A resident annual MVP costs $24; a non-resident annual MVP costs $29. All vehicles registered in Michigan will qualify for a resident MVP.

Daily permits, Bridge Card permits and Senior annual permits will be available at state parks only and require additional documentation, which is outlined further down the page. Annual permits are available on-line at the DNR E-Store. You may also call 517-373-9900 with a valid credit card and order your annual sticker by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2008 Motor Vehicle Permits

Q1:  Why do I need a sticker to get into a state park?

A1: Motor Vehicle Permits and their fees are established by the Michigan Legislature under Public Act 451. This legislation requires any motor vehicle entering a state park or recreation area to have a sticker in the lower right-hand corner, or passenger side.  The Michigan Legislature also sets the rates and categories for permits.

Q2: What is the cost of the Motor Vehicle Permit?

A2: There are resident and non-resident designations, a permit for low-income visitors; one for seniors and one for towed vehicles.  Here is a complete breakdown of the permits:

Annual Resident:  $24

Annual Non-Resident:  $29

Daily Resident:  $6

Daily Non-Resident:  $8

Senior Annual:  $6

Bridge Card Annual:  $18

Towed Vehicle: $6

Commercial Coach Daily: $15

Q3: What's the Bridge Card permit used for?

A3: This permit was established in 2004 to allow Michigan residents  who receive food stamps to enjoy the amenities of state parks at a reduced rate. It encourages non-traditional visitors to become regular park visitors, campers and boaters.  Parks will sell a Bridge Card MVP when the name on the Bridge Card exactly matches the name on the registration of the vehicle. The MVP immediately must be installed on the vehicle. These permits are not available by mail or on-line.

Q4: What's the Duplicate Towed Vehicle permit and how will it be used?

A4: This designation was established after repeated complaints from people who tow in a smaller car on a motor home and use the motor home as their stationary camping unit. Visitors may set up the main vehicle which bears the required annual Motor Vehicle Permit on a camp site and use the towed vehicle to tour around the area. Before, they would have to purchase a second, full-priced MVP. Now, vehicles towed into the park are eligible for the $6 permit, valid only for the length of their stay. The Duplicate Towed Vehicle Permit may only be used in conjunction with an annual sticker, not a daily pass. Vehicles that are trailered or carried on the motor home do not qualify for the towed vehicle permit.  People who leave the vehicle in tow and do not operate it in the park are not required to purchase either an MVP or a towed vehicle permit for that vehicle.

Q5: What are the requirements to receive a Senior Annual permit?

A5: In order to qualify for a Senior Annual permit, the invidual must be 65 years of age or older and must have a vehicle registered in Michigan to establish residence. Certain documents and the automobile must be presented when purchasing a senior MVP.  They include proof of age such as a driver's license and registration of the vehicle.  Parks will sell a Senior MVP when the name on these documents are the same. The Senior MVP immediately must be installed on the vehicle. These permits are not available by mail..

Q6: What is the money raised from MVP sales used for?

A7: The Public Act allows the DNR to spend the money on operations and maintenance at state parks and recreation areas. We will use the money to pay operating costs such as staff time, supplies and equipment.

Q7: Where can I get my new MVP?

A7: Resident annual permits will be available at all parks, on-line and at DNR Service Centers. Permits for daily, non-resident annual, bridge card, senior annual and towed vehicles will have to be purchased at individual parks and recreation areas since additional documents must be provided at the time of sale and, in some cases, the sticker must be immediately affixed to the windshield.

Q8: I want to buy my parents a senior MVP for Christmas.  Can I do that?

A8: Since we are required to see a proof of age, a Michigan registration for the vehicle where the sticker will be affixed and the vehicle must be present at the time of the sale, it would be best if you gave your parents a cash gift and tell them it's for their annual senior MVP. If you can bring in their vehicle and their proof age, we can sell the permit, but that's a lot of work for you.

Q9:  I just moved here and my new address is on my driver's license, but I won't renew my registration until later this year when it's my birthday.  Why don't I qualify for a resident permit?

A9: The non-resident designation is based on the registration of the automobile, not where the driver lives.  You can either have your registration changed earlier or purchase a non-resident MVP.