HOW TO BUY NON-RESIDENT OHV PERMITS BY STATE

Visiting off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas in western states often requires a special OHV permit or decal, even if your machine is registered in your home state. In total 21 states currently have non-resident OHV permit requirements for use on public trails and riding areas. This guide explains how to buy non-resident OHV permits by state, including current 2025 fees, validity, purchase locations or websites, and key rules. We also cover restrictions on non-resident vehicles, any required safety courses or helmet laws, street-legal rules, and penalties for riding without a permit. Use the table below for a quick comparison of each state’s non-resident OHV permit fees, validity, buying options, training requirements, and fines.

^† North Carolina’s ORV permit is for Cape Hatteras Beach only (a National Seashore requiring permits, see Recreation.gov​nps.gov).

Each state section below explains these details in context, with official sources and links.

Arizona

• Cost: The Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle decal is $25 plus processing fee​huntinfool.com.
• Validity: The decal is valid for one year from the purchase date​huntinfool.com.
• Purchase: Non-residents must buy an OHV decal online via the AZ Game & Fish Department portal. The decal is mailed in 2–3 weeks, but a purchase receipt is valid for 30 days​huntinfool.com.
• Restrictions: All OHVs used off-road must display the decal. Each non-resident OHV needs its own decal, and the vehicle must be titled (Arizona issues title for ATVs)​huntinfool.com. Otherwise, the rules align with those for residents.
• Safety: Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, at least one owner of each OHV must complete a free online AZ OHV safety course before registration​azgfd.com. The 30-minute course (a video and quiz) certifies that the owner is educated on safe OHV operation. (Non-residents can access the course at AZGFD’s site​azgfd.com.)
• Street Use: Street-legal vehicles with state plates and a motorcycle or ATV decal may ride on forest roads as marked. Off-highway-only vehicles need the AZ decal even on some gravel roads.
• Fines: Riding without a decal is a Class 3 misdemeanor in AZ; fines can exceed $200​huntinfool.com. Other rules (e.g. speed limits) mirror highway laws.

California

• Cost: The California non-resident OHV use permit is $30 plus a $1.95 online fee​huntinfool.com.
• Validity: The permit is valid through December 31 of the year issued (state law currently runs on calendar year).
• Purchase: Permits can be bought online through OHV Parks or at licensed vendors (see CA Parks office websites)​huntinfool.com. Non-residents must purchase a permit before riding if their vehicle is not street-legal.
• Restrictions: CA requires every vehicle off-highway to be either street-licensed or have an OHV decal. Non-residents without home-state reg must get the CA permit before accessing public OHV lands​huntinfool.com.
• Safety: Minors under 18 must wear helmets on OHVs; adult riders are strongly encouraged to wear safety gear. (California does not mandate a special OHV course.)
• Street Use: Only street-legal vehicles may travel on paved public roads. Off-road machines are limited to designated trails and lands.
• Fines: Riding without a valid OHV sticker or registration is a Class C traffic violation (base fine ~$160). Police can cite and impound OHVs that lack current registration or permit.

Colorado

• Cost: A Colorado OHV permit costs $25.25 per vehicle​huntinfool.com, plus annual state trail tax.
• Validity: OHV registrations run from April 1 through March 31 and must be renewed each year​huntinfool.com.
• Purchase: Permits may be ordered online via CPW’s website or bought at local motorsports dealers and CPW offices. The emailed receipt (good for 60 days) serves as temporary proof​huntinfool.com.
• Restrictions: Any ATV, UTV, dirt bike, or street-legal vehicle operated off-highway must have either a Colorado OHV registration (two decals) or a trail permit​huntinfool.com. This applies to non-residents on any Colorado public trail or gravel road open to OHVs.
• Safety: Colorado requires all ATV/UTV riders under 18 to have a safety course certificate; helmets are legally required for under-18 operators.
• Street Use: Street-legal 4×4 trucks and licensed bikes may cross roads but must follow all traffic laws. Off-highway machines are only allowed on trails/roads open to recreational use.
• Fines: Operating without required OHV registration is a misdemeanor; fines and penalties can be steep (not detailed here).

