Special Vehicles in Pennsylvania

Snowmobiles and ATVs

Register all snowmobiles and ATVs with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). There are two types of registrations, depending on your use.

If you use the snowmobile or ATV off of your own property, such as State Forest trails or leased land, you must register it every two years, for a fee of $20.

If you only use them on your own land or land leased by you, the registration is free and has no expiration date, unless the owner or the use of the snowmobile change.

Titles are required on most snowmobiles and ATVs, with a fee of $22.50, but there are exceptions. If you bought the snowmobile before October 23, 2001, or if the ATV is used for business or agricultural purposes, then a title is not required. If you are a Pennsylvania resident, but own and operate a snowmobile or an ATV only in another state, you are not required to title it in Pennsylvania.

You can get a replacement registration or license plate, or transfer the registration to a new owner, for $5.

When you register and title your snowmobile and ATV, you'll need to provide the completed application, proof of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), proof that sales tax has been paid, and the appropriate fees.

Homemade Trailers

To register your homemade trailer, or one made from a kit, you must have the trailer pass a safety inspection. This must take place at a state-approved safety inspection station. Your trailer will be photographed during the inspection.

After passing, present the inspector or certified document reviewer with:

• Completed form MV-426B
• Proof of ownership (title, Manufacturer's Statement of Origin or Certificate of Origin, bill of sale)
• Completed form MV-1 (unavailable online)
• Detailed description on how the vehicle was assembled

The title fee for homemade trailers is $22.50, plus you'll need to pay sales tax, and the appropriate trailer registration fee. The annual registration fees for trailers weighing:

• 3,000 lbs. or less―$6

• 3,001 lbs. to 10,000 lbs.―$12

• 10,001 lbs. or more―$27

You may register trailers 10,000 pounds or less for one to five years at a time.

Other Registration Needs

Be sure to check out DMV.org's extensive list of registration information, including all the details for:

• RVs and Motorhomes

• Passenger Cars and Trucks

• Custom-Built Cars

• Boats

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