Boat Registration

In Alaska, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for boat registrations and safety, previously handled by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Registrations are valid for three years. A Certificate of Number issued by the USCG is still valid until the expiration date, unless the boat changes ownership. When the USCG-issued registration expires, you must renew your registration with DMV.

Before June 4, 2004, non-powered boats 10 feet or longer were required to be registered. This is no longer the case; however, you may register a non-powered boat if you choose. Alaska does not title boats.

Which Boats Must Be Registered

All powered boats (including non-powered boats with auxiliary power units) used on any state water, including rivers, streams, lakes, and salt water within three miles of land) must be registered.

All sport fishing guides are now required to register both powered and non-powered boats.

Which Boats Not to Register in Alaska

Boats that are not principally used in Alaska do not need to be registered here. Alaska residents who live outside of the state, such as military members or college students, cannot register their boats in Alaska.

In this case, you must register in the state where you currently live or use the boat. This is required by federal law and there is no exemption for any group.

Exempt from Registration in Alaska

• A boat with a valid registration from another state or country that is not operated more than 90 consecutive days in Alaska.

• A boat owned by any government agency at the federal, state or local level.

• Non-powered boats.

• A documented boat. Documentation may be either from the U.S. or a foreign country.

Registration Fees

Registration for powered boats is $24. Registration for non-powered boats, if you choose to do so, costs $10. Registration is valid for three years and will expire at the end of the month in which the boat is first registered. The Certificate of Number must be carried aboard the boat whenever it is in operation.

Power Removed from an Alaska Boat

If you register your boat as a powered boat and remove the motor later, you may wait until renewal to change to a non-powered boat class. Or, you may disregard the renewal notice, as non-powered boats are no longer required to be registered in Alaska.

Power Added to an Alaska Boat

If you register as a non-powered boat and then obtain auxiliary power, you must submit a change with DMV and pay the $24 fee for a powered boat. The registration period will start over and there will not be any refund given for any unused portion of the registration.

How to Register Your Boat

Present the following items to DMV to register your watercraft:

• Boat Registration Application

• Fees

• Ownership document, including:

• Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO)

• Carpenter's Certificate

• Bill of sale from previous owner or dealer

• Title or registration from a previous state

• Affidavit of ownership

The first time a boat is registered in Alaska, or when there is a transfer of ownership, you must submit paperwork in person. Renewals, duplicate stickers, and duplicate Certificates of Number can be requested through the mail.

Lost Certificate of Number

If you lose your Certificate of Number or validation sticker, you must:

• Apply for a duplicate within 15 days.

• Complete an application if any information has changed.

• Pay $5 fee.

If you change your address, you must:

• Notify DMV within 15 days, in writing, by one of the following methods:

• Mail or deliver to any DMV office.

• E-mail to dmv_webmaster@admin.state.ak.us DMV Webmaster.

• Notice must contain the boat number or HIN, name of the owner, and new address.

Transfer of Ownership

If you are a new boat owner, you must apply for a Certificate of Number within 30 days of purchase. Registration starts over and full fees must be paid.

Adding or deleting your name from the registration record is not considered a transfer of ownership. To do this, complete an application for the duplicate Certificate of Number. There is a $5 charge.

There are no other fees except if you are renewing your registration at the same time. In this case, the $5 fee is not required because you will receive a new Certificate of Number when you renew the boat registration.

Registration Renewal

Renewal notices are mailed 60 days before the expiration date. Renewal can be processed over the Internet, via telephone, in person, or by mail:

• Division of Motor Vehicles

• Attn: Correspondence

• 1300 W. Benson Blvd. Ste. 200

• Anchorage, AK 99503-3600

Boat Number Information

This information cannot be transferred to another boat. Your boat number is assigned by computer. No special request numbers are issued. You are required to display your boat number for powered boats only. Non-powered boats are optional. Attach to each side of the forward half of the boat.

It is illegal to operate a boat with a number other than your assigned boat number on the forward half of the boat. The boat number must be removed when the boat is documented by the USCG or when the boat is no longer principally used in Alaska.

Validation Stickers

You will receive two validation stickers for your powered boat. They must be affixed within six inches of the boat number on both sides of the forward half of the boat. One sticker is issued for non-powered boats. If you register one, you should display the sticker on the top or side of the forward half of the boat, so that it is visible when you are operating the boat.