Home » ATV Laws by State » Pennsylvania ATV Registration & OHV Permits

Pennsylvania ATV Registration & OHV Permits

⚠️ ATTENTION: Be prepared to satisfy any insurance requirements when taking care of tasks for your motorcycle. Click below for a free insurance quote.

Please answer the questions below to get started:

If you plan to enjoy Pennsylvania’s off-road riding areas and trails, you’ll want to know the OHV permit requirements and ATV/UTV laws you’ll need to follow. 

This page will provide you with the details on OHV stickers and ATV registration for Pennsylvania residents and out-of-state visitors. 

For more information and other details regarding ATVs, UTVs, and other off-road vehicles and recreation areas, please visit: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Recreation/WhatToDo/ATVRiding/RegistrationTitlingAndInsurance/Pages/default.aspx 

Pennsylvania ATV Registration Requirements & ORV Stickers

Pennsylvania requires ATVs to be titled and registered. 

ATVs are registered through the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR).

Additionally, riders must carry liability insurance when they ride on property they do not own or lease. 

When you buy an ATV from a PA dealership, the dealer will give you a license plate and a temporary registration sticker. They will also submit your title and registration paperwork for you. 

When you buy an ATV from a private seller, you’ll need to submit the follow items yourself:

Applications, documents, and fees can be mailed to:

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Snowmobile/ATV Registration Section

P.O. Box 8553, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8553

There are two types of ATV registrations available in Pennsylvania:

  • General ATV registration, which allows you to operate your ATV on public lands and land you do not own. 
  • Limited ATV registration, which only allows you to ride your ATV on your own land. 

General registrations are valid for 2 years. 

You can replace, update, and renew your ATV registration online here: https://www.snowatvowner.pa.gov/Account/Login/?ReturnUrl=%2F 

Upon registration, you’ll be issued an ATV license plate and registration stickers that need to be placed towards the upper back half of your ATV. Stickers are placed in the bottom corner of your license plate.  

Pennsylvania OHV Permits for Non-Residents

PA ATV registration is not required if you are a visiting non-resident with a valid ATV registration from your home state that also reciprocates Pennsylvania ATV registration. 

If your home state does not honor PA ATV registrations, you’ll need to purchase Pennsylvania registration for your out-of-state ATV. 

Pennsylvania OHV Permit Cost

Fees for ATV registration and title include:

  • Title fee: $22.50. 
  • General registration: $20 for 2 years. 
  • Limited registration: No fee. 
  • Replacement registration: $5. 
  • Transfers: $5. 

ATV & Off-Road Vehicle Laws in Pennsylvania

Be sure to check the rules, regulations and fees for the Pennsylvania off-road trails you plan on riding. Local laws and regulations may vary. 

The minimum age to ride on public lands is 8 years old. Riders 8 to 15 are required to be under supervision of a parent or complete an ATV safety course. 

Regardless of whether a particular state or trail requires it, ATV/UTV and dirt bike riders and passengers should always wear the proper safety equipment and helmets while riding. 

Never operate an off-road vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Failing to obey the off-road vehicle laws of Pennsylvania and the local jurisdiction may result in tickets, fines, and penalties. 

Check out some of these other great ATV/UTV and dirt bike resources from MotorcycleZombies.com:

ATV & UTV Insurance

Dirt Bike Insurance

ATV vs. UTV

ATV Age Ranges

What to Wear ATV Riding

How to Ride an ATV

How to Ride a Dirt Bike

How Fast is a Dirt Bike?