Non-Resident Trail Pass In May, 1998, Wisconsin implemented a non-resident trail pass program. The user fee is $35. You can access information on the trail pass by contacting the DNR at 1-608-266-2621 to order via credit card (there is a $3.00 processing fee). The trail pass is valid from July 1st through June 30th. It is required on all sleds not currently registered in Wisconsin. The sled/ATV must be registered in another state and display that state's registration sticker.The fine for non-compliance is $122.90 plus $35.00 to purchase a trail pass.
ATTENTION NON-RESIDENT SNOWMOBILERS /ATV Snowmobiles/ATVs bearing Wisconsin registration are not required to have a non-resident trail pass, even if the owner is from out of state. A 2 year Wisconsin registration is $30, compared to 2 trail passes at $70. Due to the formula used to transfer gas tax revenue to the state snowmobile/ATV fund, about twice as much money is generated with a 2 year registration as is with 2 trail passes. The state snowmobile/ATV fund is where the money comes from for grooming and trail maintenance. By having Wisconsin registration instead of a trail pass, you save $40/yr and contribute more money to the state fund. It is perfectly legal to have Wisconsin registration on your snowmobile/ATV in addition to your home state's registration. You do not need a Wisconsin address; your home address can be used for a Wisconsin registration. Once you have a Wisconsin registration, it can be renewed online at the DNR website. Wisconsin registration applications can be obtained at any DNR office, at any dealer who sells snowmobiles in Wisconsin, and at many dealers out of state near the Wisconsin border.
Snowmobile ATV Registration Information
Snowmobile registrations are required for operation of any snowmobile within the state (unless the operation is exempt from registration), and the registration decals must be properly displayed.
Any snowmobile / ATV may be registered for public use. A snowmobile/ATV public use registration certificate is valid for 2 years beginning the July 1 prior to the date of application if registration is made prior to April 1, and beginning July 1 subsequent to the date of application if registration is made after April 1 and ending on June 30, 2 years thereafter.
The fee for the issuance or renewal of a public-use registration certificate is $30.00.
Along U.S. numbered highways, state and county highways at
a distance of 10 or more feet from the roadway. Travel on the
median of a divided highway is prohibited except to cross.
Along town highways outside of the roadway. See the definition
of a town highway in the definitions.
During daylight hours, you may travel in either direction
regardless of the flow of vehicle traffic.
At night, you must travel in the same direction as vehicle traffic
in the nearest lane unless the snowmobile trail is located at
least 40 feet from the roadway or the trail is separated from
the roadway by a head lamp barrier and the snowmobile trail
is approved by the DOT.
Antique registrations-Snowmobiles, which were built in 1966 or earlier, may be registered as an antique. The registration is available for Wisconsin residents only and does not expire as long as the applicant owns the machine. Fee-$20.
