Permits & Reciprocity

Riders under 14 need direct adult supervision on California public lands; confirm the adult’s certificate, machine rules, and permits before riding sand.

A street-legal plate alone may not prove OHV eligibility in California; nonresidents need qualifying home-state paperwork or a California permit.

Idaho riders at Glamis need a California nonresident OHV permit; Idaho registration alone does not provide reciprocity for California riding.

A valid Nevada OHV decal exempts riders from California’s $30 permit, but they should carry current registration proof and follow local riding rules.

Arizona ATV and UTV riders generally need California’s $30 nonresident OHV permit; an Arizona plate alone does not prove qualifying off-highway registration.

Oregon OHV permit reciprocity: a current Oregon permit can replace California’s nonresident permit, but it does not waive California riding rules.

California’s two-year nonresident OHV permit depends on reciprocity and the printed expiration date; confirm eligibility and display rules before riding.

Where to print a California nonresident OHV permit: save the official permit file, print it clearly, and follow the instructions for display and proof.

After a California fire closure lifts, verify the land manager’s notice, open routes, permits, and current conditions before unloading your ATV or UTV.

Tribal roads in California are not automatically open to ATVs or UTVs; confirm access, permits, registration, and route rules with the tribe before riding.