DCNR Registration & transfers

Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources requires all ATVs and Snowmobiles to be registered and titled. Money used for these registrations is used to provide funding to administer the program, maintain trails on DCNR-managed forests, provide grants to profit and non-profit organizations for developing additional riding opportunities in the commonwealth.

The type of registration you need depends on where you plan to ride your ATV: General Registration — This registration permits the ATV to be operated off the owner or operator’s private property. You will receive a registration plate, an expiration sticker, and a Certificate of Registration wallet card.

Limited Registration — This registration is for ATVs used exclusively on the property of the owner. The owner is provided with a registration plate and a card, but no expiration sticker.

In Pennsylvania, registration is not required for: • ATVs used exclusively as utility vehicles for agricultural or business operations • ATVs owned by nonresidents covered by a valid registration in their state, province, or country that honors Pennsylvania registration • ATVs owned and used by a federal, state, or local government body • ATVs owned by a dealer who has been issued a dealer registration certificate and used only in connection with the dealer’s business