ORV License and Permit Requirements

Purchase permit, learn requirements

When an ORV license and/or trail permit is required

• An ORV license is required to ride eligible county roads, frozen surface of public waters, state forest roads (that are open to ORV use) and eligible national forest roads. A license is not required to operate on private lands. The cost is $26.25. Both the ORV license and trail permit are valid for one year, which begins April 1 and ends March 31 of the following year. 
• An ORV trail permit is required when operating on designated ORV Trail / Routes and special ORV-use areas. A trail permit is not required to operate on private lands. The cost is $10 (plus $26.25 for the ORV license) for a total of $36.25. Both the ORV license and trail permit are valid for one year, which begins April 1 and ends March 31 of the following year. ORV trail permits are not valid as a stand-alone license; an ORV license must also be purchased.

Where to purchase

• Online through eLicense. They will be sent through the U.S. mail and will take approximately 7-10 business days.
• In person at a number of DNR license agents and dealers.

Funding model

Fees generated through ORV licenses and trail permits are reinvested back into the ORV system. These important dollars help fund trail expansion, grant funding to sponsors and clubs for annual trail grooming, infrastructure improvements and law enforcement.

Vehicle type / what's needed