On 3 November 1917, a royal resolution changed the spelling of the name of the municipality to Stor-Elvdal, removing the definite form ending -en.

The official blazon is "Vert, two wood saws argent bendwise" (Norwegian: I grønt to skråstilte sølv tømmersager).

This means the arms have a green field (background) and the charge is two diagonal two-man saws.

The charge has a tincture of argent which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used.

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Stor-Elvdal is made up of 17 representatives that are elected to four year terms.

The mayors (Norwegian: ordfører) of Stor-Elvdal: Stor-Elvdal is bordered on the north by the municipalities of Folldal and Alvdal, on the east by Rendalen, in the south by Åmot and Ringsaker, in the west by Øyer and Ringebu, and in the northwest by Sør-Fron.

The lake Atnsjøen is located in the northwestern part of the municipality, just outside Rondane National Park.