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Snowmobile trail pass

The snowmobile trail pass fee is dependent upon whether the snowmobile for which you are purchasing the trail pass is registered in Wisconsin and whether the owner of that snowmobile is a member of a snowmobile club that is affiliated with and recognized by the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC). All snowmobile trail passes are valid for one season and expire June 30. Note: Snowmobile trail pass fees are non-refundable.

Please plan ahead! Please allow up to 21 days for processing and delivery to the address specified. Snowmobile trail passes are usually shipped within 2 business days after your order is made. Those who order a trail pass online, at a sales agent, at a DNR service center or in-person from AWSC will receive, at the time of order, a temporary trail use receipt that allows for immediate operation until the trail pass is delivered by U.S. Mail and affixed to the snowmobile’s windshield.

Exemptions for displaying a Wisconsin snowmobile trail pass

Snowmobiles are exempt from displaying a trail pass if:

  • The snowmobile operator is carrying a valid temporary snowmobile trail use receipt issued when a snowmobile pass was ordered.
  • The snowmobile has Wisconsin antique registration.
  • The snowmobile is operated exclusively on private property, on a snowmobile route or on frozen water if the area is not marked as a snowmobile trail or corridor. However, the snowmobile must still be registered.
    Corridor
    A “corridor” includes a marked area across frozen waterways or area across frozen waterways as indicated on a county snowmobile trail map. It does not include routes. A snowmobile operated on private property or frozen waterways outside a corridor needs to display valid Wisconsin snowmobile registration or needs to display valid registration from another state.
  • The snowmobile is owned by the U.S. government, another state or political subdivision thereof if the government’s name is displayed on the cowling.

Snowmobile trail pass types, fees and how to order

Wisconsin snowmobile trail pass for Wisconsin snowmobile club members ($10)
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for a snowmobile registered in Wisconsin and owned by a person who is a member of a Wisconsin snowmobile club which is affiliated with and recognized by AWSC. Trail passes may be ordered through the AWSC website. Trail passes are delivered by US mail. When purchased at the AWSC office, a temporary trail use receipt is issued to operate legally on snowmobile trails. Carry the AWSC receipt with you until your pass is delivered by US mail and affixed to your snowmobile's windshield. Trail passes expire June 30.

Wisconsin snowmobile trail pass ($30)

for a snowmobile registered in Wisconsin to a person who is not a member of an AWSC snowmobile club. Available online at GoWild.WI.gov, or at any DNR sales agent. All Wisconsin snowmobile trail passes will be shipped by US Mail. A temporary trail use receipt, valid for 21 days, is issued at the time of sale that allows you to operate legally on snowmobile trails. Carry the receipt with you until your pass is delivered by the US mail and affixed to your snowmobile's windshield.

Nonresident snowmobile trail pass ($50)
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for a snowmobile registered in or in the process of being registered in another state, province or country. Available online at GoWild.WI.gov, or at sales agent. All nonresident snowmobile trail passes will be shipped by US Mail. A temporary trail use receipt, valid for 21 days, is issued at the time of sale that allows you to operate legally on snowmobile trails. Carry the receipt with you until your pass is delivered by the U.S. Mail and affixed to your snowmobile’s windshield.

Snowmobile Dealers

Wisconsin commercial dealers are required to purchase and display a valid Wisconsin snowmobile trail pass on any snowmobile before test-drive or operating on a public trail. Dealers will provide the commercial registration decal number assigned to them at time of purchase. Trail passes are required for each commercial plate being used on public corridors and are not interchangeable between plates. Commercial snowmobile certificate holders will affix the annual trail pass on a plate that is removable and temporary, but firmly mounted to the snowmobile. The plate should have room to accommodate both the trail pass and the commercial registration decal. There are no dimension or color requirements for the plate. The plate needs to be legible and displayed in a visible location on the snowmobile. Dealers registered in another state are required to purchase and display a nonresident snowmobile trail pass if using on Wisconsin public trails.