Off-Road Vehicles

An off-road vehicle is a motor vehicle designed to drive both on and off public roadways. Common off-road vehicles include:

Off-Road Vehicle Rules of the Road

Titling Requirements for ATVs and Off-Road Motorcycles

  • New ATV or off-road motorcycles powered by a gasoline or diesel engine displacing more than 50 CCs must be titled.
  • ATVs and off-road motorcycles are not required to be registered.
  • You may title a used ATV or off-road motorcycle or any reason, including recording a lien or documenting proof of ownership.

Operating Requirements for ATVs and Golf Carts

  • You must be 16 years or older to operate an ATV. However:
    • Children between the age of 12 and 16 may operate ATVs if powered by engines displacing no more than 90 CCs
    • Children under 12 may operate ATVs powered by engines displacing no more than 70 CCs
  • It is illegal to operate ATVs on any public highway or other private property, unless proper authorities allow it to:
    • Cross a public highway by the most direct route
    • Be operated by law-enforcement officers, firefighters, or emergency medical services responding to emergencies
  • Any person operating an ATV vehicle must wear a protective helmet.
  • It is illegal to operate a golf cart on any public highway unless proper authorities designate that portion of public highway for golf cart use.

See Virginia Code for more rules.

How To Title Your ATV or Off-Road Motorcycle

You can title your vehicle by mail or in person at any DMV customer service center.

Make an Appointment at DMV

Mail to:

Virginia DMV 
Attn: Titles and Registration Work Center 
P.O. Box 27412 
Richmond, VA 23269

Selecting Electronic or Paper Title

On the VSA 17A form, you can choose to receive a paper title, or have DMV keep an electronic record of the title to ensure its safety.

If you select the electronic option, when you need a paper title, you may visit any customer service center and request one. You'll be required to show proof that you are the registered owner.

  • If no lien ever existed on the vehicle record and no paper title was previously issued, a one-time paper title will be issued at no fee
  • If a lien existed or a paper title was previously printed, the $15 substitute title fee will be charged 

Note: If the lien is an electronic lien and the lien has been released, a one-time paper title will be issued at no fee, provided it has not been printed already.

If you currently have an electronic title that is in good standing with no lien, you may request a paper title online, at a customer service center or by mail. If by mail, send your written request and payment (if applicable) to:

Virginia DMV  
Attn: Titles and Registration Work Center  
P.O. Box 27412  
Richmond, VA 23269