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Off-Highway Vehicle Registration Information

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV)

A motorized vehicle when operated primarily off of highways on land, water, snow, ice or other natural terrain or on a combination of land, water, snow, ice or other natural terrain. Includes a two-wheel, three-wheel or four-wheel vehicle, motorcycle, four-wheel drive vehicle, dune buggy, amphibious vehicle, ground effects or air cushion vehicle, and any other means of land transportation deriving motive power from a source other than muscle or wind.

ROV (Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle)

An ROV C sometimes broadly referred to as a side-by-side or UTV C is a motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires, with a steering wheel, and non-straddle seating equipped with seat belts. Some models are designed with seats for a driver and one or more passengers.

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TITLE, USER FEE AND REGISTRATION

The Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is the issuing agency for certificates of title, registration, license plates and the OHV Decal. MVD offices are located statewide and online services are available at www.servicearizona.com

Title: A certificate of title is proof of ownership for motor vehicles. Since 1985, most OHVs have been required to obtain an Arizona certificate of title. As of July 1, 2009, all OHVs in Arizona will need to be titled. All OHVs must have and properly display a license plate.

Title-Only License Plate: The title-only license plate is currently identified by the letters "RV" displayed on it.This is an identification plate and does not allow travel on roads that require "street-legal" registration. (For exceptions see www.azgfd.gov/ohv.)

Registration License Plate: The registration license plate is currently identified by the letters "MC" displayed on it. This "street legal" plate does allow travel on roads, trails and areas on which registration is required. It is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle meets the necessary "street legal" requirements.

Displaying your License Plate: License plates are required to be securely attached to the rear of your vehicle and clearly displayed.

OHV Decal: A vehicle designed by the manufacturer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain and having an unladen weight of 1,800 pounds or less requires the annual purchase of an OHV Decal to operate on public and state lands. You must display the OHV Decal in the upper left-handcorner of the license plate.

OHV Decal exceptions (ARS 28-1178A)

You do not need an OHV Decal if you are:

  • Loading or unloading an ATV or OHV from a vehicle.
  • Operating during a period of emergency or if directed by a peace officer or other public authority.

Non-residents that meet all of the following are exempt from OHV Decal purchase:

  • The person is not a resident of Arizona.
  • The person owns the vehicle.
  • The vehicle displays a current OHV Decal or registration from the persons home state of residency.
  • The vehicle is not in the state for more than 30 consecutive days.
  • For more non-resident OHV Decal information visit www.azgfd.gov/ohv.

OHV decal, title & license plate requirements

What is the OHV Decal?

The OHV Decal is a sticker that must be purchased annually for $25 to allow your OHV to be operated within Arizona. The decal will need to be applied to the upper left corner of your license plate, and your license plate will need to be visibly displayed on the rear of your OHV. The dollars collected through the purchase of the OHV Decal are considered an OHV user fee and apply to all OHVs meeting the bulleted criteria in the following paragraph.

The OHV Decal should not be confused with "registration". Registration is required if you want your OHV to be "street legal" (i.e., operate it on paved and improved roads and streets.) and you'll still need to obtain the OHV Decal if you meet the two requirements.

What is considered an off-highway vehicle for the purpose of obtaining the OHV Decal?

An off-highway vehicle is any motor vehicle operated on unimproved roads, trails and approved use areas not suitable for conventional two-wheel-drive vehicular travel. Examples include: ATVs, ROVs, trail motorcycles and dirt bikes.

The requirement to purchase an OHV Decal only applies to OHVs meeting both of the following criteria

  • Designed by the manufacturer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain.
  • Has an unladen weight of eighteen hundred pounds or less.
  • Pickup trucks, SUVs, cars and other recreational vehicles are not required (and will not be able) to obtain an OHV decal. All other vehicle regulations apply.

Do you have questions? Call us at PH. or click here for more info.

UPDATE

The Arizona OHV Decal will ONLY be issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Divison. The OHV Decal is available online at www.servicearizona.com, or at any MVD office or Authorized MVD Third Party Service Provider. Always purchase your OHV Decal first in renewal transactions with MVD.

The OHV Decal WILL NOT be issued at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices.

Renewal notices will be sent to you from the Arizona Game and Fish Department about the expiration of your decal. However, the OHV Decal needs to be obtained through MVD, MVD third party service providers or online at www.servicearizona.com. It is still your responsibility to make sure your vehicle is up-to-date, as OHV Decals are only good for one year from date of purchase.

Contact us for more information on registration

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