Do All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) need to be registered at the county tax assessors/collectors office before being used at OHV venues located on the public lands of Texas?

No, ATV registration is no longer required in Texas. Under the provisions of HB3849, TxDOT would no longer register all-terrain vehicles (ATV) for off-highway use; and the $6 registration fee and $6 ATV safety fee would no longer be collected. Titles for ATVs and Motorcycles can still be obtained at your local county tax assessor/collectors office.

Do ATVs used at OHV venues located on the public lands of Texas need a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) registration decal?

No, ATV registration is not longer required in Texas and therefore, the TxDOT ATV registration decal is no longer required. Under the provisions of HB3849, TxDOT would no longer register all-terrain vehicles (ATV) for off-highway use; and the $6 registration fee and $6 ATV safety fee would no longer be collected.

Do I need a Texas OHV decal when riding at an OHV venue located on the public lands of Texas?

Yes, any type of OHV, that includes ATVs, motorcycles, full sized OHVs, or other types of OHVs, used at venues where OHV recreation is legal and which are located on public lands, or at private OHV venues which have received TPWD OHV grant monies, are required to have a current Texas OHV decal properly mounted on the vehicle before riding. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department sells the Texas OHV decal. You can obtain an OHV decal by calling 512-389-8917 or by visiting one of the locations which are reselling the OHV decal. A list of locations where the OHV decal can be purchased can be found on the OHV "Where to Buy" web page.

What is the cost of the Texas OHV decal?

Currently, the decal fee is $8.00 per fiscal year.

How long are the Texas OHV decals valid for?

The Texas OHV decals are valid for up to one year. The Texas OHV program year is based on the State of Texas fiscal year which, each year, begins on September 1st and runs until August 31st of the following year.

Is the cost of Texas OHV decals prorated if the decals are purchased after the beginning of the program year?

No, the decals are not prorated based on the time left in the program year.

Can I obtain a replacement OHV decal if mine is lost or destroyed?

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is not providing replacement decals which are lost or destroyed. The wallet card included with each decal can serve as proof you purchased a decal. This card includes the decal number and the expiration date. Or you can purchase another OHV decal to replace lost or destroyed OHV decal.

Where can I buy the Texas OHV decal?

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Customer Service Center (CSC) and at Eisenhower State Park sell the decals. The CSC can be called at: 512-389-8917. Texas OHV decals are being sold at a small number of OHV dealerships and at some of the OHV venues where the decal is required to ride. A list of locations where the OHV decal can be purchased can be found on the OHV "Where to Buy" web page.

What types of vehicles are required to have a Texas OHV decal?

Any type of OHV, ATVs, motorcycles, full sized OHVs, or other types of OHVs used at venues where OHV recreation is legal and which are located on public lands, or at private OHV venues which have received TPWD OHV grant monies, are required to have a current Texas OHV decal properly mounted on the vehicle before riding.

Do street-legal vehicles need the OHV decal when riding at an OHV venue located on the public lands of Texas?

Yes, street legal motorcycles, street legal full-sized vehicles, full-sized 2-wheel drive vehicles, and 4-wheel drive vehicles need a Texas OHV decal when trail riding on public land. Use of street-legal OHVs on private land or on public roads does not require the Texas OHV decal.

Where do I need the Texas OHV decal when trail riding?

This law applies to all public lands in Texas including all municipal, county, state or federal lands where OHV recreation is approved and legal. The OHV decal is also required to ride at private OHV venues which are open to the public and which have received OHV grant monies from TPWD.

Do I need a Texas OHV decal when trail riding on private lands?

No, unless the land was purchased for use as an OHV park or at an existing OHV venue that made facility improvements using National Recreational Trails Program grant funds or Texas OHV program grant funds, i.e., TMTC’s Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area.

Will my Texas OHV decal be honored in other states?

Currently, an informal decal reciprocity agreement exists between some states which have state OHV programs. If you have a current Texas OHV decal and want to use your OHV in another state which has an OHV decal program, you should check with that state's OHV program to obtain accurate and up-to-date information related to the requirements of their OHV decal and registration program before trail riding in OHV legal areas.

Will OHV decals from other states be honored in Texas?

At this time, there are no reciprocity agreements between Texas and other States which have State OHV decal programs. If a resident of another state wants to trail ride with their OHV on public lands, where OHV recreation is legal in Texas, they will be required to purchase a Texas OHV decal.

Does possession of a Texas OHV decal give me legal access and approval to use OHVs on any public land in Texas?

No. Possession of a Texas OHV decal does not allow legal OHV access to public lands where legal access does not currently exist.

Can ATVs be ridden while hunting or fishing on State Wildlife Management lands or on leased Type II Permit lands?

ATVs can not be ridden on State Wildlife Management lands or on leased Type II Permit lands unless the ATV operator has a current handicapped license plate or handicapped hang placard. If the ATV operator has a current handicapped license plate of hang placard, the operator may ride the ATV directly to and from their place to hunt or fish. ATVs may not be used for recreational trail riding on State Wildlife Management lands or on leased Type II Permit lands.

Is there a penalty or fine for not possessing an OHV decal when & where it is required?

Failure to comply with the provisions of this law constitutes a Class C misdemeanor and could result in the OHV operator being issued a citation. Fines for this offense range from $25 to $500.