How To Register My Boat Trailer

So you've finally purchased the boat of your dreams. Now, what's the side by side pace? A skilful identify to get-go is with boat registration. Registering a boat is required by law—much like with a car—and the rules and guidelines for how this procedure is washed and what kind of watercraft must be registered are dictated by the country in which the vessel will regularly operate (long-term).

Here's the basic steps to follow when registering a boat:

Inquiry the gunkhole registration requirements in your state.
Consummate a registration form—either online, through the post, or in person.
Provide proof of ownership—including a title and/or pecker of sale.
Pay the registration fee, which varies by state and the size of the vessel.
Be conscious of the expiration appointment and apply for renewal.

What Kind of Boat Must Be Registered?

Generally, boats must be registered in their state if they have a gasoline, diesel or electrical motor, including a trolling motor. Personal Watercrafts (PWCs) are considered motorized crafts and needs to be registered in about states. Sailboats without auxiliary ability must be registered if over a certain size similar eight feet, but that differs by state. The registration requirements for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, rowboats and other human-powered craft also differ past land just most don't need to be registered.

Where Do I Register My Boat?

A expert place to starting time is correct hither on Discover Canoeing—just visit our Gunkhole Registration folio, which allows you lot to start the registration process online. In most states, you can also register a boat with the Section of Motor Vehicles. In some cases it may be with the Department of Fish and Game, the Department of Licensing, or the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A boat tin be officially registered in only one state.

Gunkhole Registration Numbers and Stickers

A gunkhole registration number is its license plate and is comprised of messages and numbers that must be displayed on the hull, almost the bow, on the front third of the gunkhole on both sides. The letters and numbers must be read from left to correct and may have a minimum size (usually effectually 3-inch block letters which can exist bought in most hardware stores). The numbers can also exist painted on. A registration sticker or decal proves that your gunkhole registration is valid for that yr. The length of validity varies by state just can be from one to three years.

Gunkhole Registration Renewal

Your boat registration authority should automatically send you a renewal class and a nib or assessment. Once you pay the fee, you'll receive a renewal sticker.

Ofttimes Asked Questions

What is the difference between gunkhole registration and vessel documentation?

Most smaller boats are registered with the state. Vessels of at least five net tons that are 51% or more than owned by a United states citizen may be federally documented with the United states of america Coast Baby-sit. A documented vessel is recognized as a US vessel when in strange waters and as such enjoys some protections. Applying for documentation requires a fee, an awarding, a hailing (home) port, and a boat name.

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

Yes. You volition receive a country tax bill fifty-fifty on a gunkhole that is federally documented with the US Coast Guard.

Does a dinghy need to be registered?

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

Do boat trailers demand to exist registered?

Aye. A trailer is usually registered in add-on to the boat since the 2 can be separated.

Where can I buy boat registration numbers?

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

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

If the gunkhole will be operated primarily in that state, so yeah. You lot have lx days to register a gunkhole if it moves locations.

Looking for more information on basic boat buying?

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