Arizona OHV Decal & Registration: The Rider's Guide

Riding dirt bikes on Arizona's public land is a privilege that comes with a few clear legal requirements. The good news: they're simple, affordable, and quick to sort out once you understand them. Here's the plain-English version.

The Arizona OHV Decal

If you operate an off-highway vehicle on public land in Arizona — trails, unimproved roads, and designated OHV areas — you need the state's OHV decal.

• Cost: $25 annually, plus a processing fee.
• Applies to: Off-highway vehicles under 1,800 pounds unladen weight, which covers dirt bikes.
• Where it goes: On a two-wheeled OHV, the decal mounts on the left fork leg. On other machines, it's placed on the upper-left of the license plate.
• Where to buy: Through ADOT MVD offices, authorized third-party providers, or online.

The decal funds trail maintenance, access, and law enforcement on the public lands you're riding, so it's money that comes back to the sport.

The Safety Course Requirement (New in 2025)

Here's the part that trips up returning riders. Since January 1, 2025, at least one owner per OHV must complete a free online safety course before registering or renewing the OHV decal.

• What it is: Roughly a 10-minute video followed by a 20-question quiz.
• Cost: Free.
• Who: At least one owner per OHV.
• How long it's in effect: Through June 1, 2027 (as currently written — always confirm the current rule).

It's a small time investment that reflects Arizona's growing emphasis on rider training and safety.

Street-Legal vs. Off-Road: Know the Difference

This is the single most common point of confusion, so let's be clear: an OHV decal is not a street-legal registration.

• OHV decal: Covers off-highway use — trails, forest roads, designated OHV areas. Most dirt bikes fall here.
• Street-legal registration: A separate, more involved process through MVD that allows operation on public roads, with a plate displayed on the rear. Only certain dual-sport bikes qualify.

A dedicated dirt bike is almost always off-highway only. A dual-sport can be plated for street use, which lets you legally connect trailheads by road. If you're not sure which category your bike is in, don't guess — confirm it before you ride.

Visiting from Out of State?

Riders from out of state often ask whether their home registration covers them in Arizona. Requirements can differ for nonresidents and can change, so verify the current rules before you ride. This is one more reason renting or booking a guided tour is easy for visitors: the operator handles the machine's decal and requirements, so you don't have to navigate the paperwork on a short trip.

The Easy Path

If all of this feels like a lot to sort out — especially for a visit or a first ride — it's exactly why guided tours and rentals exist. On a guided tour, the operator covers the decal, permits, and current conditions. On a rental, we tell you precisely what applies to your bike and your ride. You focus on riding; we handle the rules.

Bottom Line

• Get the $25 annual OHV decal for off-highway riding on public land.
• Complete the free online safety course (at least one owner per OHV) before registering.
• Know whether your bike is OHV-only or street-legal — they're different.
• Rules change, so confirm the current requirements each season.

Want to skip the paperwork and just ride? Book a guided tour or reserve a rental and we'll handle the legal side. Call 844-967-5247 or request a ride online.