OHV Registration Requirements by State
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OHV Registration Requirements by State: Do Dirt Bikes Need Decals on Public Trails?
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) registration requirements vary by state, land manager, and type of riding. Many riders assume that dirt bikes do not require registration unless they are street legal, but in much of the western United States, OHV registration decals are required for riding on public trails, regardless of whether the motorcycle has a license plate.
This guide answers one core question: which U.S. states require OHV registration for dirt bikes, and under what riding conditions? It focuses on major off-road riding destinations and links directly to official state authorities for verification.
This is not an exhaustive list. OHV rules change, and enforcement depends on land designation. Riders should always confirm requirements with the appropriate state agency or land manager before riding.
What triggers OHV registration requirements?
OHV registration requirements are typically based on where a dirt bike is operated, not just how the bike is equipped.
- Designated OHV trails or routes
- State trust land or state forests
- BLM-managed land with OHV designations
- National Forest OHV trail systems
- State-managed OHV parks
In many states, a street-legal license plate does not replace OHV registration when a motorcycle is operated on trails designated specifically for off-highway use.
OHV registration requirements by state (major riding destinations)
| State | OHV Registration Required? | Applies to Dirt Bikes When… | Are Plated Bikes Exempt? | Primary Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Yes | Riding on designated OHV trails or routes on public land | No | Colorado Parks and Wildlife |
| New Mexico | Yes | Operating on public land, including state and federal OHV trail systems | Sometimes | NM Department of Game and Fish |
| Arizona | Yes | Operating off-highway on public land | No | Arizona State Parks OHV Program |
| Utah | Yes | Riding on OHV trails, routes, and areas | Sometimes | Utah State Parks OHV |
| California | Yes | Operating on public OHV lands and trail systems | No | California State Parks OHV Program |
| Oregon | Yes | Riding off-highway on public land | No | Oregon Parks and Recreation – ATV Program |
| Washington | Yes | Operating on OHV trails or public land | No | Washington State Parks – OHV |
| Idaho | Yes | Operating off-highway on public land | No | Idaho Parks & Recreation – OHV |
| Nevada | Yes | Operating off-highway on public lands | No | Nevada OHV Commission |
| Montana | Yes | Riding on public OHV trails and land | No | Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks |
Why OHV decal placement and visibility matter
OHV compliance is enforced visually. If a registration decal is missing, unreadable, or improperly displayed, riders may be cited even if the vehicle is registered.
Adhesive-backed decals placed directly on fork tubes can leave residue over time, especially with frequent washing, heat exposure, and abrasion. Residue buildup can make decals difficult to remove and may damage fork finishes.
For this reason, some riders use removable fork-mounted solutions—such as a carbon fiber registration wrap —to keep decals visible while allowing easy removal during cleaning and preventing adhesive buildup on the forks themselves.
Important note for riders traveling between states
OHV registration requirements are not standardized nationwide. Riders traveling between states should verify rules for every state and trail system they plan to ride, including whether reciprocity agreements apply.
Land managers may enforce OHV regulations differently based on trail designation, season, and environmental conditions. Always consult the official state authority or land manager before riding.
Summary
Yes—many U.S. states require OHV registration decals for dirt bikes when riding on public trails, even for motorcycles that are street legal. Requirements depend on where and how the bike is used, not just whether it has a license plate.
This guide provides a starting point for major off-road riding destinations, but it is not exhaustive. Riders should always check official state resources to ensure compliance before heading out.
For related trail access and technical guides, visit our Resources page.