Do Minnesota Passes Cover Off-Road Motorcycles?
No. A Minnesota ATV trail pass is not a pass for an off-highway motorcycle. Minnesota treats ATVs and off-highway motorcycles as separate vehicle classes, with separate pass requirements. The right requirement also depends on where the motorcycle is registered and where you plan to ride.
An ATV pass does not cover an off-highway motorcycle
Minnesota uses separate trail-pass categories for ATVs and off-highway motorcycles, often shortened to OHMs. If you are taking an OHM onto a state or grant-in-aid trail as a nonresident, you need the OHM pass—not an ATV pass. Buying an ATV pass for a trip does not meet the motorcycle pass requirement.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources lists a one-year ATV trail pass at $31 and a one-year OHM trail pass at $21, as of November 2026. The DNR also lists duplicate passes for each class at $2.50. Check with the DNR for current costs before purchasing, since fees can change.
| What you ride | Pass category, if a pass is required | Display requirement |
|---|---|---|
| ATV | ATV trail pass | Keep the pass available if an officer requests it |
| Off-highway motorcycle | OHM trail pass | Keep the pass available if an officer requests it |
| Off-road vehicle | ORV trail pass | Display it where it is readily visible |
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says ATV and OHM trail passes do not have to be displayed on the machine, but must be available if requested by an officer. That is different from the ORV rule, which requires the pass to be displayed where it is readily visible. For more detail about the motorcycle-specific pass, see Passes for an Off-Highway Motorcycle. If you are comparing requirements for other vehicle types, Minnesota’s Non-Resident ATV Trail Pass explains the ATV category.
A pass addresses the trail-pass requirement; it does not turn an ATV into an OHM or authorize riding anywhere you choose. Before a ride, confirm that the route is open to off-highway motorcycles and that your machine meets any other applicable requirements. For the difference between registration and a trail pass, see Machines Registered in Minnesota and the Pass.
When an OHM needs a Minnesota pass
The key questions are whether the OHM is registered in Minnesota, whether it is registered elsewhere, and whether you will ride a state or grant-in-aid trail.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says off-highway vehicles used in Minnesota must be registered with the DNR or the operator must possess a trail pass when operating on state and grant-in-aid trails. For nonresidents, the DNR says an OHM, ATV, or ORV being operated on those trails needs a nonresident trail pass. A trail pass is not needed when the machine being ridden is registered in Minnesota.
A nonresident OHM can have a different registration situation from a Minnesota-registered machine. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says a nonresident OHV legally registered in another state or country does not need Minnesota registration if it is not in Minnesota for more than 30 days. That does not remove the trail-pass requirement: a nonresident riding that OHM on a state or grant-in-aid trail still needs the appropriate nonresident pass.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says nonresident trail passes are valid for the calendar year, from January 1 through December 31. In other words, the pass is tied to the calendar year rather than a rolling twelve-month period. If your plans span more than one calendar year, check the DNR’s current instructions to determine what you need for each riding period.
There are also exceptions to the trail-pass requirement. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says a pass is not required when riding on a portion of an ATV, OHM, or ORV trail owned by you, your spouse, child, or parent. This is a specific exception for riding on that qualifying property; it should not be treated as a general exemption for other public trails or someone else’s private land.
If you are visiting from another state, Minnesota Rules for Visiting Riders and Minnesota Non-Resident Trail Pass Cost can help you sort out the visitor-specific details. Do not assume that an out-of-state registration alone covers use of Minnesota’s state and grant-in-aid trails.
Buying and carrying the correct pass
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says trail passes can be purchased online at any time or in person at Game and Fish License Agents and Deputy Registrar offices. For an online purchase, the DNR lists an additional service fee of 3% plus $1.65, as of November 2026. Check the provider’s current checkout details before you complete the transaction.
When purchasing, make sure the pass is for an off-highway motorcycle. An ATV pass and an OHM pass are separate selections, even if you own both types of machine. If you ride more than one vehicle class, check the requirements for each machine rather than assuming one pass covers your whole group. Buying a Minnesota Trail Pass Online covers the online option, while Minnesota License Agents Near the Trails may help if you prefer to buy in person.
After purchase, follow the display and proof rules for the type of machine. For an OHM, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the pass does not need to be attached to the motorcycle, but you must have it available if an officer asks to see it. Keep the confirmation or pass information accessible while riding, and check the DNR’s instructions for the accepted form of proof. Do not rely on a pass attached to a different vehicle as proof that the OHM you are riding is covered.
A duplicate pass is available if the original is lost or damaged. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources lists a duplicate OHM pass at $2.50, as of November 2026. Confirm the current process with the DNR before ordering a replacement.
A trail pass is only one part of riding legally
Before heading out, check that the specific route allows OHMs. A pass does not override a closure, make a non-motorized path open to motorcycles, or replace other requirements that apply to your machine and operator. Minnesota state forests are classified for off-highway vehicle use: in a closed forest, OHVs are not permitted; in a limited forest, use is restricted to roads and trails posted open; and in a managed forest, use is allowed on roads and trails not posted closed. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides these classifications, so check the forest and route information before unloading.
Temporary closures can affect a planned ride, too. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says temporary road and trail closures are updated on Thursdays after 2 p.m. Check the latest status close to your trip rather than relying only on a map saved earlier. The DNR’s off-highway vehicle trail atlas can help you identify riding opportunities, but a map should be checked against current closure information.
The OHM pass also does not replace motorcycle safety requirements. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requires an off-highway motorcycle safety course for OHM riders under age 16. The DNR says proof of completion of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation DirtBike School meets the OHM safety certificate requirement. Separate helmet and eye-protection rules apply as well, so review the rules for your age and riding situation before using public land, public waters, or a public road right-of-way.
A practical pre-ride check is straightforward:
- Confirm that the machine is an OHM and that you have the OHM pass if one is required for your situation.
- Check whether the machine’s Minnesota registration changes the pass requirement.
- Verify that the route is open to OHMs and is not temporarily closed.
- Carry proof of the pass so it is available if requested.
- Check the applicable safety, helmet, and eye-protection requirements for the operator.
If you are uncertain whether a particular trail, property, or registration situation qualifies for an exception, verify it with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before riding. The direct answer remains simple: an ATV pass is for an ATV, and a nonresident riding an OHM on a Minnesota state or grant-in-aid trail needs the OHM pass unless an applicable exception applies.
Sources
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Off-highway vehicle registrations & fees | Minnesota DNR (checked November 3, 2026)
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Non-resident OHV State Trail Passes | Minnesota DNR (checked November 3, 2026)
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Off-highway vehicles and rider safety | Minnesota DNR (checked November 3, 2026)
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Off-highway vehicle regulations | Minnesota DNR (checked November 3, 2026)
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail planning | Minnesota DNR (checked November 3, 2026)
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
