Not many people think of this when ATVs cross their minds but did you ever ask yourself “do ATVs have titles?”. Well, titles weren’t really a concern when purchasing an ATV until around the late 1980s.
In fact, the earliest record of an ATV to come with a title dates back to the mid-80s. Soon after 1985, more and more people demanded titles on their ATVs to provide the paperwork required for things like registration and insurance — just like cars and other automobiles.
In today’s article, we’re discussing everything you should know about ATVs and their titles. Let’s get started!
Do ATVs Have Titles?
Generally speaking, all brand new ATVs released since 1998 (at least) are sold with titles. This is because of the rising demand for legit documentation by customers wanting to properly register their ATVs and get their vehicles insured.
That being said, you may have a hard time finding the title of an ATV if you’re buying a used model that’s too old or if the previous owner has misplaced it.
As such, while most ATVs nowadays come with titles, this may not happen in your case.
Do All States Require Titles for ATVs?
No, not all states require you to title your ATV, even if said states ask for basic liability insurance. To make sure of the rules in your state, you can visit your DMV online.
This is important if you’re planning to purchase an ATV, especially if you’re considering a used vehicle that doesn’t have a title.
How to Acquire a Title for an ATV
Buying an ATV is a huge investment. If you’re considering a used option, you should make sure the owner provides all the information and paperwork needed for the transition to go as smoothly as possible for both parties.
One of the most crucial things to ask for when buying a used ATV, especially an older model, is its title. If you’ve already made the purchase and forgotten about it until now, don’t worry too much.
For legal purposes, you’ll probably just have to get a bill of sale for your old ATV. If the vehicle is supposed to come with a title but doesn’t have one, the first thing you should do is check that the ATV isn’t lost or stolen.
Using a clean VIN (vehicle identification number), you can try locating previous owners and asking for the original title.
Should I Purchase an ATV With a Missing Title?
Purchasing an ATV without a title is usually fine, but you should carefully think about the implications of your decision. If your state doesn’t require ATV titles or if the vehicle’s model is outdated enough that having only a bill of sale is acceptable, then you have nothing to worry about.
On the other hand, if your state does require titles for ATVs, then you must confirm that you can get the title for it (or at least a bill of sale) before committing to a purchase.
While it’s often okay to buy an ATV with a missing title, you should inquire about the reason it’s not available before completing the purchase. Here are some common explanations for a missing title are:
- The former owner misplaced it — if the owner has simply lost the title and can’t seem to find it, make sure you get a bill of sale to confirm your purchase. After that, you can file for another ATV title as your property if your state demands so.
- The vehicle was only used on private property — it’s possible that the previous owner of the ATV has only ridden it on private lands and never took it to public spots. In this case, the owner may have had no reason to obtain a title.
If that’s true, again, make sure you get a bill of sale to confirm your purchase. After that, you can file for a new ATV title as your property if your state demands one.
- The ATV is too old of a model to require a title — as we mentioned earlier, ATV titles weren’t a thing until the late 1990s. As such, there’s a good chance that vehicles made before that time don’t have a title.
If you’re buying an older ATV, it may have never needed a title. In this case, check the VIN to make sure that it’s clear and the purchase is completely legal. Then, get a bill of sale to confirm your purchase and file for a new ATV title later if your state requires one.
- The ATV was stolen — this is an unfortunate possibility but it does happen. If you’re caught after the purchase of an ATV that turns out to be stolen, there’s a chance you’ll face theft charges (on top of losing the vehicle) if you can’t come up with the title that proves that the ATV in question is your property.
This is why you should test the VIN to make sure that the vehicle is clear and the purchase is completely legal.
What Information is Included in the Title of an ATV?
The title of an ATV serves as proof of lawful ownership. It shows that the vehicle has been legally transferred to your owner and it helps you complete the necessary paperwork for registration and insurance.
The title of an ATV features similar information that’s included in a car title. For example:
- The ATV’s VIN
- The model and year
- The name and address of the owner
- The title number
- Bank information
Wrap Up
So, do ATVs have titles? The short answer is yes. Generally speaking, all brand new ATVs since 1998 (at least) are sold with titles.
This is because of the increased demand for titles by customers wanting to properly register their ATVs and get their vehicles insured. That being said, you may have a hard time finding the title of an ATV if you’re buying a used model that’s too old or if the previous owner has lost it.