Colorado requires OHV registration through the Parks and Wildlife Division, not through standard vehicle registration
Off-highway vehicles in Colorado — ATVs, dirt bikes, UTVs, and similar machines — need a separate registration from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division. This is not handled through your county assessor or the DMV. You register directly with Parks and Wildlife, either online or by mail, and the process takes about two weeks once the division receives your paperwork.
Registration is required before you operate an OHV on public land in Colorado, including national forests, BLM land, and state wildlife areas. Private land use does not require registration, but you cannot legally ride on public property without it. The registration is valid for one year from the date of issue.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife handles OHV registration separately from vehicle registration, and you explore directly to them rather than through a county office.
- You need proof of ownership (title, bill of sale, or manufacturer's statement of origin), the vehicle's VIN, and your Colorado driver's license or ID number to register.
- Registration costs vary by vehicle type and engine size, ranging from roughly $20 to $50 annually, plus a one-time $5 process fee.
- You can register online through the Parks and Wildlife website or mail a completed form and documents to their office in Denver.
- Once registered, you receive a decal and registration certificate that must be displayed on your vehicle when riding on public land.
What documents you need to register
Start by gathering proof that you own the vehicle. This can be a title, a bill of sale, or the manufacturer's statement of origin if the vehicle is new. If you bought the OHV used and do not have a title, contact the seller or the previous owner's insurance company — they often have copies on file.
You will also need the vehicle identification number (VIN), which is stamped on the frame or engine. Write it down exactly as it appears. Have your Colorado driver's license or ID number ready, along with your current mailing address. If you are registering a vehicle owned by someone else, you will need a signed authorization from the owner.
Gather these items before you start the registration process, whether online or by mail. Missing documents will delay your registration by several weeks.
Registration costs by vehicle type
Colorado charges different annual registration fees depending on what kind of OHV you own and its engine size. The fees are set by the state and do not vary by county. All registrations include a one-time $5 process fee added to the annual cost.
| Vehicle Type | Engine Size / Category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ATV | Under 90cc | $20 |
| ATV | 90cc and over | $30 |
| Motorcycle (dirt bike) | Any size | $25 |
| UTV / Side-by-side | Any size | $50 |
| Snowmobile | Any size | $40 |
These fees support trail maintenance and OHV education programs run by Parks and Wildlife. If you own multiple vehicles, you must register each one separately.
How to register online
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife website has an online registration portal. Go to the Parks and Wildlife homepage, find the OHV registration section, and create an account with your email address. You will enter your vehicle information, upload photos of your proof of ownership, and pay the registration fee by credit or debit card.
The system will ask you to photograph or scan your title, bill of sale, or manufacturer's statement. Make sure the document is clear and all text is readable. Upload your Colorado ID or driver's license as well. Once you submit, Parks and Wildlife reviews your documents and processes the registration within about two weeks.
You will receive your registration certificate and decal by mail at the address you provided. Print or save your confirmation number from the online submission — you may need it if you have questions about your registration status.
How to register by mail
If you prefer not to register online, you can print the OHV registration form from the Parks and Wildlife website or request one by phone. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, driver's license number, and the vehicle's VIN and description.
Make copies of your proof of ownership and your Colorado ID or driver's license. Mail the completed form, copies, and a check or money order for the registration fee plus the $5 process fee to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office in Denver. The mailing address is on the form itself.
Mail processing takes longer than online registration — typically three to four weeks from the time Parks and Wildlife receives your envelope. Send your documents by regular mail or certified mail if you want proof of delivery. Once approved, your certificate and decal arrive by mail within a few days.
What the registration decal means and where it goes
Your registration decal is a sticker that proves your OHV is registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It must be displayed on your vehicle whenever you ride on public land. The decal goes on the frame or body of the vehicle in a location that is clearly visible — usually on the side or rear.
The decal includes your registration number and year. Parks and Wildlife officers and rangers check for valid decals during patrols. Riding without a visible, current decal can result in a citation and fine, even if you have paid your registration fee. If your decal is damaged or lost, contact Parks and Wildlife to request a replacement.
Where you can and cannot ride with Colorado registration
A Colorado OHV registration allows you to ride on most public lands managed by the federal government and the state, including national forests, BLM land, and state wildlife areas. However, each area has its own rules about which trails are open to OHVs, which seasons allow riding, and which vehicle types are permitted.
You cannot ride on private land without the owner's permission, regardless of registration status. Some state parks and wilderness areas prohibit OHVs entirely. Before you head out, check the specific area's website or call the managing agency to confirm that OHVs are allowed and that your vehicle type is permitted on the trails you want to use.
Registration does not override local or federal restrictions. A valid decal means you have met Colorado's registration requirement, but it does not mean every trail is open to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my OHV if I only ride on private land?
No. Registration is required only for riding on public land. If you use your OHV only on private property with the owner's permission, you do not need a Colorado registration. However, you may still need to follow the owner's rules about where and when you can ride.
What happens if my OHV registration expires?
Once your registration expires, you cannot legally ride on public land in Colorado. You must renew your registration before heading out. Renewal follows the same process as initial registration — online or by mail — and takes about two weeks. Parks and Wildlife typically sends renewal reminders by mail about 30 days before expiration.
Can I transfer my registration to a different OHV?
No. Each vehicle must have its own registration. If you sell your OHV and buy a new one, you need to register the new vehicle separately. You cannot move a registration from one machine to another or refund an unused registration.
What if I lose my registration certificate or decal?
Contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office and request a replacement. You will need to provide your registration number or VIN. There may be a small replacement fee. Parks and Wildlife will mail a new certificate and decal to you within a few days of approval.
Do out-of-state OHVs need Colorado registration?
Yes. If you own an OHV and live in Colorado, you must register it with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to ride on public land, regardless of where the vehicle was previously registered. If you are visiting Colorado from another state and want to ride on public land, check with Parks and Wildlife about temporary or non-resident registration options, which may be available.