How To Register My Boat Trailer

And so y'all've finally purchased the gunkhole of your dreams. Now, what's the side by side pace? A good place to first is with boat registration. Registering a boat is required by law—much like with a car—and the rules and guidelines for how this process is done and what kind of watercraft must be registered are dictated by the state in which the vessel will regularly operate (long-term).

Hither's the bones steps to follow when registering a boat:

Research the boat registration requirements in your land.
Consummate a registration form—either online, through the post, or in person.
Provide proof of ownership—including a title and/or bill of auction.
Pay the registration fee, which varies past country and the size of the vessel.
Exist conscious of the expiration date and utilize for renewal.

boat registration

What Kind of Boat Must Be Registered?

Mostly, boats must be registered in their state if they have a gasoline, diesel fuel or electric motor, including a trolling motor. Personal Watercrafts (PWCs) are considered motorized crafts and needs to be registered in virtually states. Sailboats without auxiliary ability must be registered if over a sure size like viii feet, but that differs by land. The registration requirements for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, rowboats and other human-powered craft also differ past country simply most don't demand to be registered.

Where Do I Register My Gunkhole?

A practiced place to outset is correct hither on Discover Boating—only visit our Boat Registration page, which allows yous to get-go the registration process online. In well-nigh states, you tin can also register a boat with the Department of Motor Vehicles. In some cases it may be with the Department of Fish and Game, the Section of Licensing, or the Department of Natural Resource (DNR). A boat can be officially registered in only one land.

Gunkhole Registration Numbers and Stickers

A gunkhole registration number is its license plate and is comprised of letters and numbers that must be displayed on the hull, near the bow, on the front third of the gunkhole on both sides. The letters and numbers must be read from left to right and may accept a minimum size (normally around three-inch block messages which can be bought in most hardware stores). The numbers can too be painted on. A registration sticker or decal proves that your boat registration is valid for that year. The length of validity varies by state but can be from one to 3 years.

Boat Registration Renewal

Your gunkhole registration say-so should automatically transport you a renewal grade and a bill or assessment. Once you pay the fee, you lot'll receive a renewal sticker.

boat lettering

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between gunkhole registration and vessel documentation?

Most smaller boats are registered with the country. Vessels of at least 5 net tons that are 51% or more endemic by a US citizen may be federally documented with the US Coast Guard. A documented vessel is recognized equally a US vessel when in foreign waters and as such enjoys some protections. Applying for documentation requires a fee, an awarding, a hailing (home) port, and a gunkhole name.

Practice I have to pay property taxes on a documented vessel?

Yes. You lot will receive a state taxation bill even on a boat that is federally documented with the US Coast Guard.

Does a dinghy need to exist registered?

Yes, if the dinghy has an outboard. All motorized vessels that operate on public waterways must be titled and registered.

Do boat trailers need to exist registered?

Yes. A trailer is usually registered in add-on to the gunkhole since the two can be separated.

Where can I purchase boat registration numbers?

Registration number stickers can be purchased at hardware stores, marine equipment outlets and online (BoatUS is a good reliable source that provides gunkhole lettering for registration numbers, boat names and hailing ports).

If I motility, do I need to re-register my boat in a new state?

If the boat volition be operated primarily in that land, and then yep. You have 60 days to register a boat if it moves locations.

Looking for more information on basic boat ownership?

Insuring Your Boat
Towing & Trailering
Storing Your Boat
Boat Maintenance
Costs of Boat Ownership