How to Register a Boat

In nearly every US state, all motorized vessels must be registered before they can operate on public waterways. This includes boats with outboard motors, inboard motors, stern drives, and even electric trolling motors.

Some states also require registration for non-motorized vessels. For example, Ohio requires registration for all watercraft regardless of propulsion, while Minnesota requires registration for non-motorized canoes and kayaks exceeding 10 feet in length.

Vessels That Typically Require Registration

• Motorboats of any size (including boats with trolling motors)
• Personal watercraft (jet skis, WaveRunners)
• Sailboats with auxiliary motors
• Sailboats above a certain length (varies by state, often 19.5+ feet)
• Houseboats

Common Exemptions

• Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards (in most states)
• USCG documented vessels (separate federal registration)
• Vessels used exclusively on private ponds or lakes
• Government-owned vessels
• Dinghies/tenders used as lifeboats

While specific requirements vary by state, most states require the following documents for boat registration:

For New Boat Purchases

1. Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) — Provided by the dealer
2. Bill of sale — Showing the purchase price, date, buyer and seller information
3. Photo ID — Valid driver's license or state-issued identification
4. Proof of sales tax payment — Receipt from the dealer or state tax form
5. Hull Identification Number (HIN) — The boat's unique 12-character identifier

For Used Boat Purchases

1. Signed title from the seller (in states that require titles)
2. Previous registration certificate — From the seller's state
3. Bill of sale — With purchase price and date
4. Photo ID
5. Sales tax documentation

Step 1: Determine Your State's Requirements

Start by checking your state's specific registration requirements. Use our state guides to find the exact agency, fees, and process for your state.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary paperwork as listed in the section above. Having everything ready before you start will save time and prevent delays.

Step 3: Choose Your Registration Method

Most states offer multiple registration options:

• Online: The fastest option, available in most states. You'll typically receive a temporary certificate immediately.
• In-Person: Visit your state's DMV, DNR, or wildlife agency office. Bring all original documents.
• By Mail: Send your completed application and documents to the designated address. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.

Step 4: Pay the Registration Fee

Fees vary significantly by state and vessel size. Use our fee comparison tool to see what your state charges.

Step 5: Display Your Registration Number

After registration, you must display your assigned registration number on both sides of the bow (forward half of the hull). The number must be:

• At least 3 inches tall (block letters)
• In a contrasting color to the hull
• Read from left to right
• Properly spaced with hyphens or spaces between the letter-number groups

Most states now offer online boat registration, making the process significantly faster and more convenient.

Boat registration fees vary widely across the United States. Here are the key factors that affect your total cost:

Base Registration Fee

Most states calculate registration fees based on vessel length. Some states use a flat fee regardless of size, while others have tiered fee schedules with as many as 7 different length classes.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Title fee: Required in some states, typically $10-$25
• Sales/use tax: Applied to the purchase price, ranging from 0% (Delaware) to 6.5% or more
• Aquatic invasive species fees: States like Colorado ($25) and Idaho (included) charge for invasive species prevention
• Non-resident surcharges: Arizona charges an additional $80-$429 NBSIF for non-residents
• County or local taxes: Some states have additional county-level fees

For a complete fee comparison, visit our state-by-state cost comparison page.

Not all states require a boat title. A title is a legal document that establishes ownership, while registration gives you the right to operate the vessel on public waters.

States that do not require boat titles include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, and Minnesota, among others. In these states, registration and a bill of sale serve as proof of ownership.

For a deeper comparison of title vs. registration, see our dedicated guide: Boat Title vs. Registration Explained.

Boat registrations must be renewed periodically. The renewal period varies by state:

• Annual (1-year): Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut (expires April 30), Idaho, Hawaii, Washington (expires June 30)
• Annual or Biennial: Florida (1- or 2-year options, expires on owner's birthday), Alabama (annual, staggered by the first letter of the owner's last name — A/D expire in January, B in February, C/E in March, F/G/N in April, and so on through October for U-Z)
• Biennial (2-year): Texas, California (expires Dec 31 of odd years), Maryland
• Triennial (3-year): Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina

Most states send renewal notices before your registration expires. Many states allow online renewal.

For detailed renewal instructions, see our guide: How to Renew Your Boat Registration.