ATV Registration

The registration requirements for an ATV depend on where you are operating the vehicle.

ATVs are registered by submitting a completed application, the required fee, and the sales tax statement to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
Registration application forms are available from the DCNR Snowmobile/ATV Registration Section, ATV dealers, Forest District Offices, and State Park Offices. They also can be printed from the DCNR website.
There are two types of ATV registration.
- General registration is required when the ATV will be operated on land that is not the owner’s private property.
- Limited registration is allowed when the ATV will be operated only on private land that is owned or leased by the ATV’s owner.

General Registration

For an ATV that requires general registration:

The registration fee is $20, and the registration is valid for two years.
Upon receipt of the application, the DCNR will issue a registration certificate, a registration plate, and an expiration sticker.
The expiration sticker shows the registration’s expiration date.

For an ATV that is eligible for limited registration:

Registration is free and does not expire unless you transfer ownership of the vehicle.
Upon receipt of the application, the DCNR will issue a registration certificate and a registration plate.

For all ATVs:

The registration plate must be attached to the back of the ATV near the center and as high as possible. ATVs with general registration must have the expiration sticker placed in the bottom corner of the plate.
The registration certificate must be carried on the ATV whenever the ATV is being operated.

Note: An ATV that is purchased from a dealer may have a temporary registration that is valid for no more than 45 days.