-
Special Vehicles in California

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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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 website for additional off-roading information.
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.
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.
Registering Other Vehicles
Other vehicles will also require some form of registration:
Other Topics in This Section
Your Opinion Matters To Us!
Send Feedback