Idaho

• Cost: The Idaho non-resident OHV user certificate fee is $12​huntinfool.com (valid for one year).
• Validity: Each certificate is valid for one year from issuance​huntinfool.com.
• Purchase: Non-residents can buy the OHV certificate online via Idaho State Parks’ reservation site, by phone, or at vendor locations​huntinfool.com. (No difference between resident and non-resident certificate fee for off-highway use.)
• Restrictions: All self-propelled off-road vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes) must display the certificate to operate on Idaho public lands. The certificate is usually placed on the frame or fork.​huntinfool.com.
• Safety: Idaho law requires helmets for under-18s on ATVs/UTVs; no statewide training course is mandated.
• Street Use: Unlicensed OHVs must stay off public highways. Registered (street-legal) vehicles may use paved roads like any car.
• Fines: Hunting or riding on public land without a valid OHV certificate can result in a citation (subject to Idaho fish & game regulations).

Louisiana

• Cost: Louisiana does not issue a separate non-resident OHV decal by law. Instead, any OHV used on public lands must be registered as an Off-Road Vehicle with the Louisiana DMV (title fee applies). Out-of-state street-legal registration is generally honored, but check with local authorities.
• Validity: Louisiana OHV registrations (for resident UTVs) are permanent until sale or abandonment. Non-residents can use their out-of-state title/registration without buying a LA decal.
• Purchase: If required, you must register the OHV through a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location. For visitors, this is usually not enforced if your machine is validly registered elsewhere.
• Restrictions: No statewide equipment mandates for OHV areas, but local areas often require spark arresters or mufflers. Keep proof of insurance and registration on hand.
• Safety: Louisiana has no special OHV helmet law. (Motorcyclists must wear helmets, but UTVs have no specific mandate.) Always wear eye protection and helmets as prudent.
• Street Use: In Louisiana, OHVs may be driven on approved parish or municipal roads if designated by local ordinances. The driver must be ≥21 with a valid license, and vehicle must have a state OHV registration or street-legal tags and insurance.
• Fines: Riding on public roads without proper OHV registration is illegal. Enforcement varies by parish; always verify local OHV rules before riding in Louisiana.

Maine

• Cost: A nonresident ATV registration “season” pass is $115​maine.gov. A short-term 7-day registration is $100.
• Validity: Registrations run July 1–June 30. Seasonal registrations (annual) expire June 30​maine.gov.
• Purchase: Non-residents can register online through Maine IFW’s site​maine.gov or at local town offices/agents. After payment, a receipt is valid immediately; the official sticker is mailed in ~30 days.
• Restrictions: All ATVs/UTVs in Maine must be titled and registered, even by non-residents. Out-of-state machines may be brought in on their home-state reg for up to 10 days of use (with insurance); beyond that, Maine registration is required.
• Safety: Riders under age 16 must complete a safety course and anyone under 10 must wear a helmet. Seatbelts are required on 4-wheelers.
• Street Use: Maine bans driving ATVs on roads except briefly (up to 1 mile) to reach trails. No riding on sidewalks or parking lots.
• Fines: Violating ATV registration laws (e.g. riding unregistered) is a civil infraction ($100–$250).

Montana

• Cost: The Montana Non-Resident OHV Use Permit (temporary) costs $35​huntinfool.com.
• Validity: This permit is valid for one year from purchase​huntinfool.com.
• Purchase: Non-residents must buy the permit from a Montana Motor Vehicle or Fish, Wildlife & Parks office. A title or bill of sale is needed to obtain it.
• Restrictions: The permit allows riding off-road only (trails and unpaved areas). A street-legal machine (i.e. plated and insured motorcycle or 4×4) may be ridden on roads, but such use does not require this permit.
• Safety: Montana requires helmets for operators under 17. (No mandatory OHV course for adults.)
• Street Use: Only street-legal vehicles can travel public roads; the OHV permit does not legalize on-road riding.
• Fines: Using public trails without registration/permit can result in state misdemeanor charges (fine up to $500) and confiscation of the vehicle.

