three years.
Maryland ATV transfer fees and requirements
In Maryland, the title transfer fee is $100 and registration costs $135 - $187 for 2-year registration. ATV sales are subject to 6% excise tax on the purchase price or fair market value. Notarization is required for atv bill of sale documents in Maryland. Emission testing is required in Maryland — verify the atv passes before completing the sale.
- Notarized bill of sale required for title transfer
- Safety inspection required before registration
- Emissions testing required in certain counties
- MVA handles title and registration (not DMV)
Maryland sales tax on atv purchases
Maryland has a 6% state sales tax rate. Flat 6% excise tax on purchase price or fair market value. Private-party atv sales in Maryland are subject to sales tax. Excise tax applies to all vehicle sales. The title transfer fee is $100.
ATV market data and safety information
The most common atv makes in private-party sales are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average private-party atv prices range from $2,000–$12,000. Atvs average 2.1 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Steering, Suspension.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used atv
Before completing a atv bill of sale in Maryland, verify these safety items:
- Check CV boots and axle condition — the most common failure point on ATVs
- Inspect skid plate and frame for cracks from off-road impacts
- Verify winch operation if equipped
- Test 4WD engagement and differential lock
ATV insurance and depreciation in Maryland
ATV insurance is required for on-road use in states that allow it. Off-road coverage averages $100–$400/year. ATVs depreciate 30–40% in the first 3 years. Polaris and Can-Am models hold value best. Peak season for private atv sales is spring and early fall — before and after riding seasons, with an average of 25 days on market.
ATV registration and titling
ATVs are classified as "Off-highway vehicle (OHV) — title/registration requirements vary by state" for registration purposes. ATVs are classified by engine displacement (cc) rather than weight for most regulations. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to atvs.
Odometer disclosure for atv sales
ATVs are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. Most ATVs do not have traditional odometers, and there is no mileage disclosure requirement.
Required disclosures for atv sales in Maryland
When selling a atv in Maryland, the following disclosures apply:
- OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) registration status — ATVs that are only OHV-registered cannot be driven on public roads in most states.
- Age restrictions apply in many states: riders under 16 may be prohibited from operating full-size ATVs on public land.
- Aftermarket modifications (lift kits, engine swaps) may void the manufacturer warranty and should be disclosed.
Maryland bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,464 bill of sale documents for Maryland transactions, with 40 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
Generate your document
If you prefer to generate a completed Maryland atv bill of sale automatically, you can create one here.
Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price
45% faster sale
Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.
Source: Experian / AutoCheck
$4,000 avg loss
NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.
Source: NHTSA
17.5M private sales/yr
About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.
Source: Cox Automotive 2024
1 in 3 buyers
Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.
Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)
Informational purposes only. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed attorney for jurisdiction-specific guidance on vehicle transfers, title requirements, or related legal matters.