Texas OHV General FAQs
Do ATVs need to be registered at a county tax assessor-collector’s office before being used at OHV venues on public lands in Texas?
No. ATV registration is no longer required in Texas. Under House Bill 3849 (HB 3849), TxDOT no longer registers ATVs for off-highway use, and the former $6 registration fee and $6 ATV safety fee are no longer collected.
However, titles for ATVs and motorcycles may still be obtained through your local county tax assessor-collector’s office.
Do ATVs need a TxDOT registration decal to operate at OHV venues on public lands?
No. Because ATV registration is no longer required in Texas, the TxDOT ATV registration decal is also no longer required.
Is a Texas OHV decal required when riding on public lands?
Yes. Any off-highway vehicle (OHV)—including ATVs, motorcycles, full-size OHVs, and other OHV types—must display a current Texas OHV decal when operated:
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On public lands where OHV recreation is legal, or
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At private OHV venues that have received Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) OHV grant funding.
Who sells the Texas OHV decal?
The Texas OHV decal is sold by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD).
You can purchase a decal by:
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Calling TPWD Customer Service at 512-389-8917
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Visiting TPWD Customer Service Centers or select state parks (including Eisenhower State Park)
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Purchasing from select OHV dealerships or OHV venues
A full list of sellers is available on TPWD’s “Where to Buy” OHV decal webpage.
How much does the Texas OHV decal cost?
The decal costs $16.00 per fiscal year.
How long is the Texas OHV decal valid?
The decal is valid for one program year, which runs from September 1 through August 31 of the following year.
Is the OHV decal fee prorated?
No. The decal fee is not prorated, regardless of when it is purchased during the program year.
Can I replace a lost or damaged OHV decal?
TPWD does not issue replacement decals.
The wallet card included with the decal serves as proof of purchase and includes the decal number and expiration date. If needed, you may purchase a new decal to replace a lost or destroyed one.
What vehicles are required to display a Texas OHV decal?
All OHVs—including:
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ATVs
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Motorcycles
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Full-size OHVs
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Other off-highway vehicles
must display a current decal when operated on:
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Public lands where OHV use is legal, or
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Private OHV venues that received TPWD OHV grant funding.
Do street-legal vehicles need an OHV decal on public OHV trails?
Yes. Street-legal motorcycles and full-size vehicles (including 2WD and 4WD) must have a Texas OHV decal when trail riding on public lands.
The decal is not required when operating street-legal vehicles on public roads or private land.
Where is the Texas OHV decal required?
The decal is required on:
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All municipal, county, state, and federal public lands in Texas where OHV recreation is legal
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Private OHV parks open to the public that have received TPWD OHV grant funding
Is a Texas OHV decal required on private land?
No, unless the private land:
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Was purchased or improved using Texas OHV Program or National Recreational Trails Program grant funds
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Is an OHV park such as Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area
Are Texas OHV decals recognized in other states?
Some states have informal reciprocity agreements, but requirements vary. Riders should contact the destination state’s OHV program to confirm decal or registration requirements before riding.
Are out-of-state OHV decals accepted in Texas?
No. Texas does not currently honor OHV decals from other states. Out-of-state riders must purchase a Texas OHV decal to operate on public lands where OHV use is legal.
Does possessing a Texas OHV decal grant access to all public lands?
No. The decal does not authorize OHV use in areas where OHV access is otherwise prohibited.
Can ATVs be used on Wildlife Management Areas or Type II Permit lands?
ATVs are not allowed on State Wildlife Management Areas or leased Type II Permit lands unless the operator has a valid disability license plate or placard.
Even then, ATVs may only be used to travel directly to and from hunting or fishing locations—not for recreational riding.
Is there a penalty for not having a required OHV decal?
Yes. Failure to comply is a Class C misdemeanor.
Fines range from $25 to $500, and a citation may be issued.
Quick links
OHV decals are required by law for all individuals operating an OHV in Texas at an OHV legal venue which is located on the public lands of Texas, or on lands which have received OHV grants from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
Have more questions?
Contact Tow-n-Go UTV Rentals with any questions.