Nevada

• Cost: Nevada has no additional fee for short-term visits (15 days or less) if your ATV is registered out-of-state​huntinfool.com. The regular annual ATV reg is $20.
• Validity: The $20 registration is annual for Nevada residents; non-residents may ride up to 15 days on home-state plates. Longer stays require NV registration.
• Purchase: Non-residents can mail in an ATV registration application to the Nevada DMV, which issues decals by mail​huntinfool.com.
• Restrictions: Out-of-state ATVs are welcome for short visits. If staying longer, you must register it in NV with a decal. Registrations last one year.
• Safety: Nevada law imposes no helmet or age requirements for off-road vehicles. (Standard seatbelt rules apply if on-road, motorcycle laws apply if licensed.)
• Street Use: Off-road vehicles cannot legally operate on Nevada highways except to cross at intersections if street-legal. On gravel or dirt forest roads, a street-legal 4×4 with green decal is allowed.
• Fines: Non-compliance with ATV registration on NV land can result in fines (amounts set by county/FG law).

New Mexico

• Cost: Non-resident OHV permits (for off-road use) are $18 for 90 days or $48 for 2 years​huntinfool.com.
• Validity: As above, you choose 90-day or 2-year permit​huntinfool.com.
• Purchase: Buy the permit online through the NM Game and Fish licensing system (credit card). Print a temporary receipt immediately; the decal follows by mail.
• Restrictions: All off-road vehicles from out-of-state must display a valid OHV permit when on New Mexico public lands​huntinfool.com. States without any OHV program must purchase at least the 2-year permit. A separate NM “paved road” decal is required for authorized highway use, but typically not needed for trail riding.
• Safety: Riders under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet on trails. New Mexico strongly recommends completion of an ATV safety course, but none is mandatory for adults.
• Street Use: Some NM trails may cross forest roads. A street-legal ATV/UTV may use such roads without a permit decal. Off-road machines are not allowed on paved roads unless street-legal and plated.
• Fines: Operating on public land without the decal can lead to penalties (enforced by NM game wardens), including fines up to several hundred dollars.

North Carolina (Cape Hatteras)

• Cost: Cape Hatteras ORV permits are $50 for 10 consecutive days or $120 for a full year​nps.gov.
• Validity: The 10-day permit is good for 10 straight days; the annual permit is valid one year from purchase​nps.gov.
• Purchase: Permits must be ordered online via Recreation.gov (National Park Service site) for Cape Hatteras National Seashore​nps.gov​nps.gov. Print the receipt (good for 30 days until the sticker arrives by mail).
• Restrictions: Permits are required for any vehicle driving on beaches where ORVs are allowed (Hatteras beaches). Display the permit sticker on the dash.
• Safety: Before buying a permit, all drivers must watch the online ORV safety video provided on the website​nps.gov. Seatbelts are required (and strongly use helmets).
• Street Use: This permit is beach-only (off-road). No road use is permitted. For driving on state-maintained sand roads, different regulations apply (not covered here).
• Fines: Riding on the seashore without a permit is illegal and enforced by park rangers (fines can reach ~$200).

North Dakota

• Cost: A North Dakota Out-of-State Public Trails and Lands Access Permit is $10 per year.
• Validity: The $10 permit is valid for one calendar year (Jan–Dec).
• Purchase: Non-resident OHV users must obtain this permit from a North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department office or authorized vendor (many state parks).
• Restrictions: This permit is required for any off-highway vehicle (ATV, UTV, dirt bike) owned by a non-resident and used on public trails or lands in ND. (State law exempts short-term travel but defines out-of-state as >30 days.)
• Safety: ND has no universal helmet law; local areas may require helmets and spark arresters. Off-road machines must meet basic safety standards.
• Street Use: Off-highway machines cannot be driven on ND roads except to cross intersections safely. All highway use requires street-legal equipment, insurance, and registration as a motor vehicle.
• Fines: Riding without the ND access permit is a Class B misdemeanor (fine up to $500 and possible ORV confiscation).

