It’s a common misconception that registering a snowmobile is the same as titling it, but that’s not true. In reality, registration grants you permission to drive the snowmobile, whereas a title is proof of ownership.
All 50 states require registration prior to using a snowmobile. However, most states don’t require snowmobiles to be titled.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how regulations differ from state to state. We’ll cover which states mandate titling your snowmobile and how to get the process started.
Let’s begin!
So, Do Snowmobiles Have Titles?
Across the United States, only 12 states require snowmobiles to have titles. These states are:
- Alaska
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Massachusetts
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Any other state that’s not on the list doesn’t require snowmobiles to have titles.
12 States That Require A Snowmobile Title
Here’s how you can title a snowmobile across the 12 states, according to the DMV.
1. Alaska
Alaska requires buyers to have their snowmobiles titled before they even register them.
The dealership usually provides an application for titling and registration, called Form 812. Fees vary according to the registration period. It’s $10 for two years, $20 for four, and $30 for six.
The dealership will either process your application on the spot or sent it over to the DMV.
2. Idaho
In Idaho, snowmobiles fall under “all-terrain vehicles.” First, you must register your vehicle with the DMV and get a license plate. Next, you must title your vehicle at your Idaho DMV office.
The state says this is paramount in case a vehicle is stolen. The dealer will usually take care of the paperwork for you. Fees are $14 plus 6% of the vehicle price.
3. Iowa
In Iowa, snowmobiles have a separate category. You must register your sled then have it titled.
This process is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. There are county recorder’s offices in the state where you can finish the paperwork.
The title fees are $11.50. You must apply for the title within 30 days of your purchase.
4. Massachusetts
You must fill a Registration and Titling Form once you buy the snowmobile. This process is regulated by Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs.
In order to title your sled, look for a Snowmobile Registration Office in the state. Then, present the bill of sale and sales tax receipt.
The fee includes the registration and titling. For Massachusetts residents, there’s a two-year option for $44. For sled owners who aren’t residents, there’s only a one-year option for $33.
5. North Dakota
In order to register your snowmobile, you’ll also need to have it titled. This is done by completing the Certificate of Title & Registration form, called SFN 2872.
The registration and titling fee is $50. If you’re a non-resident, you’ll also need to pay for an access permit. This can be purchased online for $25.
6. Oregon
Oregon has the same titling procedure with snowmobiles as with normal vehicles. You must complete a Title & Registration Form, called Form 735-226. The title fee is from $98 to $187. You’ll also need to pay $10 for a two-year registration license.
If you’re a non-resident visiting from somewhere else. You can buy a 60-day Oregon Snowmobile Permit. This costs $7 and is processed at the local DMV office or by mail.
7. Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, titling and registering are done in one process. A 1300-FM- DCNR0043 form is filled at an authorized ATV dealer. It costs $20 for registration and $22.50 for titling.
You don’t need a title for your sled if you plan to use it on private property. There’s also a different procedure to register and title your snowmobile if you’re a non-resident.
8. South Dakota
In South Dakota, titling is processed during registration. You should take the bill of sale and purchase order to the local DMV office and fill a Motor Vehicle Title and Registration Form (MV-608)
The fees are $10 plus 4% excise tax. The license is valid for one year, but the title is permanent.
9. Utah
Utah classifies snowmobiles as “off-highway vehicles.” You don’t need to have your snowmobile titled if you’re a non-resident. However, residents must register and title their sled before using it.
Fill a Vehicle Application for Utah Title (TC-656) at the local DMV office. The fees are $22 plus a uniform fee that varies according to the age of your sled.
For non-resident temporary permits, the fee is $30 at the DMV office and $35 online.
10. Vermont
Snowmobiles with a model year prior to 2004 aren’t required to be titled. For newer snowmobiles, fill out a Vermont Registration/Title Form (VD-038) and a Use Tax Return Form (SU-452). Registration fees are $28 for residents and $36 for non-residents.
11. West Virginia
In West Virginia, you can title your snowmobile at the WV DMV local office. You’ll also need to register your sled, which is the same way of registering a normal vehicle.
To title your sled, you’ll need to pay 6% of the purchase price and a title fee of $15. You’ll have to pay an extra $10 if there’s a lien on your sled. Finally, you’ll need to bring a notarized bill of sale or the statement of origin from the manufacturer.
12. Wyoming
In Wyoming, you can register and title your sled through any Wyoming county clerk. This is done by paying an annual fee of $35. You can pay the fee at:
- Your county treasurer
- A Wyoming permit selling agent
Once you pay the annual fee and have your snowmobile titled, you’ll receive a decal. This decal has to be secured, in full view, on the snowmobile’s cowl. The DMV says that it must be affixed on the left side, not the right.
Closing Thoughts
If snowmobiles don’t require titling in your state, we still recommend that you do it.
In the unfortunate event that your sled is stolen, having proof of ownership will undoubtedly improve your chances of getting it back. It’s also an effortless process, since titling and registering are usually completed within the same application.