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Free California ATV Bill of Sale

California regulates ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles as "Off-Highway Vehicles" (OHVs) through the CA DMV — not Fish & Wildlife. Every OHV ridden on public land needs an OHV identification (green or red sticker) renewed every two years. The transfer paperwork mirrors a car sale: signed title, REG 135 bill of sale, REG 138 Release of Liability filed within 5 days, and buyer registration within 10 days. The big California-specific catch is the green-vs-red sticker system: vehicles meeting current emissions get a green sticker (year-round riding); non-compliant vehicles get a red sticker and are restricted to seasonal-only use in OHV areas (typically Oct 1–Apr 30 in many parks). That status follows the VIN and dramatically affects resale value.

California Requirements: Transfer title within 10 days. 7.25% sales tax.

Seller Information

Buyer Information

ATV Details

Sale Information

Condition & Warranty

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ATV titling laws are inconsistent — some states require full title transfers, others only require registration, and a few have no requirements at all. Read our guide to find out exactly what your state requires for off-road vehicle transfers. Read: Do I Need a Bill of Sale? →

California ATV Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form
REG 135
Bill of Sale
Agency
CA DMV
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
0.0725%
Title Required
Yes
OHVs (off-highway vehicles) are titled and registered through CA DMV under the Off-Highway Vehicle program. The owner receives an OHV identification (green or red sticker) plus a CF-style ID plate. Title transfer follows the standard 10-day rule.
Inspection
Not required

Sales Tax Details

7.25%–10.75% combined rate applies to ATV/UTV/dirt-bike sales, collected at DMV at registration based on price or market value (whichever higher).

Exemption: Family-member transfers (spouse, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, domestic partner) exempt with REG 256.

Inspection Requirements

No smog cert required for OHV-only ATVs. Spark arrestor required for any OHV used on public lands. Green-sticker (model-year compliant) vehicles can ride OHV areas year-round; red-sticker (non-compliant emissions) vehicles are restricted to seasonal riding.

Registration

Registration for this vehicle type is handled by CA DMV — Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division — not the same agency that handles cars in California. Plan for separate filings.

California ATV Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

  1. Complete REG 135 with VIN, engine number, make/model/year, sale price, and date
  2. Seller signs the Certificate of Title; buyer signs the transfer line
  3. File REG 138 Release of Liability online at dmv.ca.gov within 5 days
  4. Confirm green vs. red sticker status — it is encoded by VIN and emissions year
  5. Buyer transfers title and renews OHV identification at DMV within 10 days ($54 OHV biennial fee)
  6. Verify spark arrestor is installed (USFS-approved) — required on all public lands
  7. Disclose any prior crash damage, frame welds, or engine swaps in writing on REG 135
  8. Use REG 256 for any family-member or gift transfer to claim use-tax exemption

Common Pitfalls

  • Buying a "green sticker" ATV that turns out to be red-sticker — limits riding to seasonal months at OHV parks like Hungry Valley and Hollister Hills, cutting resale value by 30%+
  • Skipping REG 138 — every OHV citation, trespass fine, or accident on the seller's sticker comes back to the seller
  • Riding without a current OHV sticker — base fine $190+ at Hungry Valley, Ocotillo Wells, and similar OHV areas, plus possible vehicle impound
  • Missing spark arrestor — federal-land citation runs $250–$500 and rangers do check at trailheads
  • Selling a youth ATV without disclosing CPSC age/engine-displacement restrictions — California enforces under-16 supervision rules and parental liability

Pro Tip

Check the sticker color, sign the OHV title, file REG 138 in 5 days, register in 10. California OHV rules punish shortcuts.

California ATV Bill of Sale — FAQs

What is the difference between a green and red sticker in California?
The OHV identification color reflects emissions compliance. Green sticker = vehicle met California emissions for its model year, allowing year-round riding at all SVRA (State Vehicular Recreation Areas) and OHV-managed lands. Red sticker = non-compliant or originally for "competition use only" — restricted to seasonal riding windows that vary by park (typically Oct through April or May). Sticker status is permanent to the VIN and cannot be upgraded. Always check sticker color before buying; a red-sticker bike is worth materially less and your riding calendar shrinks by 5–6 months.
Do I need a title to sell my ATV in California?
Yes, if it is registered as an OHV with CA DMV. The seller signs the Certificate of Ownership (the OHV equivalent of a pink slip), the buyer signs the transfer line, and both file at DMV within 10 days. If the title is lost, apply for a duplicate via REG 227 ($26, ~15–30 days). Bill of sale (REG 135) alone is not enough to transfer registration — DMV requires the original ownership certificate or a REG 262 secure form notarized. File REG 138 within 5 days regardless.
How much is California OHV registration after I buy?
OHV identification costs $54 for a two-year period (renews biennially), plus a one-time title transfer fee ($15) and use tax (7.25%–10.75% on the sale price or market value, whichever is higher). Late transfer past 10 days adds a $15 penalty escalating with time. If you bought from a family member, file REG 256 to skip the use tax. Keep your sticker affixed to the left fork or fender as required — riding without a visible current sticker at an SVRA draws a $190+ citation.
Can a 14-year-old ride an ATV in California after I buy it for them?
Only with strict limits. California Vehicle Code §38503 and CPSC rules limit kids under 14 to ATVs with engines up to 70cc, and ages 14–15 to up to 90cc, with adult supervision and an ATV Safety Institute (or equivalent) safety-training certificate. Riding a full-size 450cc sport quad as a minor is illegal at any public OHV area, and parents are civilly liable for injuries. Document the engine displacement on the bill of sale and verify your child has the required safety certificate before purchase.

Other California Templates

🚘Vehicle Bill of Sale🚗Car Bill of Sale🚙Used Car Bill of Sale🏍️Motorcycle Bill of Sale⛵Boat Bill of Sale🚛Trailer Bill of Sale🐴Horse Bill of Sale🔫Gun / Firearm Bill of Sale🏕️RV Bill of Sale📄General Bill of Sale🖨️Free Printable Bill of Sale📏Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale⚠️As-Is Bill of Sale🎁Gift Bill of Sale

ATV in Other States

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