Purchase your Black Hills Motorized Trail Permit.
- Online orders will be MAILED to you.
- Please allow 8 to 10 days for your permit(s) to arrive via U.S. Postal Service. Shipping times may vary.
- Permits may also be purchased in-person, seven days a week at: Black Hills Visitor Information Center, 1851 Discovery Circle, Rapid City, SD (Exit 61 off I-90)
- 2024 BLACK HILLS FOREST SERVICE Motorized Trail Permits are valid through Dec. 31, 2024
- The permits are a stick-on decal and must be placed on the vehicle. A print option is not available.
Online Purchase Notes & Information
Orders will be processed and mailed via USPS. Please allow 8-10 days for your permit(s) to arrive as shipping times may vary.
- Watch your mail! Your permit and Off-Road Adventures Guide will arrive in a 9 x 6 white envelope from the Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association.
- The Black Hills National Forest no longer requires the license number or color of vehicle to purchase a permit.
- Permit orders are non-refundable and lost permits will not be replaced.
If you have further questions about the online order email, info@blackhillsbadlands.com or call 605-355-3600 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you have questions about Motorized Trails or Forest Service Roads, please scroll down for contact numbers and links to the Black Hills National Forest.
f you have questions or need to obtain a permit for using roads and highways in South Dakota, please scroll down for contact information regarding the South Dakota Non-Resident ATV/UTV Road Use.
Off-Road Adventures Guide
The Black Hills National Forest boasts one of the largest motorized trail systems offered in a National Forest with more than 3,600 miles of open roads — over 650 miles are designated trails for all types of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV )— and has 21 designated motorized trailheads.
Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trails Permit Information
All motor vehicles traveling on motorized trails in the South Dakota portion of the Black Hills National Forest are required to have a Black Hills Motorized Trail Permit (sticker).
The permit must be attached to the vehicle in the proper locations and visible to oncoming vehicles to be valid before riding on the trails. ATVs/UTVS place the permit on the front left external wheel panel, Motorcycles/Dirt Bikes affix the permit on the front center fork or the top of the fender, Vehicles with windshields place the permit on the driver's side on the front windshield.
Permits are for private use vehicles only. Commercial (rental) vehicles are required to have a commercial use permit, which is available at any Black Hills National Forest office.
Permits are valid through December 31, 2024.
Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trails
The South Dakota portion of the Black Hills National Forest boasts one of the largest motorized trail systems in a National Forest that is open to vehicles 62 inches or less in width. It currently consists of more than 3,600 miles of open roads—over 680 miles are designated trails for Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)—and has 21 designated motorized trailheads.
Cross-country travel is prohibited in the forest, except for the open roads and motorized trails as shown on the free Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) provided with trail permits and available online or at forest service offices. Visitors are responsible for using the information on these maps, and knowing which roads and trails are open for various types of motorized use.
For current trail conditions and closures, visit Black Hills National Forest Current Conditions page.
Black Hills Forest Service MVUM Maps
Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available for the 1.2 million-acre Black Hills National Forest and are the official map for designating all roads, trails and areas available for public motorized travel on the National Forest.
The MVUM can be downloaded and viewed on GPS units as well as your mobile device using GPS apps, such as Avenza Maps. Instructions for downloading map HERE. Using GPS navigation does not require cellular service if the map is downloaded on the device.
For more information on downloading the MVUM for free, visit Black Hills National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps page.
Permits purchased online will not include an MVUM with the mailed permit, however, operators are responsible for obtaining an MVUM.
South Dakota Registration - Non-Resident ATV/UTV Road Use
Non-Resident ATV/UTV Road Use Permit (Decal)
Licensed OHVs are permitted to operate on all South Dakota highways and roadways.
South Dakota law strictly prohibits OHV use on the interstate highway system at all times.
For information on licensing and frequently asked questions, visit https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/motor-vehicle/off-road-vehicles.
Non-resident off-road vehicle permits are available for purchase and are valid for one year.
Applications for the annual permit can be purchased through any South Dakota County Treasurer's Office or online using the updated Non-Resident Off-Road Vehicle Permit Application Form #1030.
The cost for the permit is $50 and will expire the end of the month of the following year. Decals mailed to the applicant will be subject to an additional $1.50 mailing fee.
Online applications through the Motor Vehicle Division, should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the planned trip to allow for processing and mail time unless picking up the permit in Pierre, SD.
When applying for the annual permit, copies of the following documents are required with each application:
- Driver’s License
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Ownership Document from Home State or Proof of Insurance
The decal must be placed on the rear of the off-road vehicle, in a location easily visible for inspection by any peace officer.
For additional information or clarification call the South Dakota Department Revenue at 605-773-3541 or Local South Dakota Treasurer offices in the Black Hills Region listed below.
- Lawrence-Deadwood, SD (605-578-1862) (Open Monday-Friday)
- Meade/Sturgis, SD (605-347-5871) (Open Monday-Friday)
- Pennington –Rapid City, SD (605-394-2163) (Open Monday-Thursday, closed on Friday)
- Custer-Custer, SD (605-673-8172) (Open Monday-Friday)
Wyoming Off-Highway Permits
Please note that the State of Wyoming requires a separate permit when operating an OHV in Wyoming. There is no reciprocity for out-of-state registrations. The Wyoming portion of the Black Hills National Forest is subject to different regulations. The motorized trails in the Wyoming portion of the Black Hills National Forest are open to vehicles 50 inches or less in width.
For information on OHV Rules and Regulations in Wyoming, visit Wyoming State Parks Parks.
Ride Responsibly - Forever 605
Motorized vehicle operators are responsible for knowing and abiding by OHV travel regulations. Minimize your impact on the environment when you ride by traveling responsibly, respecting the rights of others, educating yourself and avoiding sensitive areas.
For tips on riding ethically and responsibly, visit Tread Lightly!
