Special Vehicles in Minnesota

Snowmobiles and Off-Highway Vehicles

The Department of Natural Resources is in charge of enforcing rules and regulations regarding snowmobiles and off-highway vehicles, but you still may need to visit your local DVS office for some tasks.

Snowmobiles

Snowmobiles need to be registered at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) location, or at:

• DNR License Bureau

• 500 Lafayette Road

• St. Paul, MN 55155

If you're buying from a dealer, the dealer should handle the registration.

Both new registrations and renewals cost $48.50, and are good for three years. You may renew at the same locations, or online. Be sure to affix your registration decal in the proper spot.

Snowmobiles do not need to be titled.

Trail Stickers

Those using a snowmobile on state or grant-in-aid trails must have a state trail sticker. Stickers are valid for either one year at a cost of $16, or three years for $31. The three-year sticker may only be purchased when registering the snowmobile. You have five methods for purchasing the sticker. The stickers are good for each snowmobiling season, running from November 1-April 30.

Safety Certificates

To legally operate a snowmobile in the state, residents born after December 31, 1976 will need to either have a snowmobile safety certificate, or a safety certificate indicator on their driver's license. Successfully complete a snowmobile safety course to get the certificate.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule, as listed in the state's snowmobiling guide. Both the state's snowmobiling guide and the DNR site are loaded with information concerning proper snowmobile use, safety, and state regulations.

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs)

In Minnesota, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles (OHMs), and off-road vehicles (ORVs) all fall under the heading of off-highway vehicles. Let's take a quick look at how Minnesota lawmakers define these different vehicles.

ATVs

Defined as a motorized, flotation-tired vehicles with between 3-6 low-pressure tires, ATVs have a 800 cc engine displacement (or less). If the vehicle weighs under 900 pounds, it's labeled a Class 1 ATV. If it's between 900-1,500 pounds, it's a Class 2 ATV. If it's over that weight, the vehicle is considered to be an ORV.

OHMs

These are motorized, off-highway vehicles traveling on two vehicles, with a seat or saddlebag meant to be straddled by the driver and a handlebar for steering.

A motorcycle may be considered legal for highway use, while also being classified as an OHM, if used in this manner on rough terrain or trails.

ORVs

These are motorized, recreational vehicles that can be used on cross-country travel on natural terrain. While four-wheel drive vehicles are in this category, snowmobiles are not.

Registration

OHVs need to be registered at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) location, or at:

• DNR License Bureau

• 500 Lafayette Road

• St. Paul, MN 55155

If you're buying from a dealer, your registration should be handled by the dealer.

Most new registrations cost $38.50 (ATVs cost $53.50), and are good for three years. Renewals cost $36, and are also valid for three years. You may renew at the same locations, or online. Be sure to affix your registration decal in the proper spot.

The DNR provides a complete OHV fee schedule.

Those from outside Minnesota planning on using their OHVs within the state for 30 days or less don't need register with the state. But any usage over that limit requires a Minnesota registration.

OHVs do not need to be titled.

OHVs may be driven on public land, trails, and frozen public waters that permit these vehicles, and on private land with the permission of the landowner.

The state provides a wealth of information about OHVs, including safety procedures and operating rules, in its OHV section. Also check out the DNR site for more information.

Trailers

If your trailer fits one of these two rules:

• It weighs less than 3,000 pounds (including its load), or

• It's an agricultural trailer weighing less than 10,000 pounds (including its load)

then it doesn't have to be titled.

Registering your trailer also depends on weight:

• Under 3,000 pounds―Requires a one-time registration decal that fits on the tongue of the trailer. It costs $55 for the permanent registration, plus additional processing and sales tax fees.
  • Trailers larger than 3,000 pounds require plates and must be renewed annually. Fees are based on weight.

  Contact your deputy registrar for help in determining exact fees.

Registering Other Recreational Vehicles

By the way, 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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