Oregon

• Cost: The Oregon Class I–IV ATV/OHV permit costs $10.
• Validity: Permits are valid for 2 years from the month issued. (They expire on the last day of the expiration month.)
• Purchase: Permits are sold online via the Oregon State Parks “Buy Online” store or at around 95 retail agents and state park offices. When purchased online, you get a 21-day temporary pass.
• Restrictions: All off-road vehicles (side-by-sides, dirt bikes, quads, etc.) must display the permit when riding on public OHV areas if they lack a license plate. Even street-legal vehicles need the permit to use off-road trails. Oregon honors valid OHV permits from states that reciprocate, but many states do not accept Oregon stickers. Non-residents simply buy the standard permit.
• Safety: Oregon law requires helmets and eye protection for all riders under 18 on OHVs. No special course is required for adults, though a Tread Lightly! or safety class is recommended.
• Street Use: An ATV/UTV with Oregon license plates does not need the permit for gravel roads open to vehicles. Otherwise, only licensed (on-road) vehicles may use highways.
• Fines: Riding an OHV without a current permit/sticker is a Class C traffic violation in OR (base fine $160).

Texas

• Cost: The Texas OHV decal costs $16​texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
• Validity: Decals are valid for the Texas State Parks year (Sept 1 – Aug 31)​texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
• Purchase: Order online through the Texas State Parks ReserveAmerica store (see link on TPWD site)​texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Decals are mailed by certified mail (requires signature). Temporary receipts from the sale must be kept until the sticker arrives.
• Restrictions: Any OHV ridden in Texas “OHV grant areas” or parks must display this TPWD decal​tpwd.texas.gov. Holders must follow all rules of the specific riding area (which TPWD lists under “Ride Texas”).
• Safety: Texas law does not impose additional OHV training, but helmets are required for minors under 18 on OHVs. Safe-ride education is encouraged.
• Street Use: OHV parks are off-road only; these machines cannot legally operate on public highways. (If a UTV is fully street-legal, it must be titled as a multipurpose vehicle.)
• Fines: Operating on an OHV park without the decal or violating rules can lead to fines (often county or park-level) and removal from the area.

Utah

• Cost: Non-resident OHV permits in Utah are $30.
• Validity: Each permit is good for 12 months from the date of purchase.
• Purchase: Starting in Jan 2023, all non-res permits must be purchased online through the Utah Outdoor Recreation website. They email you a receipt and mailing of the decal follows.
• Restrictions: Every off-highway motorcycle, ATV, UTV, or snowmobile brought by a non-resident into Utah must have this permit to ride on public lands. You must show proof of out-of-state residency and that the OHV isn’t Utah-owned.
• Safety: As of Jan 1, 2023, Utah requires all OHV operators (of any age) to complete an approved Utah OHV Education Course. Riders under 18 need a youth certificate, and adults need an adult certificate. (Free online courses are available.)
• Street Use: Utah allows properly licensed OHVs on public streets only if they meet street-legal requirements (e.g. lights, brakes). However, the OHV permit itself does not grant on-road use.
• Fines: Using public trails without a valid Utah OHV permit can result in misdemeanor charges (fine up to $1,000 and up to 6 months jail, though typically only a fine is issued).

Washington

• Cost: Washington offers a Temporary ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) Use Permit for $15.75​dol.wa.gov.
• Validity: The temporary permit is valid for 60 days from issuance​dol.wa.gov.
• Purchase: Non-residents can purchase this ORV permit at any WA vehicle licensing office (DOL) or online. It is optional (you may instead register/plate the vehicle for long-term stay).
• Restrictions: Washington does not require a special OHV trail permit for visitors with out-of-state OHVs if their home state has a registration/permit. The $15.75 permit is used by people who don’t want to title/register their vehicle in WA​dol.wa.gov. Parking passes (Discover or Northwest Forest Pass) are required for trailhead parking.
• Safety: State law mandates helmets for all off-road bikes and UTVs under age 18. No additional safety course is required for visitors.
• Street Use: OHVs (WATVs) may be driven on public roads only in limited circumstances (e.g. on shoulder or designated segments); a street-legal conversion and motorbike plate is typically required. See WA RCWs for local rules.
• Fines: Riding an off-road vehicle on public lands without proper registration/permit or parking pass can result in fines; a Washington ORV permit helps avoid registration penalties.

