Boat Registration and Licenses in Alaska

Boat Requiring Registration in Alaska

The State of Alaska requires owners of the following types of vessels to register them through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if the boats are intended for use on state water*:

• Powered boats.

• Non-powered boats with auxiliary power units.

• Powered and non-powered boats used by sport fishing guides.

*State water includes (regardless of size) all rivers, streams and lakes as well as salt water within three miles of land.

What Not to Register

• Seaplanes

• Lifeboats (of a ship)

• Inspected passenger vessels

• Single air mattresses or inner tubes

• Water toys

• