ATV Registration
Montana ATV & OHV
Registration 2026
Everything you need to register an ATV, UTV, or off-highway vehicle in Montana - official agency links, fees, trail permit requirements, and safety regulations. Montana offers vast public land access for OHV riders, with over 6 million acres of national forest and millions more BLM acres. OHV registration is required for all machines operated on public lands.
Annual Registration Period
2026 OHV Registration Quick Facts
Verified 2026
ATV Fee
$9.00
annual registration
UTV / SxS Fee
$9.00
annual registration
Trail Permit?
Not Required
Min. Age
12 yrs
Check state rules
Registration Fees
Montana OHV Registration Fees & Requirements
All OHVs operated on public lands in Montana must display a current registration. Fees vary by vehicle type.
ATV / Quad
$9.00
Annual registration fee for standard ATVs and quads.
UTV / Side-by-Side
$9.00
Annual registration fee for UTVs and side-by-sides.
Dirt Bike / MX
$9.00
Annual registration fee for dirt bikes and motocross bikes.
Registration Period
Annual
No title required.
Safety Rules
Montana OHV Safety Requirements
Montana has specific safety requirements for OHV operators. Know the rules before you ride.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 12 years old |
| Helmet Required | Not Mandated (strongly recommended for all riders) |
| Safety Course | Voluntary (recommended for all new riders) |
| Title Required | No |
| Insurance Required | Not Required |
Trail Access
Montana OHV Trails & Public Land Access
Montana does not require a separate trail permit - OHV registration alone grants access to designated public land riding areas.
Popular Riding Areas
Gallatin National Forest, Lolo National Forest, Kootenai National Forest, Lewis & Clark National Forest, BLM Eastern Montana.
Public Land Access
Important Notes
Montana-Specific OHV Rules
Montana has one of the lowest OHV registration fees in the nation at just $9/year. The state has no helmet requirement for adults, though it is strongly recommended.
Street Legal: Montana allows OHV operation on certain county roads and state highways in rural areas.
Data last verified: January 1, 2025
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks — OHV Program (fwp.mt.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before registering.