SF-97 Form Explained: The Federal Title for Surplus Vehicles (2026)

The SF-97 is the "U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle." Federal agencies don't hold state titles on their vehicles, so when the government sells one, the buyer gets an SF-97 instead. You take it to your state DMV, and the DMV uses it to issue a state title. GSA's forms library lists the current version as SF 97-1 (revised April 2012).

Who Issues an SF-97

• GSA fleet sales. Every federal fleet vehicle GSA sells comes with an SF-97 and a purchaser's receipt. GSA's sale terms describe it as evidence of title that is accepted in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
• GSA Auctions and other federal agencies selling a vehicle that will be driven on public roads.
• GovPlanet, for ex-military vehicles sold on behalf of the Department of Defense. GovPlanet charges a processing fee for each SF-97. Its own pages quote between $115 and $125, so check the fee at checkout.

Vehicles from state and local governments, such as GovDeals and Public Surplus lots from a city or county, come with a normal state title, not an SF-97.

How It Works

Federal rules (41 CFR 102-34) say the SF-97 is used when a vehicle will be retitled by a state and driven on highways. It is not issued for equipment that isn't meant for highway use, or for vehicles sold as salvage only.

The form is a controlled document. It is printed on secure paper and pre-numbered to prevent duplicates, and the original goes to the purchaser. It is made out to the person who bought the vehicle.

To title the vehicle:

1. Pay for the vehicle and collect it. The SF-97 is mailed or handed over with the purchaser's receipt. 2. Take the original SF-97, your receipt, ID and any inspection your state requires to the DMV. 3. Pay your state's title fee and sales tax. The DMV issues a state title and you can register the vehicle.

Bring the original SF-97, not a copy.

"Off-Road Use Only" on a Humvee

Ex-military Humvees sold through GovPlanet come with an SF-97 marked "off-road use only." Whether your state will title and register the vehicle for the road with that marking is up to your state:

• California will not register a Humvee for highway use. The DMV issues off-highway registration only.
• Kansas legislative research in 2018 said a vehicle with the off-road SF-97 marking could not be registered there.
• Idaho, North Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia have passed rules that allow road registration with conditions, such as an inspection or a sworn statement about safety standards.

Rules change, so call your DMV before you bid. Our guide to Humvee prices and registration has more.

Salvage Vehicles

A vehicle sold as salvage gets an SF-97 marked salvage. GSA's fleet terms say a second, unbranded SF-97 is not issued later, however well the vehicle is repaired.

If You Lose Your SF-97

Ask the seller for a duplicate. For GSA fleet vehicles, the request goes in writing to the contracting officer named on your sale, and there may be a fee. California's DMV manual tells buyers to get a duplicate from the auction, and if the auction cannot issue one, it must name the federal agency that can. There is no blank replacement form you can fill in yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an SF-97 form?

It is the U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle. Federal agencies issue it when they sell a vehicle, and your state DMV uses it to issue a state title.

Is an SF-97 a title?

No. It is the document you use to get a title. You still need to take it to your state DMV and pay the title fee.

What is the difference between SF 97 and SF 97-1?

They refer to the same certificate. SF 97-1 is the form number on the current version, revised in 2012.

How long does it take to get an SF-97?

GSA fleet buyers get it with the purchaser's receipt. For GovPlanet military vehicles that need an End Use Certificate, the SF-97 comes after the certificate is approved, which can take several weeks.

Can I get a title for a Humvee with an SF-97?

It depends on your state. Humvee SF-97s are marked "off-road use only." California will not register one for the road. Some states, such as Idaho and North Carolina, allow road registration with conditions.