Wisconsin

• Cost: A non-resident annual ATV/UTV trail pass costs $35​dnr.wisconsin.gov. A 5-day pass is $20.
• Validity: The annual pass is valid until March 31 of the following year​dnr.wisconsin.gov; 5-day passes cover a consecutive 5-day period.
• Purchase: Passes can be bought online via Wisconsin DNR’s GoWild site or at license outlets (conservation wardens, retailers). After purchase, you’ll get a PDF to print or adhesive sticker by mail​dnr.wisconsin.gov.
• Restrictions: This pass is required to operate an ATV or UTV on designated state ATV/UTV corridors and trails if your machine is registered outside WI​dnr.wisconsin.gov. It must be clearly displayed on the vehicle. Non-residents keeping an ATV here for extended use should register it in WI.
• Safety: Wisconsin law requires helmets and eye protection for riders under 18 on any ATV/UTV. No additional safety course is mandated, but training is recommended.
• Street Use: ATVs/UTVs may legally cross or ride on streets only where specifically allowed by local ordinance. On public road shoulders, machines must yield to traffic and can ride only during daylight.
• Fines: Violating trail pass requirements is a state infraction (Class A, fine up to ~$65) or forfeiture. Parking on state lands also requires a Discover Pass; lack of a parking pass incurs additional fines.

Wyoming

• Cost: A Wyoming ORV permit is $15 per vehicle per year​wyoparks.wyo.gov. Residents and non-residents pay the same.
• Validity: The permit is valid for the calendar year (Jan 1–Dec 31)​wyoparks.wyo.gov.
• Purchase: Permits are sold by Wyoming State Parks at over 60 dealer locations (ATV shops, FS offices, etc.) starting December 1 each year​wyoparks.wyo.gov. You must place the sticker on the vehicle.
• Restrictions: The ORV permit is required on all designated ATV/ORV trails and areas (see Wyo. ORV Trail maps)​wyoparks.wyo.gov​wyoparks.wyo.gov. There is no reciprocity; all out-of-state riders must buy it.
• Safety: Wyoming has no helmet law for off-road vehicles. Basic equipment (sparker arrestor, horn, etc.) may be required in certain areas.
• Street Use: Wyoming allows ORVs on designated roads/routes. On state-designated ORV routes (with signs), you can ride street-legal vehicles or any ORV with the permit. You must stop at road crossings and obey driver’s license rules.
• Fines: Operating on open trails without a permit sticker is illegal; penalties are set by state and local authorities. (The sticker itself exempts ORVs on open trails from being considered “multipurpose vehicles.”)

Conclusion: HOW TO BUY NON-RESIDENT OHV PERMITS BY STATE

Exploring the best off-road trails across the U.S. is one of the greatest joys of owning an OHV—but it comes with the responsibility of staying legal wherever you ride. As you’ve seen, each state has its own rules, fees, and requirements for non-resident OHV use. Whether you’re planning a trip to the dunes of Oregon, the forests of Michigan, or the red rock trails of Utah, securing the proper non-resident vehicle permit ensures not only compliance with local laws, but also supports trail maintenance, safety enforcement, and long-term access for future riders.

Before you load up your trailer and hit the road, take a few minutes to check the non-resident vehicle permit rules and restrictions in your destination state. Doing so can help you avoid costly fines—and give you peace of mind to enjoy the ride. Bookmark this guide, refer to it often, and share it with fellow off-roaders who need to know how to buy non-resident OHV permits by state.

Ride smart. Ride legal. And most importantly—ride often.

Note: Some states (e.g. Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania, etc.) do not require a special non-resident OHV permit, though standard motor vehicle registration or ATV titling may apply for on-road use. Always check the latest regulations for each state before your trip.

Sources: HOW TO BUY NON-RESIDENT OHV PERMITS BY STATE Official state OHV and DMV websites, plus OHV program guidelines​huntinfool.com​huntinfool.com​dnr.wisconsin.gov​wyoparks.wyo.gov. Each state’s section above cites its current 2025 rules and fees.