Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) & Snowmobile Registration Information
Registration Questions & Answers
If your vehicle is a licensed street legal vehicle you are not required to have an off-road (ORV) registration. However, you may register your vehicle with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) which will help fund and improve motorized recreation in Indiana.
REGISTER TO RIDE - IT'S THE LAW!
How do I register my vehicle?
New Registration and Dealer Registration
Complete an ORV/snowmobile registration application for each vehicle to be registered. Be certain to include ALL required information and sign where indicated. Also, include a copy of the Bill of Sale or title for all ORV and snowmobiles purchased after December 31, 2003. This includes a used ORV or snowmobile purchased after that date. Mail or bring your completed application with original signatures, copy of Bill of Sale/ title, and payment (correct amount) to the DNR Customer Service Center (address below) or Redbird State Recreation Area.
Applications are NOT taken by fax or over the phone.
All applications for new registrations must have an original signature.
A copy of the bill of sale or title is required for all ORV or snowmobiles purchased (new or used) after December 31, 2003. The bill of sale must include date of purchase, the make, model, and vehicle number (VIN) of the vehicle (IC 14-16-1-8)
If your ORV or snowmobile is not titled and you do not have a copy of the bill of sale, you must have law enforcement personnel complete an affidavit confirming the vehicle is not listed in the lost or stolen database. The affidavit must accompany the registration application.
Other Transactions (Renewal, Transfer, Replacement Decals, Duplicate Registration, Information Change or Correction, Cancellation)
Registration renewals can be completed online. This system allows you to print an interim registration that can be used until you receive your decals via U.S. Postal Service. You will need the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the current registration number to access the system.
Online renewals must be completed within 90 days prior to the current expiration date. If you do not renew your registration within the 90-day window, you must renew through the DNR Customer Service Center or at Redbird SRA.
Note: the 3-year term of the registration will start from the renewal date, not the expiration date. For example, if your current registration expires on September 1, 2011 and you renew on July 1, 2011 your new expiration date will be July 1, 2014.
Other registration transactions (e.g., transfer, cancellation) must be completed by mail or in person through the DNR Customer Service Center (address below) or at Redbird SRA. If you have any questions, contact the DNR and ask before you send in the application.
Why do I have to register my vehicle?
The purpose of registration is twofold (1) to provide correct information for law enforcement to track stolen or improperly used vehicles, and (2) the revenue is used to improve, maintain, and administer the motorized programs, properties, and trails. Additionally, Indiana law IC 14-16-1 states that all ORV/snowmobiles purchased after December 31, 2003 must be registered.
Are there any exemptions to mandatory registration?
Yes, IC 14-16-1-8(c) has a listing of the exemptions. In addition, IC 14-8-2-185 has a listing of vehicles that are not considered ORVs. If you ride an ORV or snowmobile recreationally the exemptions will not apply.
What about titles?
IC 9-17-2-1 states an ORV purchased after December 31, 2005 must obtain a certificate of title. This is the same process as getting a title for your car or boat and is done through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The DNR does not title ORVs or snowmobiles. It is a different transaction than registration.
I am not a resident of Indiana, what do I do?
First, determine if your home state requires ORVs/ OHVs or snowmobiles to be registered. In this case, registration is defined by IC 14-16-1-9(b) as
(1) A certificate of registration containing the following:
(A) The number awarded to the vehicle.
(B) The name and address of the owner.
(C) Other information that the department considers necessary.
(2) Two (2) decals indicating the vehicle's registration number and the year in which the registration will expire that must be attached to the vehicle.
(C) A certificate of registration must:
(1) be pocket size;
(2) accompany the vehicle; and
(3) be made available for inspection upon demand by a law enforcement officer.
In Indiana an ORV or snowmobile registration certificate includes the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Indiana recognizes most out of state snowmobile registrations, but many out of state ORV registrations are not.
CAUTION!!!!! Many states have “permits”, “decals”, “passes” and/or require titling. THESE ARE NOT REGISTRATIONS and do not allow you to ride in Indiana without a valid registration!
If your state requires ORV registration that complies with the information above, then IC 14-16-1-19 allows out-of-state residents use of our facilities for up to 20 days a year.
Indiana recognizes most out-of-state snowmobile registrations, but many out-of-state ORV registrations are not compatible with Indiana’s legal definition and information requirement.
Out-of-state residents may register their ORV or snowmobile through the Indiana DNR.
Can I register my golf cart?
No. IC 14-8-2-185 clearly states that golf carts are NOT off road vehicles and cannot be registered through the DNR.
How much does it cost to register my vehicle?
The current cost is $30 for 3 years.
Where can I obtain a registration application form?
Applications can be printed from the link at the bottom of this page and are available from DNR Customer Service Center, Redbird SRA, most dealers, and most license branches.
How long will it take to get my registration?
Your registration application will normally be processed within a few days after receipt if all of the information is correct. Your completed registration certificate and decals will be mailed within one day of processing.
If your registration is not correct, the application will be sent back to you for corrections. This starts the process over and causes delays.
Examples of incorrect applications include:
- blanks are left on the application form
- a copy of the Bill of Sale or title is not included
- it is not signed properly, or
- the payment is incorrect or not included.
Please allow time for processing and mailing. If you have not received your registration after 10 business days, contact the Customer Service Center.
What if I need to register my ORV or snowmobile quickly?
Sometimes people want to register and ride right away. You can register or renew your ORV or snowmobile instantly by applying in person at the DNR office in Indianapolis or at Redbird SRA. You must provide proper documentation to the DNR representative before he/she can process your transaction.
When will I be legal to ride my vehicle?
When you receive your registration in the mail and your decals are properly displayed on your vehicle or when you have an interim registration.
How can I legally ride the vehicle I just purchased?
Keep a copy of your bill of sale with you. It allows you to operate your vehicle for 31 days after purchase. The bill of sale must include date of purchase, the make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle. (IC 14-16-1-8)
Whom do I contact if I need additional information?
The snowmobile/off-road customer service representative is available 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, except legal holidays at (317) 232-4200 or (877) 463-6367. Or email the Customer Service Center at CSCinquiry@dnr.IN.gov
The contact information for Redbird SRA is (812) 847-9172, or you can contact Shakamak SP, (812) 665-2158.
What if I have problems with the online system?
If you have problems with the online renewal system, please contact the webmaster at Access Indiana.
Need a registration form for your vehicle?
For a printable PDF version of this form click HERE.
Print, sign, and mail your registration application with a copy of the Bill of Sale or copy of title and appropriate payment to:
DNR, Customer Service Center
Snowmobile/Off-Road Vehicle Registration Section
402 West Washington St. Room W160
Indianapolis IN 46204-2739
(317) 232-4200 or (877) 463-6367, (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mon - Fri, except holidays)
Or you may complete your transactions in person at the location above.
Thank you for registering your ORV or snowmobile with the Indiana DNR! Ride Safe and Enjoy!
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