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How to Register a Boat

If you're planning to get a motorized boat, make sure you follow the law regarding registration. Just like cars, states require boats to be registered. Registration lets the authorities know who's operating boats legally on a given...
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Submitting Your Boat Registration

  1. How to Register a Boat Picture 1How to Register a Boat Picture 1
    Get a boat registration application from the appropriate state agency. You're required to register your boat in the state where you keep it. States vary when it comes to the agencies that handle boat registration. Common state agencies that handle boat registration include the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Fish and Game or the state agency specifically dedicated to managing waterways.[2]
    1. You can pick up an application from the appropriate state agency in-person or download one from the agency's website.
    2. If you just bought a brand new boat, the dealer most likely will give you a boat registration application and tell you where to send it.
    3. You can also search online to find out which agency in the state where you park your boat handles registration.
  2. How to Register a Boat Picture 2How to Register a Boat Picture 2
    Fill out the boat registration application. Boat registration applications are detailed and ask for information such as your name and address. You have to state truthfully that you are the owner of the boat and attach proof of ownership. You also must provide details about what the boat is made out of as well as the hull identification number.[3]
    1. On your boat registration application, be prepared to state truthfully that you have paid taxes on your boat.
  3. How to Register a Boat Picture 3How to Register a Boat Picture 3
    Gather your proof of ownership documents. You're required to show proof of ownership of your boat. A boat title in your name is the best proof of ownership, but if you don't have one, a bill of sale, which is basically a sales receipt for your boat, works fine. If you bought the boat and haven't yet paid off the owner, you can provide your sales contract as proof of ownership.[4]
    1. Be prepared to show documentation of any loans you have on your boat as part of the registration process.
  4. How to Register a Boat Picture 4How to Register a Boat Picture 4
    Mail in the application, copies of supporting documents and fee. Boat registration fees vary widely among the states but are mostly affordable. In most cases, you can expect to pay less than $100 for the boat registration sticker and documents combined. You can drop off the application in person or send it to the appropriate state government agency by mail.[5]
    1. Send your payment for initial registration by personal check, cashier's check or money order. Avoid sending cash.
    2. If you drop off your application in person, you might be able to pay with your credit card.
  5. How to Register a Boat Picture 5How to Register a Boat Picture 5
    Affix your registration number to your boat with paint or decals. When the state processes your boat registration, you'll get a registration number and a decal to put on your boat. With rare exceptions, you're required to display your registration number and the decals on both sides of the front half of your boat.[6]
    1. You can purchase waterproof block letters at your local boating or home improvement store.
    2. It's a good idea to purchase waterproof paint and block letter and number stencils so that your registration number is in compliance and easy to read from a distance.
    3. Boat registrations usually expire after two years and must be renewed.
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Renewing Your Boat Registration

  1. How to Register a Boat Picture 6How to Register a Boat Picture 6
    Review the boat registration renewal notice that you got in the mail. States usually send out registration renewal notices two months in advance of expiration. Review the notice carefully to find out if there are any required changes you need to make to be in compliance.
    1. For example, occasionally, the U.S. Coast Guard may require certain registration numbers to be changed. Should this happen, you would be required to remove the old registration number and display the new registration number to avoid a fine.[7]
  2. How to Register a Boat Picture 7How to Register a Boat Picture 7
    Create an account and log-in to your state's licensing renewal website. Most states require initial registration by mail or in person and allow registration renewal online. The website you're supposed to use is listed on your renewal notice. Follow the prompts online to complete your registration renewal.
    1. If you don't have a laptop with you at the time of renewal, don't worry. Most registration renewal websites can be accessed on your smartphone.
    2. You can also renew your boat registration by mail or in person if you so choose, depending on the state.
  3. How to Register a Boat Picture 8How to Register a Boat Picture 8
    Pay your boat registration renewal fee online with a credit card. States that process registration renewals online usually accept a variety of credit cards. You might also be able to pay the renewal fee using a service like Paypal, depending on the state.[8]
    1. Pay your boat registration renewal fee by check, money order or cashier's check if you send in your renewal form by mail.
    2. Your boat registration number may not change, but you'll be sent a new decal to put alongside it.
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