Colorado requires OHV registration before you operate off-road vehicles on public land

Colorado's Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) registration is a permit that allows you to legally ride ATVs, dirt bikes, UTVs, and similar vehicles on public roads and trails managed by the state. Registration is separate from vehicle title or street-legal registration — you need it even if your vehicle is already registered with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles for highway use. The registration proves you have paid the annual fee and received a decal to display on your vehicle.

You can register through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website, by mail, or at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office. The process takes about 10 minutes online, and the decal arrives by mail within two weeks. The annual fee varies depending on the type of vehicle and whether you are a Colorado resident.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado OHV registration is required to ride off-road vehicles on public land and is separate from street-legal vehicle registration.
  • You can register online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, by mail, or in person at any CPW office.
  • Registration fees depend on your residency status and vehicle type, and the decal must be displayed on your vehicle at all times.
  • The registration is valid for one year from the date of purchase and must be renewed annually.
  • Riding without a valid registration decal can result in fines and citations from Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers.

Who needs to register an OHV in Colorado

Any person operating an OHV on public land in Colorado must have a valid registration decal on the vehicle. This includes ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), dirt bikes, side-by-sides, UTVs (utility terrain vehicles), and other off-road motorcycles. If you own the vehicle, you register it in your name. If you are borrowing or renting an OHV, the owner is responsible for keeping the registration current.

Colorado residents and non-residents can both register vehicles. Residents pay a lower annual fee than non-residents. If you live in Colorado and have a valid driver's license or state ID, you are considered a resident for registration purposes.

What information and documents you will need

To register an OHV, you will need the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), the year and make of the vehicle, and your name and address. You will also need a valid form of payment — credit card, debit card, or check if registering by mail.

If you are registering by mail, you will need to complete the OHV Registration Form (available on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website) and include a check or money order for the registration fee. Mail the form to the address listed on the form. If you are registering in person at a CPW office, bring your vehicle's VIN and a valid ID.

Registration fees and what they cover

Colorado OHV registration fees depend on your residency status and the type of vehicle. Resident fees are lower than non-resident fees. The registration covers one year from the date you purchase it and includes a decal that you must display on your vehicle.

The fee covers the cost of maintaining trails and public lands where OHVs operate, as well as enforcement and safety programs. Once you pay the fee, you receive a decal in the mail that is valid for one year. You must renew the registration annually to continue riding legally on public land.

How to register online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife

The fastest way to register is through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. Go to the CPW homepage and look for the OHV Registration link. You will enter your vehicle's VIN, your name and address, and your residency status. The website will calculate the fee based on your vehicle type and residency.

After you submit the form and payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your registration number. The decal will arrive by mail within two weeks. You must display the decal on your vehicle before riding on public land. If you do not receive your decal within three weeks, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife to request a replacement.

Registering by mail or in person

If you prefer not to register online, you can mail the OHV Registration Form to Colorado Parks and Wildlife with a check or money order. read the form from the CPW website, fill it out completely, and include your payment. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes three to four weeks from the date CPW receives your form.

You can also register in person at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office. Bring your vehicle's VIN, a valid ID, and payment (cash, check, or card). Staff will complete the registration on the spot and give you a temporary permit while you wait for the decal to arrive by mail. This is the fastest way to get a temporary permit if you need to ride when ready.

Displaying and renewing your registration decal

Once you receive your decal, attach it to your OHV in a visible location — typically on the frame or body of the vehicle where it will not be easily damaged or obscured. The decal must be visible during any ride on public land. If your decal is damaged, faded, or lost, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife to request a replacement.

Your registration expires one year from the date you purchased it. You will need to renew it annually to continue riding legally. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process as initial registration. Many riders set a calendar reminder for their renewal date to avoid riding with an expired registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need OHV registration if I only ride on private land?

No. OHV registration is required only for riding on public land managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, or the Bureau of Land Management. If you ride only on private property with the owner's permission, registration is not required. However, many riders register anyway for safety and liability reasons.

What happens if I ride without a valid registration decal?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers can issue citations for riding without a valid decal. Fines vary but can be significant. Officers also have the authority to impound the vehicle if you are caught riding illegally. It is much easier and cheaper to register than to face a citation.

Can I transfer my registration to a different OHV?

No. Each registration is tied to a specific vehicle VIN and cannot be transferred. If you sell your OHV or buy a new one, you will need to register the new vehicle separately. You cannot get a refund for the unused portion of your current registration.

How long does it take to receive my decal after registering online?

Decals typically arrive within two weeks of online registration. If you need to ride before the decal arrives, register in person at a Colorado Parks and Wildlife office to receive a temporary permit when ready. The permanent decal will still arrive by mail within two weeks.

Is OHV registration the same as vehicle title or street registration?

No. OHV registration is separate from both vehicle title and street-legal registration. You may need all three depending on how you use the vehicle. Title proves ownership, street registration allows highway use, and OHV registration allows use on public off-road land. Each has its own fee and renewal schedule.