NY ATV/UTV & Dirt Bike Registration FAQ (Buffalo & Rochester, 2025)
NY ATV/UTV & Dirt Bike Registration FAQ (Buffalo & Rochester, 2025) -
In New York, most ATVs (including off‑road motorcycles) must be registered, carry liability insurance when ridden anywhere off your own property, and display the plate/sticker. The fee is $12.50/year (not prorated) plus a one‑time $12.50 plate fee; new/used first‑time ATV registrations renew August 31 each year. NY DMV
What counts as an ATV in NY?
NY defines an ATV as a self‑propelled off‑highway vehicle (including off‑road motorcycles) that’s 70 inches wide or less and 1,000 lb dry weight or less. Vehicles over either limit (many SxS/UTVs) don’t qualify. NY DMV NewYork.Public.Law
Do I have to register?
Yes. You need a valid NY registration to ride an ATV in the state even on your own property, unless it’s used exclusively for one of these exemptions: agricultural work, not‑for‑hire snow removal on private property, out‑of‑state use, or special events/competitions. If you buy from a NY ATV dealer, they must register it before delivery; private‑party purchases are registered by you. NY DMV+1
Out‑of‑state: NY honors valid out‑of‑state ATV registrations; if your home state doesn’t issue ATV registrations, you must obtain a NY ATV registration to ride here. NY DMV+1
How to register (step‑by‑step)
Proof of ownership (MCO/MSO, transferable NY reg; or MV‑51 + MV‑51B if needed).
Sales tax proof (dealer bill of sale or DTF‑802 for private sales).
Proof of identity/date of birth (meet DMV “six points,” see ID‑82).
Complete application (use the DMV Registration Guide to confirm forms, commonly MV‑82).
Pay fees and mount your plate on the rear; keep the reg doc with you. NY DMV
Fees & renewal: $12.50/yr not prorated + $12.50 plate fee at first registration. First‑time new/used ATV registrations renew Aug 31; those originally registered before Apr 1, 2005 still renew Apr 30. NY DMV+1
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Liability insurance is required anywhere in NY except when operating only on your own property. You must show proof on request. NY DMV+1
Age & supervision rules (high‑level)
No driver license required.
Ages 14–15: ride with adult supervision; or without supervision on parent/guardian land; or without supervision where ATV use is permitted if you’ve completed a DMV‑approved ATV safety course (carry the certificate).
Under 14: ride only with adult supervision or without supervision on parent/guardian land.
“Adult supervision” = 18+ or 16–17 with an ATV safety‑course certificate. NY DMV+1
Where can I ride? (and how to cross roads)
Public land/roads: only where designated and posted for ATV use.
Private land: only with owner/lessee permission.
Highway crossings: stop and yield, cross at ~90°, divided highways only at intersections, and never cross interstates or controlled‑access highways (e.g., Thruway/parkways). NY DMV
Can I register my side‑by‑side (UTV)?
Only if it meets the ATV limits. If your SxS/UTV is over 70″ wide or over 1,000 lb dry, NY cannot register it as an ATV—plan your riding locations accordingly. NY DMV
At‑a‑glance: documents & rules
| Topic | What NY Requires |
|---|---|
| Ownership | MCO/MSO, transferable NY reg, or MV‑51/MV‑51B path. NY DMV |
| Sales tax | Dealer bill of sale or DTF‑802 at DMV for private sales. NY DMV |
| Fees | $12.50/yr (not prorated) + $12.50 plate at first reg; renew Aug 31 (older pre‑2005 = Apr 30). NY DMV |
| Insurance | Liability required off your property; carry proof. NY DMV |
| Under‑16 | See 14–15 and <14 supervision/course rules; carry certificate if applicable. NY DMV |
| Where to ride | Posted public areas only; private land with permission; strict crossing rules. NY DMV |
Local help (Buffalo/Rochester)
Unsure whether your ATV/SxS qualifies—or just want the paperwork and setup done right? Call Hamburg Honda. We’ll walk you through registration, insurance, and a model that fits your riding in WNY.
Quick links & downloads NY DMV – ATVs: Information for Owners & Operators
NY DMV – ATVs: Information for Owners & Operators
DMV Registration Guide (what to bring)
MV-82 (Vehicle Registration/Title Application)
MV-51 (Affidavit of Sale/Transfer)
MV-51B (Statement of Ownership)
DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction – sales tax)
FAQs (add these to the bottom of the post)
Do I need to register if I only ride on my property?
Yes—unless the ATV is used exclusively for agricultural work or not‑for‑hire snow removal. Otherwise, NY requires registration even on your land. NY DMV
My SxS is heavier than 1,000 lb—can I still register it?
Not as an ATV in NY. Registration is only possible if it meets ≤70″ width and ≤1,000 lb dry limits. NY DMV
I’m visiting from PA—do I need a NY registration?
If your ATV is legally registered in your home state, NY honors it. If your state doesn’t issue ATV registrations, you must get a NY ATV registration to ride here. NY DMV