Want to operate an ATV on designated trails, private property or public lands in the state of Maine? Riding an ATV is an exciting way for ATV riders to explore the thousands of miles of trails in the beautiful state of Maine. However, did you know that the designated trails on public and private lands in the state of Maine wouldn’t be possible without Maine ATV registration in 2023?
Yes, in the state of Maine, ATV clubs are responsible for constructing and maintaining thousands of miles of trails. They fund the construction and maintenance of the trails and the state reimburses them through grants funded by ATV registration fees. See how important it is to register your ATV in Maine?
Want to know how to register your ATV in the state of Maine?
Read on.
What is ATV Registration, and Why is it Necessary?
ATV registration is a legal requirement that’s mandatory in the state of Maine which requires all-terrain vehicles to have a license. This includes all off-road vehicles that operate on designated trails, public lands or private property.
The state of Maine defines all terrain vehicles or ATVs as an off-road, motor-driven, recreational vehicle capable of operating on swampland, marsh, ice, snow and other terrains. All-terrain vehicles include but are not limited to multitrack low-pressure or multi-wheel tire vehicles deriving power from a source other than wind or muscle.
Maine ATV registration in 2023 is necessary as it helps to establish a link between the rider and the off-road vehicle. Thanks to this link, authorities can identify the owner of the ATV for tax or crime detection purposes. Basically, an ATV registration is proof that you’ve paid the taxes and fees that come with having the vehicle on the road legally.
Who Needs to Register Their ATV in Maine?
Do you own an all-terrain vehicle or UTV? If you do, then as per the state of Maine rules and regulations, you need to register your ATV. This is mandatory for all Maine residents and non-residents who wish to operate their ATVs on public land, private property and designated trails in the state of Maine.
ATV registration in the state of Maine is usually completed through Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Residents and non-residents intending to operate their ATVs in the state of Maine can complete their registration online, in person or via mail to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
How to Register Your ATV in Maine?
The following is a step-by-step guide for Maine ATV registration in 2023.
Step One – Obtain the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
If you have a brand-new ATV, you need to obtain a manufacturer’s certificate of origin. However, if you bought your ATV from a previous owner, you must obtain a previous registration certificate or a valid bill of sale.
Step Two – Gather the Required Documents
To qualify as a resident of Maine, you must have lived in the state for at least a year. In addition, you must meet the following requirements:
- If you’re licensed to drive a vehicle, the license must be from Maine
- If you own a vehicle, it should be registered and located in Maine
- If you’re registered to vote, it must be in the state of Maine
In addition, you must also comply with the income tax laws of Maine. Prior to registering your ATV in the state of Maine for the first time, you must have paid all applicable taxes on the off-road vehicle.
To register your ATV, you must gather the required documents or information such as ATV’s make, model, year, engine size, and vehicle identification number (VIN). Additionally, you must also have:
- Registered owner information
- Credit/debit card
- A printer (to print a copy of your temporary registration.)
Step Three – Complete the Registration Application
As aforementioned, ATV owners can register their ATVs online, via post or email. To complete your Maine ATV registration in 2023, visit the Maine GOV website.
New registration must always be done through the MDIFW main office in Augusta or through a registration agent such as a town office. For non-residents, you can register or renew your registration online.
After you complete your registration online, you’ll receive a confirmation page to print for immediate use. Within thirty days, your official registration and stickers should arrive at the specified shipping address.
New registrations start on May 1st of every year. All ATV registrations are usually valid for a year through June 30th of the following year. To complete your registration, you need to pay the applicable fees
- Residents – $71
- Non-residents – $116 (season), $101 (7 days)
For antique ATVs, residents and non-residents will pay $45 during registration.
What you need to know is that the state of Maine will not require you to register your ATV under the following circumstances:
- You only operate your ATV on the land you domiciled or own
- ATVs operated and owned by the State of Maine or the federal government
- ATVs owned by non-residents and operated at a special event
- ATVs operated during the annual free riding weekend
- ATVs operated by a commercial ski area for rescue or snow packing operations
Final Thoughts
The Maine ATV registration in 2023 is critical to the economics of several communities in the state of Maine especially those in rural areas. The program provides funding to enable ATV clubs to work with property owners and provide designated trails attractive to both residents and non-resident ATV riders.
ATV clubs in the state of Maine are crucial. When it comes to constructing new trails or maintaining old ones, they pay for the entire expense upfront. Then the state of Maine reimburses these clubs with grant funds.
To grow the trail of designated trail networks in the state of Maine, it’s essential to register your ATV. For inquiries related to Maine ATV registration in 2023, contact MDIFW Augusta headquarters.