ORV License and Permit Requirements

ORV License and Permit Requirements

Permit and license requirements icon

When do I need an ORV license?

An ORV license ($26.25) is required to ride eligible county roads, frozen surface of public waters, state forest (that are open to ORV use) and eligible national forest roads. A license is not required to operate on private lands; however, an ORV trail permit is required to ride on state-designated ORV Trail/Rotes and special ORV-use areas.

When do I need an ORV trail permit?

An ORV trail permit (an additional $10 for a total of $36.25) is required when operating on designated ORV Trail / Routes and special ORV-use areas. A trail permit is not required for private lands. ORV trail permits are not valid as a stand-alone license; an ORV license must also be purchased.

Where do I purchase an ORV license and/or trail permit?

ORV Permits and License Requirements

Type of vehicle Designated ORV trails (for vehicles 50" in width or less) Designated ORV routes passable by conventional 2-wheel drive passenger vehicle Designated ORV routes not passable by conventional 2-wheel drive passenger vehicle and scramble areas Frozen surface of public waters
Street-licensed ORV both neither both neither
Regular ORV (not street-licensed) both both both ORV License
Street-licensed motorcycle both neither both neither
Off-road motorcycle (not street licensed) both both both ORV License
Off-road, street-licensed motorcycle both neither both neither
Street-licensed truck or passenger vehicle not permissible neither both neither