Special Vehicles in Michigan

Many Michigan residents either own or are interested in buying a vehicle other than a car or motorcycle. So, let's take a look at some of these other types of transportation and fun.

Specifically, we'll examine how to register and title snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-road vehicles (ORVs), and trailers.

Snowmobiles

With all the snow that falls in Michigan, snowmobiles are popular items. However, unless you're planning on operating your snowmobile strictly on private property or to ice fish, you'll need to register it. (There are also a few unique exceptions.)

It's easy to register a snowmobile in Michigan. Just go to a Secretary of State branch office and basically follow the same procedure as registering a car.

Registrations cost $45 and are valid for three years. It will also cost you $45 to renew your registration.

Place the registration decal on the front of the vehicle.

Snowmobile Titles

Snowmobile owners catch a break here, as titles are not required. When you want to transfer ownership, just fill out the back of the registration. If you can't find the registration, complete a bill of sale instead.

Snowmobile Permits

You'll also need to obtain a snowmobile trail permit. These permits cost $35, are good for one year, and will expire on September 30. The permit sticker should be placed above the headlight .

Non-residents planning on using their snowmobiles on Michigan's public lands also need to have the permit.

Trail permits are available through the Department of Natural Resource (DNR), the Michigan Snowmobile Association, or one of the nine DNR full-service customer service centers.

Money from the sale of the permits is used for the snowmobile trails.

Off-Road Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles

Let's start with the basics: According to Michigan lawmakers, ORVs and ATVs are motor vehicles that can be ridden over land, snow, and other terrain without the need of a road or trail. However, this does not mean snowmobiles; construction, farming, or logging vehicles used for work purposes; and fire, emergency, military, and police vehicles.

ORV and ATV Titles

While snowmobiles need to be registered but not titled, the opposite is true for ORVS and ATVs. Just to keep you on your toes.

The title procedure for these vehicles is basically the same as it is for cars, so simply follow the same guidelines. Titles cost $11.

ORV and ATV Permits

All ORVs/ATVS need to have an annual permit, issued by the DNR, unless the vehicle will be used exclusively on private property. The permits cost $16.25, and expire on March 31.

Non-residents using their ATVs/ORVs on the state's public land must also have the permit.

The permits are available through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), select hunting/fishing license agents or dealers, nine DNR full-service customer service centers, and by mail through:

• Michigan Department of Natural Resources

• Grants, Contracts, and Customer Systems

• P.O. Box 30181

• Lansing, MI 48909

Be sure to place the permit decal in the proper spot.

Want to know more about Michigan ATV/ORV rules and procedures? Check out The Handbook of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Laws. You may also call the DNR at (517) 373-1204 for more information.

Trailers

Trailer coaches and trailers weighing at least 2,500 pounds when empty need to be titled and registered, just like a car.

Registration fees vary depending on the vehicle's weight, while the title fee is $15.

Other Vehicles

If you're interested in information about boats, recreational vehicles,
or custom-built vehicles, we have separate sections covering these areas.

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