Great Parks

Annual Motor Vehicle Permit

$10 resident | $16 non-resident

Valid Motor Vehicle Permits (MVPs) are required for every vehicle entering one of our Great Parks (Otto Armleder Memorial Park & Recreation Complex and Fernbank Park are cooperative ventures with the City of Cincinnati; therefore, a Motor Vehicle Permit is not required). 

The cost of an annual Motor Vehicle Permit is $10 for residents of Hamilton County and $16 for all other park visitors. Fees from Motor Vehicle Permits support ongoing conservation efforts for the park district’s 17,700 acres of green space and are a funding source for providing an enjoyable, safe and clean experience during visits to your Great Parks of Hamilton County.

For information about free or discounted permits, please see below.

Buy Resident MVP   Buy Non-Resident MVP

Motor Vehicle Permits are mailed within three business days from date of purchase.


Product Description

2024 Motor Vehicle Permits are now available for sale and are valid through December 31, 2024. The price of the annual Motor Vehicle Permit is $10 for a Hamilton County resident and $16 for a non-resident. The Motor Vehicle Permit also includes the Great Parks' Bonus Pack coupons, which gives $8 in discounts on golf, boating, fishing, camping, special events, and more.

If you have any questions, please call 513-521-7275, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.


Free Motor Vehicle Permit

Armed Forces

Current Hamilton County residents, who have a 100% service-related disability as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, or are a former prisoner of war, or are a Medal of Honor recipient, may apply for free Motor Vehicle Permits. Eligible veterans will receive two annual Motor Vehicle Permits by mail for a two-year period. Veterans are encouraged to reapply every two years. To apply, please print, complete and return the application form below. 

Digital Armed Forces MVP Application

Printable Armed Forces MVP Application


Ohio EBT Card (Ohio Direction Card)

Hamilton County residents with a valid food assistance card can receive a free annual Motor Vehicle Permit. Stop by any location listed below and show your Ohio EBT Card (Ohio Direction Card) to a team member. One Motor Vehicle Permit per card.

Welcome Booths – located at park entrances and staffed at peak visitation times
Visitor Centers – follow links for hours and locations

Glenwood Gardens – Cotswold Visitor Centre
Miami Whitewater Forest Visitor Center
Nature Center at The Summit
Sharon Woods – Sharon Centre
Winton Woods – Winton Centre
Woodland Mound – Seasongood Nature Center


Discounted Motor Vehicle Permits

College & University Students

Current students, attending a college or university in Hamilton County, are eligible to receive the resident rate when purchasing a Motor Vehicle Permit. Stop by any location listed below and show your college or university ID to a Great Parks team member. One Motor Vehicle Permit per ID.

Hamilton County Colleges & Universities:

  • Art Academy of Cincinnati
  • Art Institute of Cincinnati
  • Chatfield College – Findlay Market Campus
  • Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
  • Cincinnati School of Medical Massage
  • Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
  • DeVry University
  • God's Bible School and College
  • Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science
  • Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion 
  • Lane Theological Seminary
  • Mount St. Joseph University
  • Ohio Center for Broadcasting - Cincinnati
  • Southern Ohio College
  • The Athenaeum of Cincinnati
  • The Christ College of Nursing
  • Union Institute and University
  • University of Cincinnati
  • Xavier University


Welcome Booths – located at park entrances and staffed at peak visitation times
Visitor Centers – follow links for hours and locations

Glenwood Gardens – Cotswold Visitor Centre
Miami Whitewater Forest Visitor Center
Nature Center at The Summit
Sharon Woods – Sharon Centre
Winton Woods – Winton Centre
Woodland Mound – Seasongood Nature Center