Off-Highway Vehicle Program
Arizona's New Off-Highway Vehicle Guide!
Arizona State Parks and Trails, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and the State Land Department have partnered to
create a new Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide. This guide highlights places to ride, safety techniques, education programs, OHV laws, and so much more. Check out this great guide to riding in Arizona before you hit the trail!
New OHV Requirements
Starting January 1, 2025, Arizona requires all off-highway vehicle (OHV) owners to complete a mandatory safety course before registering or renewing their vehicles. This free course, developed in partnership between ADOT and AZGFD, is available online and includes a 10-minute instructional video followed by 20 multiple-choice questions. At least one owner per vehicle must complete the course between January 1, 2025, and June 1, 2027.
Before you begin, please reference these frequently asked questions. OHV Education Course FAQ
Click the appropriate link below. This step by step guide makes it easy to purchase your annual OHV Decal.
Off-highway Vehicle Decals
All resident and non-resident off-highway vehicles (OHVs) designed by the manufacturer primarily for use over unimproved terrain and that weigh 2,500 pounds or less are required by law to display a valid OHV decal to operate on public and state trust lands in Arizona. This includes “street legal” vehicles that meet these two requirements.
Nonresident OHV Decal
As of Sept. 1, 2019, the state requires nonresidents operating an OHV within Arizona to purchase a nonresident OHV decal.
- The nonresident OHV decal costs $25 (plus a processing fee)
- The decal must be purchased prior to riding an OHV within the state
- Is valid for one year from the date of purchase
- Decals are not transferable between OHVs . Nonresidents with multiple machines must purchase additional decals
- Decal must be displayed left rear quarter panel of OHVs with/ three or more wheels, or on the left fork leg of two-wheeled vehicles
- Decal not required for dual-sport motorcycles or 4x4 vehicles
How to purchase a Non-Resident OHV decal
Non-Resident OHV decals may be purchased quickly and easily online by visiting the AZGFD website. Decals can also be purchased in person at the Kingman, Mesa, and Yuma regional AZGFD offices during regular business hours.
Additional information
The nonresident OHV decal will be mailed within two to three weeks from the date of purchase. Purchasers can show their receipt (or a screenshot of it) for up to 30 days as proof of decal purchase. Owners/riders must have the receipt readily available if requested by law enforcement or until they receive their decal(s).
In recent years, off-highway vehicle use has grown significantly throughout Arizona. With 365 riding days per year, Arizona draws OHV enthusiasts from across the country to partake in our, scenic trails, and awesome weather. With Arizona’s growing OHV community and trails in mind, Arizona State Parks & Trails is dedicated to protecting resources while providing safe and responsible riding opportunities.
Resident OHV Decal
Arizona residents can purchase an OHV decal for $25 (plus a processing fee) through the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) offices statewide, an authorized third-party MVD service provider or online at the MVD website.
The OHV decal is valid for one year from the date of purchase. For example, if you purchased your OHV decal in January 2023, you have until January 2024 to purchase the renewal OHV decal.
Residents must display the OHV decal in the upper left-hand corner of the license plate. For more information about registration and different license plate types, visit the OHV FAQ section.
Decal Revenue At Work For YOU!
Arizona offers more than 40,000 miles of off-highway vehicle adventure! By purchasing a required OHV Decal, OHV users help ensure trails stay open, maintained, and safe for everyone that chooses to ride here.
For more information about how your OHV Decal dollars are invested, please visit our grants page for a look at the interactive grants map that features over 180 OHV projects that have been funded with over $19 million in Decal revenue! As always, if you have questions related to Arizona's OHV Program please contact our team to the right of the page. Take care and ride safe!
Annual OHV Legislative Report
Each year, Arizona State Parks and Trails is required to report on the use of its Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Program budget. View the 2023 Legislative Report.
OHV Economic Impact Study
In 2018, the Arizona State Parks and Trails Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program partnered with Arizona State University to look at the economic impact of off-highway vehicle use in Arizona. This graphic report highlights the findings of the study and captures information on spending habits, where people enjoy riding, and the overall impact the sport has on our economy. For a more in-depth look, you can view the full report on our publications page
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