Off-highway motorized vehicles include:

• Trail bikes

• Mini bikes

• Racing motorcycles

• Dune buggies

• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

• Jeeps

• Snowmobiles

Although these vehicles do not require the standard on-highway registration, they must display a DMV-issued identification plate.

Top Registering Your Off-Highway Vehicle

If you have recently purchased an off-highway vehicle from a party that is not a licensed dealer, and the vehicle was never registered, you need to register the vehicle with the California DMV.

This simple process requires you to:

• Make an appointment at your neighborhood DMV.

• Submit an Application for Title or Registration (REG 343).

• Have the vehicle verification portion of the application completed by a DMV representative, law enforcement officer, or a licensed vehicle verifier.

• Provide a bill of sale, out-of-state title, or the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin as evidence of ownership.

• Hand over any on-highway plates registered to the vehicle.

• Pay the original off-highway application fee of $52 and the use tax.

Top Making the Change from On-Highway to Off-Highway

If you only need to change the registration on your vehicle from an on-highway to an off-highway designation, simply make an appointment at your local DMV.

While at the DMV, you will need to provide your California certificate of title and pay the $52 off-highway vehicle application fee.

Top Renewal and Penalties

The off-highway registration stays valid for up to two years; it expires on June 30 of its second year.

Renewal notices will be mailed out to the registered owners.

Keep in mind that you must pay a $23 penalty if the renewal is not submitted on time.

Top Exemptions

You do not have to register your vehicle as an off-highway vehicle if it already has a valid on-highway registration.

Visit the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreational Areas Web site for additional off-roading information.

Top Golf Carts

Generally, golf carts do not need to be registered. However, if you plan to use it on a public road check with your local DMV office. Registration rules vary from county to county.

Top Registering a Trailer

• Complete Form 343.

• Bring the form along with the trailer's title and previous registration to your local DMV office.

• Pay registration fee determined by the trailer's value.

Top Registering Other Vehicles

Other vehicles will also require some form of registration:

• Standard passenger vehicles

• Boats/Vessels

• RVs/Motorhomes

• Custom built cars

• Motorcycles

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