Free Texas ATV Bill of Sale
Texas treats ATVs and UTVs differently from cars: TxDMV titles them, but they cannot be registered for normal road use. The buyer titles the ATV at the county tax assessor-collector with Form 130-U. ATVs fall under regular sales and use tax, not motor vehicle tax, so there is no SPV lookup. A strong written bill of sale is still important, especially when the seller has no title.
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Texas ATV Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
6.25% Texas sales/use tax applies to ATV/UTV purchases. OHVs fall under regular sales and use tax (6.25% state plus up to 2% local), not motor vehicle tax, so there is no SPV. For a private-party purchase, ask the county tax office or the Comptroller whether tax is due.
Exemption: Farm/ranch ATVs used predominantly in agricultural production qualify for ag exemption with Form 01-924 and a valid Ag/Timber Registration Number.
Inspection Requirements
No safety inspection required for off-highway use. ATVs are not legal on Texas public highways except on limited rural roads in unincorporated areas during daylight hours, with specific safety equipment, and an Off-Highway Vehicle license plate.
Registration
Registration for this vehicle type is handled by County tax assessor-collector (title and OHV license plate); Texas Parks and Wildlife (OHV decal) — not the same agency that handles cars in Texas. Plan for separate filings.
Texas ATV Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Detailed bill of sale: VIN, make/model/year, engine size, color, sale price, both signatures (notarized recommended)
- Original manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO) for new ATVs, or the prior bill-of-sale chain for used
- Buyer applies for the Texas title with Form 130-U at the county tax assessor-collector
- Pay 6.25% state sales tax on the purchase price (no county add-on for OHVs)
- Buy an OHV decal from Texas Parks and Wildlife if riding on public off-highway vehicle land
- Verify VIN matches the unit and is not reported stolen via NICB or local sheriff
- For ag use: present Form 01-924 with Ag/Timber number to claim sales tax exemption
Common Pitfalls
- Not asking for the title — TxDMV titles ATVs, so ask the seller for the signed Texas title (or the MCO for a new unit)
- Skipping the title application — without a title in the buyer's name, the next sale is harder
- Riding on public roads without an Off-Highway Vehicle license plate in the limited counties where road use is allowed (only specific rural unincorporated areas, daylight only)
- Buying without recording the VIN — stolen ATVs are common and there is no title-history database to check
- Assuming a verbal warranty — without written terms in the bill of sale, ATV sales are as-is
- Buying an imported ATV without checking that it meets federal EPA rules
Pro Tip
Texas ATV bottom line: a Texas title through the county tax office (Form 130-U), no SPV, a thorough bill of sale, and a TPWD OHV decal if you ride public OHV land.