By Howard Moss, vice president of Arizona Auto License Services
Registering an off-road vehicle in Arizona is important so you can legally enjoy the many trails throughout the state. The registration process in Arizona is a straightforward process but requires you to follow certain state regulations. Here are three tips when it comes to registering your off-road vehicle so you can hit the trails legally and enjoy your time out in the desert.
Determine eligibility, have the right documentation
Before starting the registration process, make sure the vehicle will meet Arizona’s definition of an off-road vehicle. According to Arizona law, an off-road vehicle includes all terrain vehicles such as ATVs, dirt bikes, UTVs and other vehicles primarily designed for off-road use. These vehicles must have valid VINs as well. Pickup trucks, SUVs, cars and other recreational vehicles are not required to obtain an OHV decal. All other regulations, however, do apply.
When it comes to documentation make sure you have proof of ownership and a valid photo ID available. Proof of ownership will work when registering the vehicle. Proof of ownership documents include the title for the vehicle, an out of state title, title transfer bill of sale (for vehicles currently titled in Arizona, or Manufacture Certificate of Origin, MCO. If you are coming from a state that does not title OHVs, you will need the out of state registration in your name. If you are purchasing a vehicle from a state that does not title OHVs, you will need a bill of sale, if that state requires a notary, the bill of sale must be notarized in addition to the out of state registration. As always have your license ready to present to the person at the MCD or Arizona MVD authorized third party service provider.
This may seem like a lot of steps just so you can hit the trail. However, being documented properly and having the right registration will ensure you don’t have any headaches when law enforcement or trail officials stop you on a trip into the wilderness and ask for your documents. It is always best to take the time properly beforehand to go through the legal requirements than having to spend time and money paying a fine down the road.
Complete the registration process
Once you are ready with the right documentation for the vehicle it is time to register it with the state of Arizona. You can do this at any MVD or Arizona authorized MVD third party service provider. It is usually easier to go through a third-party provider because the lines are much shorter so you can get in and out with ease. However, as with any government document situation, be prepared and have all the papers you need ready to show to the official at the counter before you arrive.
When going to the MVD or third-party provider, have proper documentation on the proof of ownership, your identification and any other necessary documents the state may require. Ensure all information on these papers are up to date and accurate.
Lastly, you will have to pay certain fees depending on the vehicle type and how it is being used. Typically, the cost includes the registration, title and an off-highway vehicle (OHV) decal fee if you want to use the OHV on public lands. Check the ADOT website for any fee schedule changes beforehand or speak with someone at the MCD, or authorized third-party provider service for proper pricing.
Registration options
When registering your OHV, there are a few different registration options available including:
Exclusively off highway: You may register your OHV exclusively off highway. This means that the OHV will be used exclusively on non-maintained roads or trails and cannot be driven on-highway — publicly maintained roads or trails which include pavement and some dirt roads. The OHV is not required to be “street legal” and is not required to maintain insurance. You will receive an off-road plate and OHV decal that allows you to drive your OHV on unimproved roads and trails.
Primarily off highway: If your OHV will be occasionally used on-highway but primarily off-highway, you may purchase primarily off-highway registration. You will receive a motorcycle plate, a street registration at a reduced rate and an OHV decal for off-road use. The OHV can only be used on-highway in proximity of unmaintained roads and trails. An example of when primarily off highway registration would be necessary is if you are taking the OHV off road but need to drive on a maintained road or trail to get to a gas station. Since an OHV decal alone does not allow the OHV to be driven on maintained roads or trails, you will need street registration to legally drive on the maintained road or trail. The OHV must be street legal and will be required to maintain liability insurance. For a list of equipment, you need to be legal check the Arizona Game and Fish Department website, https://azgfd-portal-wordpress-pantheon.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/archive/OHVRequirements_LE.pdf.
Primarily on highway: If you will be using your OHV primarily on-highway, you may purchase primarily on-highway registration. You will receive a motorcycle plate, street registration and an OHV decal. This will allow you to drive your OHV on-highway with no restrictions (not limited to roads in proximity to unmaintained roads or trails), however, you will have to pay the full registration fee. The full registration fee is based on the year of the vehicle and the original list price. As with primarily off highway registration, the OHV must be street legal and must maintain liability insurance.
Non-residents: Non-residents who will be using an OHV off-highway only may purchase a non-resident OHV decal. You may purchase the non-resident OHV decal from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, https://ohv.azgfd.com. You will need to purchase one non-resident OHV decal per non-resident OHV. The cost is $30 and is valid for one1 year from the date of purchase. Please note, the non-resident OHV decal is valid for off highway use only (unmaintained roads or trails). If you require on-highway use, you will need a valid street registration. A valid street registration and plate from another state is acceptable for on-highway use, you will just need to purchase the non-resident OHV decal for off-highway use. You can check the Arizona Game and Fish Department website at https://www.azgfd.com/off-highway-vehicle/ohv-register-and-renew-your-license/ohv-decals/ for more information.
Display the proper decals
Once your off-road vehicle is registered with the MVD, you will receive a license plate and an OHV decal through the mail. If you purchased street registration, you will also receive a street registration and tab. You must display both the tab and OHV decal on the MC plate. It is critical that you display these items properly on your ATV or other off-road vehicle.
Attach the license plate securely to the rear of your vehicle in a highly visible location. If even a part of the number on the plate or the date tags are obstructed you may be pulled over by police or park officials, depending on where you are riding, for improper display of the license plate. The OHV decal should be displayed on the top left corner of your plate. If you also purchased street registration, you will need to display the tab that came with your registration on the top right corner. All license plate information must be visible.
Ensure that it is always clearly visible. If it gets covered with mud, or other debris, wipe it off. Do not place bags or other gear on your vehicle where it might cover the decal.
Failure to display these decals may result in fines and can lead to restricted access to certain trails. Always keep your registration with you for the vehicle while driving. Law enforcement will always ask for it if they happen to stop you. It is always better to be prepared than to not have it with you.
Registering your off-road vehicle in Arizona is necessary to keep you on the right side of the law. The last thing you want is a family fun ride through the desert to be mired with a stop by law enforcement asking for registration. Preparing beforehand and understanding the law will help you, friends and family enjoy your time riding ATVs and other off-road vehicles along the many trails Arizona provides.
Arizona Auto License Services, https://azauto.biz, is an authorized Arizona MVD third-party vehicle service provider with six locations in both Phoenix and Flagstaff.
