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Where To Put ATV Registration Sticker: Florida, Arkansas, etc.

By: Author Kris Peter

Posted on  - Last updated:

Categories ATVs

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are generally operated for recreational purposes. They must be registered in most areas of the United States. If your residence or target destination is in Florida, find out what’s the correct placement of the decal on your ATV to avoid breaking the state’s laws.

Title decals let authorities know that you’re the owner of the ATV. If you place the sticker incorrectly, that’s enough reason for the law enforcement to have a serious talk with you. Place the ATV registration sticker on the left side, specifically on the rear quadrant.

As you can see, instead of ATV registration, Florida is more focused on titling. Read on to learn more about it.

ATV Parked on Hill

Where do I put my ATV title sticker in Florida?

First of all, the only ATVs that require titles are the ones bought by Floridians later than July 1, 2002. However, if an ATV was purchased before the said date and it was used on Florida’s unrestricted areas, a title is necessary. Those public areas are usually controlled by the national or local government.

Next, when it comes to the decal’s placement, it’s not enough that you put it on the correct side and quadrant. Make sure to place it on a fixed metal or plastic frame. You don’t want to put it on something temporary. Also, remember to clean the surface and keep it dry before placing the decal to ensure it sticks permanently.

And, of course, the sticker should be easily seen by anyone. The inspector shouldn’t find the need to crouch down just to spot it. This will make things more straightforward not only for the officer but for you as well.

Where do I put my ATV Registration Sticker?

Florida is obviously not the only state with laws related to ATV titling, registration, and decal placement. Check out some of the states with definite rules on ATV ownership:

Arizona

The location of the sticker depends on whether you’re a resident of the state or not. If yes, the sticker should be on the top half of the ATV’s rear license plate. To be more specific, place it in the left corner.

If your stay in Arizona is only temporary, the placement is similar to what Florida requires–the rear quadrant on the left.

Arkansas

In this state, the decal has a particular set of numbers exclusively given to the ATV’s owner after registration. It serves as proof of license. It must be placed on the left side of the vehicle. However, unlike Florida and Arizona, Arkansas requires the sticker to be on the front quadrant, not the rear.

The government entity responsible for processing registrations and giving decals is the Department of Finance and Administration. The department’s director is specifically the one supplying the stickers.

California

Blue ATV

While Florida and Arkansas give title and license stickers, the California Air Resources Board or CARB provides two types of decals.

The green sticker means that the ATV has passed the standards on air emission. It lets owners use their ATVs on public lands. On the other hand, the red sticker informs the authorities that the vehicle hasn’t passed the regulations on exhaust emission. It prohibits the rider to operate during the riding season.

The worst part about getting a red sticker is you can’t do something about it. You’re not allowed to modify your ATV just to pass CARB standards. If you prefer to use your vehicle during riding seasons, you may have to buy a more environment-friendly ATV model.

As for the placement of the green or red sticker, it’s the same as Florida’s requirement–the left rear section.

Colorado

Just like Arkansas, Colorado requires ATV owners to place their registration stickers on the front quadrant. However, they should put it on a higher section forward to ensure a quick inspection.

There are a few suggestions to make the decal more noticeable. It can actually be placed on the fenders, cowling, or tank. 

Idaho

ATV Off-Road

Placing the registration sticker on the fender is just an option in Colorado, but in Idaho, it’s a must. The specific requirement is to put the decal on the rear fender.

For non-residents, they have two options when it comes to proof of registration. They may use the one they have from their state. Or, they can go the extra mile and get an IDPR sticker.

However, if a non-resident wants to ride his ATV on Idaho’s county roads, he really needs to buy a license plate from the state plus an IDPR sticker.

Illinois

The specific name of the ATV decal provided in Illinois is the OHV Public Access sticker. It should be attached front and center of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the requirements to get a Public Access decal are your identification card or document and proof of residence. For replacement, you’ll need the receipt. Keep in mind where you store it to avoid making matters worse.

Indiana

ATV registration stickers in Indiana should be placed on the front section of the vehicle. Not only do these decals display the registration number, but they also show the expiration date. Both types of information are important to prove to the authorities that you legally own the ATV and know the rules.

As for the renewal of registration, it follows a three-year interval. It can be done days before the expiration date, just in case something hinders the process.

Iowa

This state follows the usual decal placement, which is the rear part of the vehicle. A lot of people think the sticker’s more visible if it’s in the back section.

To ensure things go smoothly during a surprise inspection, it’s best for the operator to bring the ATV’s registration certificate at all times. That’s right; sometimes, the decal isn’t enough as proof of registration.

Maine

ATV in a Forest

More than one sticker is provided for each registration in Maine. The purpose of this is to let owners display their registration number on both sides–the front and the rear.

The registration of each ATV is only good for a single year. It’s different than the long interval offered in Indiana.

Maryland

The Department of Natural Resources in Maryland also follows the one-year interval. ATV owners in the state have no choice but to register their vehicles every year.

Regarding the decal’s placement, it should be on the front left section. That’s because many people find it easier to spot the sticker there even if they’re a hundred feet away.

Massachusetts

Registration stickers aren’t the only ones required in Massachusetts. ATV owners must also bring their registration card every time they use their vehicle. Law enforcement and landowners have the right to stop anyone from entering certain properties without the right card and decals.

In Massachusetts, you’ll be required to display your registration stickers on both the left and right sides of the ATV’s front panel. The decal for the expiration date must also be displayed with the left registration sticker.

Minnesota

It’s not enough to just attach the decal on the ATV’s metal or plastic panel in Minnesota. You have to stick it to the registration plate installed on the rear.

The placement is based on whether your ATV is for public or private use. If public use, put the decal on the plate’s upper left corner. As expected for private use, the sticker should be on the upper right corner.

Missouri

The ATV’s right frame or fork is the appropriate location for registration stickers supplied in Missouri. It makes sense since the decal will end up on the front side of the vehicle, which is perfectly visible most of the time.

Aside from registration decals, ATVs in this state should also have things like safety flags and spark arrestors.

Montana

The rear section of the ATV is the place required for the registration sticker in Montana. You can get the decal after registering your vehicle in the office of the County Treasurer.

However, you may skip registration if you’re only using your ATV on your own private property.

Nevada

As long as you’re placing the registration sticker on a perfectly visible spot, Nevada authorities are okay with you putting the decal on the rear or left side. In fact, the state is pretty lax with registered ATVs from other states. Those vehicles can be used in the area for up to 15 days.

Just make sure to bring proof of registration aside from the decal. Law enforcement officers in the state keep their eyes peeled for stolen ATVs and fake stickers.

What is an OHV?

If you have another state in mind for fun rides with your ATV, simply search for it online. There are a lot of helpful sources out there. But, you might get confused when you come across OHV registration laws instead of ATV.

The thing is, OHV and ATV are usually the same things within the context of registration. That’s because ATVs are technically off-highway vehicles (OHV). They’re not interchangeable, though. OHVs can be in the form of motorcycles and jeeps.

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