If you own an ATV, dirt bike, side-by-side or other off-highway vehicle, you may need an Arizona OHV decal before hitting the trails. Arizona requires qualifying off-highway vehicles to display a valid decal when operating on public and state trust lands.
The requirements can vary depending on the vehicle, how you plan to use it and whether you’re an Arizona resident. Before you head out, here’s what you should know about getting or renewing an OHV decal in Arizona.
What Is an Arizona OHV Decal?
An Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) decal is required for qualifying vehicles designed primarily for travel over unimproved terrain.
Under current Arizona requirements, the vehicle must:
- Be designed by the manufacturer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain
- Have an unladen weight of 2,500 pounds or less
This includes many dirt bikes, ATVs and side-by-sides. Qualifying OHVs must display a valid decal to operate on Arizona public and state trust lands. Arizona Department of Transportation
Is an OHV Safety Course Required in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona introduced an important requirement beginning January 1, 2025.
At least one registered owner — or a representative when the OHV is owned by an organization — must complete the free “OHV Decal: Safe & Ethical Riding in Arizona” course before purchasing an OHV decal.
The course consists of a short instructional video followed by 20 multiple-choice questions. The course only needs to be completed once, even if the owner has multiple OHVs. The current requirement applies before applicable registrations or renewals between January 1, 2025 and June 1, 2027. Arizona Department of Transportation
Where Do Arizona Residents Get an OHV Decal?
Arizona residents obtain their OHV decal through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, an authorized third-party MVD provider or AZ MVD Now.
If you’re getting your initial decal in person, you may need to complete the Off-Highway Vehicle Decal Application as part of the transaction.
When renewing both your OHV registration and decal around the same time, Arizona MVD recommends renewing the OHV decal first.
Does an OHV Decal Make Your Vehicle Street Legal?
No. An OHV decal by itself does not automatically make an off-highway vehicle street legal.
Arizona distinguishes between different types of OHV use, including:
- Exclusively off-highway
- Primarily off-highway
- Primarily on-highway
If you plan to operate an OHV on roads that meet Arizona’s definition of a highway, additional registration, insurance, equipment and driver requirements can apply.
That distinction is important because an OHV that’s legal for trail use isn’t necessarily legal for regular road use.
Where Does the Arizona OHV Decal Go?
For Arizona residents, the OHV decal is placed in the upper-left corner of the vehicle’s license plate, which must be visible from the rear of the vehicle.
Placement requirements are different for nonresident decals.
What About Nonresidents Riding an OHV in Arizona?
Nonresidents have different requirements.
If you’re visiting Arizona and don’t need street-legal Arizona registration, the nonresident OHV decal is purchased through the Arizona Game and Fish Department, rather than through MVD or an authorized third-party MVD provider.
Arizona also does not recognize another state’s OHV decal as a substitute for the required Arizona nonresident decal.
Nonresident decals allow qualifying off-highway use but do not by themselves provide street-legal registration.
What Do You Need to Get an Arizona OHV Decal?
Your exact requirements depend on your vehicle and how it will be used.
Before completing an OHV transaction, it’s helpful to have:
- Vehicle identification information
- Current title and registration information
- Your identification
- Your intended vehicle usage
- The vehicle’s unladen weight
- Confirmation that the required OHV safety course has been completed
Additional registration, equipment or insurance requirements may apply if the vehicle will also be registered for on-road use.
Get Help With Your Arizona OHV Decal at 1 Stop
Getting your OHV ready for Arizona trails means making sure the vehicle has the proper title, registration and decal for how you plan to use it.
1 Stop Motor Vehicle Services is an authorized third-party provider for the Arizona MVD and can assist Arizona residents with eligible OHV decal, title and registration transactions.
Our team can help you determine what documentation you’ll need and complete your eligible transaction before you head out.
Find a 1 Stop location near you for help with your Arizona OHV decal and other Arizona MVD services.