ORV License and Permit Requirements
ORV License and Permit Requirements
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 roads (that are open to ORV use) and eligible national forest roads. A license is not required to operate on private lands.
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?
- Online through eLicense
- By mail: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 30181, Lansing, MI 48909
- In person at a number of DNR license agents and dealers.
| 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 |
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