Off Road Vehicle Permit FAQs

1. Who is eligible to apply for a driving permit?

Only Fire Island year-round residents and contractors/businesses can apply for a federal permit.

2. What is the definition of a year-round resident?

As defined in the 36 Code of Federal Regulations: Year-round resident means those persons who are legally domiciled on the island and who, in addition, physically reside in their fixed and permanent homes on the island continuously, except for brief and occasional absences, for 12 months of the year.

3. How many permits can I apply for?

Only one Year-round Resident permit per household and one Contractor/Business permit per business.

4. Am I eligible to get on a permit waitlist?

If you are eligible for a permit but all available permits are issued, you can be placed on the waitlist until a permit becomes available. You must submit an application yearly to maintain your position on the waitlist.

5. If I am placed on a wait list, how long will it take before I get a permit?

The 36 CFR regulates how many permits of each category may be issued in a year. If a permit becomes available, the next applicant on the wait list is notified and will go through the permitting process. There is no set amount of time that a person will be on the wait list. The length of time depends on the number of permits available each year.

6. Where can I drive on Fire Island with a federal permit?

A Resident permit authorizes you to drive to your residence within the national park boundaries. If you have an address with a PO Box at the Ocean Beach Post Office, a resident may drive to the Post Office for mail. With a Contractor, Essential Service, Utility, and Official permit, you are only authorized to drive to communities in which you have work.

7. Are summer residents or renters eligible for a permit?

No. There is adequate ferry service during this time and only year-round residents are eligible for a driving permit.

8. How can I access my home in the winter without a driving permit?

You can access your home by ferry, water taxi, or private boat. If you own a house on the western end, you can bike or walk in from Rober Moses State Park Field 5. ***Note - Field 5 closes at sunset and overnight parking isn't authorized without a permit (off-season only).

9. If I want to keep a vehicle in my community just to use there, can I get a temporary permit to drive it there?

No, you would need to barge your vehicle over from the mainland. Once it's on Fire Island, it cannot leave the community and cross federal lands. ***Note - Although you won't need a federal permit, you may be required to purchase town or village permits.

10. If my car breaks down when I'm driving on the beach, what do I do?

Bang's Towing is the only company with a federal permit to drive on our lands. Their number is 631-842-2922.

11. Is there equipment I should have in my vehicle when driving on the beach?

It is recommended to carry a shovel, tow strap, and a piece of wood in case you need to use a jack to change a tire.

12. Will the proposed update to the ORV regulations change the application process?

We are developing regulations which correspond to the recently finalized Environmental Assessment. Until new regulations are promulgated, we have no updated information on the process and our current regulations and practices are in effect.

13. Where can I find more information about permits?

See the Off-road Vehicle Operation page: Off Road Vehicle Operation - Fire Island National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)