Boat and Watercraft License

All motorized watercraft must be licensed. Non-motorized watercraft larger than 10 feet must be licensed. Non-motorized watercraft 10 feet or less do not need to be registered. Stand up paddleboards must be registered as watercraft and display valid registration. Registration is good for 3 years. Registration expires on December 31 of the third year.

Applying for a boat or watercraft license

You must apply in person with your identification.

What to bring for registration

New

Sales receipt showing paid sales tax. Year, model, manufacturer, serial or hull identification number (HIN), length, type of hull material (wood, metal, or plastic), type of propulsion.

Renewal

Renewal form or registration number and ID

Transfer

Bill of Sale with DNR registration number, handwritten is allowed. Information to include:

• Year
• Model
• Manufacturer
• Serial or Hull Identification Number (HIN)
• Length
• Registration number
• Date of sale
• Purchase amount
• Seller- current registered owner must sign
• Buyers- all buyers must sign the bill of sale. All signatures must be original. They may not be pre-printed or photo-copied.

Duplicate Decal or Registration Card

Owner with ID and DNR registration number.

Fees

Collector watercraft

• Watercraft built before July 1, 1959
• Used solely as a collector’s item
• Option to display the registration number and current decal on a detachable plate or board
• The number size, type and decal placement is the same as noted in the Boating guide

More information for boat and watercrafts

Visit the DNR