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OBX Beach Driving Permits
The Outer Banks has three distinct ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) permit zones. Each has different rules, costs, and purchase methods. This guide breaks them all down so you know exactly which permit you need before you hit the sand.
The Three ORV Zones
The Outer Banks is divided into three separate beach driving jurisdictions. A permit for one zone does not work in another. Know which zone you're visiting before you buy.
Cape Hatteras NS
Managed by the National Park Service. Covers Oregon Inlet through Ocracoke — the longest drivable stretch on the OBX. 11 ORV ramps, annual or 10-day permits.
Cape Hatteras Guide →Corolla / Carova
Currituck County manages the 4WD beach north of the paved road. This is a parking permit, not a driving permit — and it's limited to 300 per week. Wild horse territory.
Corolla Guide →Cape Lookout NS
The southernmost seashore — South Banks, Shackleford Banks, and Core Banks. Ferry access only. Online purchase required before you arrive. Sugar sand conditions.
Cape Lookout Guide →Permit Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of all three Outer Banks beach driving permit types.
| Permit Type | Cost | Validity | Where to Buy | Vehicle Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Hatteras NPS | $50 (10-day) / $120 (annual) | 10 consecutive days or full calendar year | recreation.gov or on-site | 4WD, street-legal, safety equipment |
| Corolla / Currituck | $50/week | 7 days (limited to 300/week) | Currituck Visitors Center, Corolla | High-clearance 4WD (recommended) |
| Cape Lookout NS | $35 early season / standard season pricing | Annual (calendar year) | recreation.gov — online only | 4WD, street-legal, safety equipment |
Prices reflect 2025 season rates and are subject to change. Verify at purchase.
Which Permit Do I Need?
Answer a few quick questions and we'll point you to the right permit.
Question 1 of 425%
Where are you planning to drive on the beach?
This determines which jurisdiction you're in.
Your Recommendation
Vehicle Requirements Checklist
Required for Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout National Seashores. Corolla/Carova strongly recommends all of these as well.
- ✓ Tire pressure gauge (and know how to use it — air down to 15–20 psi)
- ✓ Shovel (full-size, not a garden trowel)
- ✓ Jack and support board (plywood or metal plate for soft sand)
- ✓ First aid kit
- ✓ Trash bag (pack it in, pack it out)
- ✓ Tow rope or strap (rated for your vehicle weight)
- ✓ Spare tire (full-size, properly inflated)
- ✓ Flashlight or headlamp (for night driving season)
Seasonal Closures
NPS beaches have resource closures throughout the nesting season. Plan around these — they can change daily.
Sea Turtle Nesting
May 1 – mid-November. Nests are marked and ORV routes may be rerouted or closed near active nests. Night driving restrictions in effect. Nest excavations can close sections of beach for hours.
Piping Plover
March – August. Pre-nesting and nesting closures for piping plovers and other shorebirds. Large sections of beach can be closed to ORVs and pedestrians during breeding season. Check the NPS daily closure map before heading out.
Night Driving Season
On Cape Hatteras NS, night driving (10 PM – 6 AM) is permitted from November 16 through April 30. Outside this window, night driving is prohibited unless you have a special-use permit. Always check current closures — they can change the rules mid-season.
Buy NPS Permits on Recreation.gov
Both Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout ORV permits are sold through Recreation.gov. You can print your permit immediately after purchase.
Deep Dive Guides
Cape Hatteras ORV
NPS beach driving from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke. 11 ramps, two permit options, and the rules for each.
Read Guide →Corolla & Carova 4WD
Parking permits, 4WD beach access, wild horses, and the 300-per-week limit. What you need to know before going north.
Read Guide →Cape Lookout ORV
The southernmost seashore. Ferry access, sugar sand, and online-only permits. Plan ahead — no on-site sales.
Read Guide →Have More Questions?
Check our FAQ for tire pressure tips, getting unstuck, towing services, night driving rules, and pet policies.
Beach Driving FAQ →