What you need to know about the required Wisconsin trail pass

• All snowmobiles operating on a Wisconsin snowmobile trail or corridor must display a valid snowmobile trail pass whether registered in Wisconsin or another state.
• The fine for riding without the pass is $295.00 per sled.

The following snowmobiles are exempt from displaying a trail pass:

• a snowmobile owned by the U.S., another state, or political subdivision thereof if the owner’s name is displayed on the cowling.
• a snowmobile that is present in this state for a period not to exceed 15 days provided it is used exclusively as part of an advertisement being used for the manufacturer of the snowmobile.
• a snowmobile that is 35 years or older and displays antique registration.

The snowmobile trail pass is:

• an annual pass valid until June 30 each year.
• separate from snowmobile registration.
• a 3” x 3” decal required to be permanently affixed to the bottom center portion of the snowmobile windshield.
• not required to operate on private property, on a snow route, or on frozen water if not on a marked corridor.

Snowmobile trail pass types, fees and how to order:

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 and the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC). Trail pass fees are non-refundable. You will need your Wisconsin registration number or, for a nonresident snowmobile trail pass, the make and model.

Wisconsin snowmobile trail pass for club members ($10) – for a snowmobile registered in Wisconsin and owned by a person who is both a member of a snowmobile club and a member of AWSC. Passes may be ordered through the AWSC website or their office in DeForest. Visit the AWSC website for more details.

Your AWSC membership number is needed to obtain a trail pass.  You can look up your AWSC membership number on the AWSC website Home Page.  Click on Membership Inquiry. 

You can order your trail pass directly from the AWSC website (see link above).  Be aware trail passes are mailed from the WDNR and can take up to 21 days for delivery via USPS. You can legally ride with your trail pass receipt.

Wisconsin snowmobile trail pass ($30) – for a snowmobile registered in Wisconsin. Available online, or at any DNR sales agent. All Wisconsin snowmobile trail passes will be shipped by US Mail within 2 business days to the address specified. A temporary trail use receipt is issued 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) – for a snowmobile registered in or in the process of being registered in another state, province or country. Available online, or at any DNR sales agent. All Wisconsin snowmobile trail passes will be shipped by US Mail within 2 business days to the address specified. A temporary trail use receipt is issued 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.

Know the laws!  Download a copy of Wisconsin Snowmobile Laws HERE