Confused about ORV licenses and permits? We can help!

ORV Trails

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Confused about ORV licenses and permits? We can help!

As you may have already heard, Michigan's off-road vehicle (ORV) license options changed as of March 1, 2014. The new license structure – authorized by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder in 2013 – provides vital funding to improve outdoor recreation opportunities for ORV riders.

The new ORV license structure includes two levels depending on the type of riding you are doing. 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.

In addition to the ORV License, an ORV Trail Permit (an additional $10, for a total of $36.25) will be required when operating on State-designated ORV trails, routes and scramble areas.

Not sure what you need? Check out this handy chart to determine whether you need a license, permit, neither, or both. 

For more information about the license restructuring – including license prices, frequently asked questions and details about how license dollars will be invested – visit www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on "hunting and fishing license structure" under "In the Know."

As always, you can find information about ORV riding in Michigan – including trail maps–at www.michigan.gov/orvtrails. 

ORV Licenses and Permits are available at your local retailer or at www.mdnr-elicense.com.