Wisconsin Snowmobile Registration and Trail Pass

Short answer: To ride public trails in Wisconsin, a sled needs two things. It needs a current Wisconsin registration (or a valid registration from another state or province for nonresidents). It also needs a snowmobile trail pass. The Wisconsin DNR lists public registration at $30 for up to three years. It lists the trail pass at $30 for a Wisconsin-registered sled, $10 for members of a club recognized by the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC), and $50 for a sled registered in another state, province or country.

We checked these fees on the official DNR pages on Oct. 30, 2026. The pages show the fees but do not name a fee year. Treat them as the current DNR listing and confirm at checkout. Trail passes are valid for one season and expire June 30.

Riders born on or after Jan. 1, 1985 who are at least 12 need a snowmobile safety certificate in most areas. Children under 12 need an adult on the same sled on public areas.

Official pages: DNR snowmobile registration and DNR snowmobile trail pass.

Quick facts

Who must register

The DNR says all snowmobiles kept in Wisconsin for more than 15 consecutive days must be registered in Wisconsin unless an exemption applies. Register within 10 days of purchase. Dealers must submit the application to the DNR within 5 days of a sale.

Exemptions include a sled with current out-of-state registration and a valid Wisconsin Nonresident Snowmobile Trail Pass, a sled used only for racing on a racing facility, and some government-owned sleds.

Two decals are issued. They go on both sides of the cowling and must be clearly visible to law enforcement. The registration certificate must be carried with the operator.

Registration types and fees

• Public use: $30 first-time and $30 for a 3-year renewal, plus a $1 renewal issuing fee. It covers any area open to public riding, and private property with permission. A trail pass is also required on a snowmobile trail or corridor.
• Private use: $0, valid until transferred. It is only for the owner or immediate family on their own or leased private land. Any use on public riding areas needs public registration.
• Antique: $20 first-time, then $5 for a 3-year renewal, plus a $1 renewal issuing fee. For sleds 35 years and older. Antique sleds do not need to display a trail pass.
• Municipal and government use: $5 first-time and $5 for a 2-year renewal, plus a $1 renewal issuing fee.

Timing matters. A public registration bought from April 1 through Dec. 31 ends June 30 of the third year. One bought from Jan. 1 through March 31 covers the rest of the current season plus two more years.

The trail pass

The DNR says a trail pass is needed to operate on a snowmobile trail or corridor. A corridor includes a marked area across frozen waterways, or one shown on a county snowmobile trail map. Passes are non-refundable.

Three kinds exist:

• Wisconsin pass, $30, for a Wisconsin-registered sled whose owner is not in an AWSC club.
• Club member pass, $10, for a Wisconsin-registered sled whose owner belongs to a club affiliated with and recognized by the AWSC. The DNR says to order it through the AWSC.
• Nonresident pass, $50, for a sled registered in or being registered in another state, province or country.

You do not have to display a pass if the sled is used only on private property, on a snowmobile route, or on frozen water outside a marked trail or corridor. The sled must still be registered. Antique-registered sleds are also exempt. Operators carrying a valid temporary trail use receipt are exempt from displaying the pass.

The pass goes on the windshield once it arrives by mail.

Nonresident riders

The DNR says a nonresident may ride in Wisconsin with a Wisconsin nonresident trail pass and the home state's current registration. The home registration decal or proof must be displayed and carried. The limit is 15 consecutive days in Wisconsin. After that, the sled must be registered in Wisconsin.

Where to buy

The DNR lists these options:

• Online at GoWild.wi.gov. You can register, renew and order trail passes. You can print a temporary operating receipt valid for 21 days.
• DNR license sales agents. Agents can renew a registration already in your name. They cannot register a newly purchased sled into your name. They sell Wisconsin and nonresident trail passes.
• DNR service centers. They can renew or register a new purchase, and sell trail passes.
• By mail with Form 9400-210 and the fees. If you mail it in, you must wait for the decals before you ride.
• A Wisconsin dealer. At sale, the dealer submits the application for you. Carry your signed copy or the temporary receipt.
• AWSC, for the $10 club member pass.

All decals, certificates and passes are mailed. Allow up to 21 days. The temporary receipt lets you ride in the meantime.

Safety certificate and youth rules

The DNR snowmobile regulations pamphlet (the PDF on the DNR site is labeled 2023) sets these rules:

A small snowmobile is the same as any other for registration. The DNR defines a child-sized sled as one with an engine of four horsepower (about 120 cc) or less. It must be registered. A child may ride one on a trail or frozen waterway only if at least 12 with a safety certificate. A child of any age may ride a small sled of 4 horsepower or less in sanctioned races or events, or on private property only.

It is illegal to let someone operate a sled without the required certificate.

To get certified, take a DNR-sponsored course. Online courses are open to students 16 and older, through two approved vendors. The DNR notes you can print your certification from your GoWild account within 24 hours.

Ride safe

The DNR says alcohol was involved in 70 percent of 23 snowmobiling fatalities in the winter it cites. It is illegal to operate under the influence on public land, trails and frozen waters. Slow down, wear a helmet with goggles or a face shield, never ride alone, and stay on marked trails.

Avoid crossing water when you are unsure of ice thickness or currents. Moving water at stream mouths and inlets changes ice strength, and snow cover can keep thick ice from forming. Check live ice conditions before you go.

FAQ

How much does Wisconsin snowmobile registration cost?

The DNR lists public registration at $30 for first-time registration and $30 for a 3-year renewal, plus a $1 renewal issuing fee. Private use is $0. The page does not name a fee year; we checked it on Oct. 30, 2026.

Do I need a trail pass if my sled is registered in Wisconsin?

Yes, to ride on a snowmobile trail or corridor. It costs $30, or $10 for AWSC club members. It expires June 30.

What does a nonresident need to ride in Wisconsin?

A $50 Wisconsin nonresident trail pass and current registration from your home state or province. After 15 consecutive days in Wisconsin, the sled must be registered here.

Does my child need a snowmobile safety certificate?

Riders at least 12 and born on or after Jan. 1, 1985 need one in most areas. Children under 12 do not, but an adult must ride with them on public areas.

How long is a Wisconsin snowmobile registration good for?

Up to three years, running July 1 to June 30. The DNR says fees are not pro-rated.