An ATV is any self-propelled vehicle, including an off-road motorcycle, that is manufactured for use on off-road trails or in off-road competitions. These vehicles cannot be more than 70 inches wide and cannot weigh more than 1,000 pounds.
For information, see our brochure ATVs: Information for Owners and Operators (C-29).
You must have a valid NY State registration to ride your ATV in New York State unless it is
If you purchase an ATV (including an off-road motorcycle) from a New York State ATV dealer, the dealer is required to register it before it is delivered to you.
If you buy an ATV from a person who is not a New York State ATV dealer, you must register the ATV with the DMV yourself.
Important: When you register a new or used ATV for the first time, your registration will expire each year on August 31. Registrations for ATVs originally registered before April 1, 2005, will continue to expire each year on April 30.
You can use the DMV Registration Guide to determine what documents you need to apply and then find office and reservation information.
New York State honors valid out-of-state ATV registrations. If your home state does not require ATV registration, you must obtain a New York State ATV registration before operating your ATV in this state.
The ATV registration and registration renewal fee is $12.50 per year – it is not prorated by month. You also must pay a $12.50 license plate fee when you first register your ATV. You will be issued a plate, a registration sticker and an attached registration document. The plate must be attached to the rear of the ATV, and the sticker should be placed at the right side of the plate. You should carry the registration document when operating your ATV.
You may not operate any ATV anywhere in New York State, except on your own property, unless it is covered by liability insurance. You must show your proof of insurance to a judge, a police officer, or any person who makes a claim of injury or property damage. For more information, see New York State Insurance Requirements.
You do not need a driver license to operate an ATV in New York State, but certain restrictions apply to operators under the age of 16. If you are age 14 to 15, you may operate an ATV only:
under adult supervision; or
without adult supervision on property where your parent or guardian is the owner or tenant; or
without adult supervision on property where ATV use is permitted and you have completed an ATV safety-training course approved by the DMV. (You must carry your course certificate when you operate any ATV.)
If you are under age 14, you may operate an ATV only:
under adult supervision; or
without adult supervision on lands owned or leased by your parent or guardian
You can operate an ATV on public lands where signs indicate that ATV use is allowed. Only operate an ATV on private property if you have permission from the property owner.
Adult supervision means you are accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age, or a person 16 or 17 years of age who holds an ATV safety course completion certificate from the ATV Safety Institute (ASI).