North Dakota's flat, open landscape may look dull to the eye, but for snowmobile riders and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) owners it represents off-road freedom. The popularity of these vehicles, especially snowmobiles, has demanded oversight by North Dakota's Department of Transportation (NDDOT) in the form of registration.

Top All-Terrain Vehicles

First things first: In order to operate an ATV you must own a driver's license or a learner's permit.

If you're at least 12 years old but under age 16 you can only drive an ATV if you own an Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Training certificate. For more information on this training course contact the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.

To register an ATV you must complete an Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle and drop it off along with a $5 registration fee and a $5 off-highway trail tax at any motor vehicle office.

You'll be issued a registration certificate and number. The license number must be affixed to the rear of the left front fender.

Your ATV's registration is valid for two years.

Top Snowmobile Registration

To register a snowmobile you need to complete an Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle. Drop this off with at any motor vehicle office along with a $5 registration fee and a $35 trail tax.

You'll be given a registration certificate and registration number. The number must be displayed on both sides of your snowmobile. Before affixing them make sure the numbers are at least one-and-a-half inches in height and made of reflective material.

You must renew your snowmobile's registration every odd year.

Top Utility Trailers

In order to register a trailer you will need to complete Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle and take it, along with Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), to your local
motor vehicle office.

If the trailer weighs less than 1,500 pounds all you will need is a utility plate and pay for a $10 fee. If it's 1,500 pounds or more you will need to pay a $20 title fee and a 5% excise tax.

A boat trailer does not need to be registered as long you keep it in North Dakota. If you drive the trailer outside of the state, however, you will need to obtain a utility license for $6.

A trailer's registration is valid for one year.

Top Need More?

The Unofficial DMV Guide covers all of North Dakota's registration processes in our complete Registration & Titling section.

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