Like cars and trucks, boats need proper registration to go on the water. This registration helps each state maintain quality waters, enhance safety, and ensure excellent boating for future generations.
No matter what type of boat you are buying, you should understand boat registration and why it’s important.
REGISTRATION WILL OCCUR IN YOUR STATE
First off, it’s important to remember that registration will be conducted with the state government where you live. This means that the rules and requirements for registering a boat in South Carolina will be different than the rules in Kansas, California, or New York. The boat’s registration will usually happen either through the state’s DMV or a fish and wildlife agency, such as the DNR. For boats that require registration, the certificate or sticker must be present if the boat is on the water.
Remember that the trailer will need to be registered too, and you’ll likely need proof of insurance and other documents that prove ownership.
WHAT BOATS NEED TO BE REGISTERED?
While registration requirements will vary by state, in general you must register any boat with a motor, be it gas, diesel, or electric. Essentially, if the boat’s main source of motion doesn’t involve physical work, (i.e. paddling) it will have to be registered. Therefore, in most states, all motorboats, no matter the size, use, or type, will have to be registered.
WHY IS BOAT REGISTRATION REQUIRED?
There are many reasons why state and local governments require boat owners to register their crafts. While car registration money goes to the maintenance and safety of road and highways, boat registration helps maintain excellent waters for our nation’s boaters. When you register your boat, you are doing your small part to keep the waters safe and clean, helping ensure an enjoyable pastime for current and future boaters and anglers. The fee that you pay will both protect and enhance the waters in your state, and in some areas, the registration paper serves as documentation that you are the rightful owner.
HOW MUCH DOES BOAT REGISTRATION COST?
The cost of registering a boat will generally be very affordable, especially for smaller crafts and light fishing boats. The price, depending on your state, usually starts around $20 for smaller crafts and goes up to about $50 for larger boats. Generally, the cost of boat registration will go up with the value of the boat, so the more you pay for a craft the more you can expect to pay in registration fees.
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