Licensing

When is an ORV license required?

An ORV license ($26.25) is required on eligible county roads, state forest roads in the Upper Peninsula and eligible national forest roads as well as on the frozen surface of public waters. This license is required to operate anywhere off of private lands.

When is an ORV trail permit required?

In addition to the ORV license, an ORV trail permit (an additional $10, for a total of $36.25) is required when operating on designated and signed ORV trails, routes and scramble areas.

Do I need an ORV license or ORV trail permit to use an ORV on private land?

No. Neither a license nor a trail permit is required to use an ORV on private land by landowners or their invited guests

My truck has a street license plate. Do I need an ORV license and trail permit to ride on designated ORV routes?

No. Neither an ORV license nor a trail permit is required to drive a street-licensed truck on designated ORV routes. If, however, the route is not passable by a conventional 2-wheel-drive passenger automobile designed for highway use, then the vehicle is being used as an ORV and requires both an ORV license and a trail permit.

I have an off-road motorcycle with a street license plate. Do I need an ORV license and trail permit to ride the designated ORV trails?

Yes. Both a $26.25 ORV license and a $10 trail permit are needed when riding a street-licensed, off-road motorcycle on designated trails.

What is the difference between a designated ORV route and a designated ORV trail?

A designated ORV route means any road that has been properly signed on the ground by the DNR for ORV use. A designated ORV trail means a path or way capable of travel by a 2- to 4-wheel vehicle not more than 50 inches in width and properly signed on the ground by the DNR for ORV use.

Riding

Michigan law does not require helmets for motorcycles. Can i ride my atv without a helmet?

No. Michigan’s helmet law only applies to motorcycles licensed for street use. Helmets are still required for ORV trail use.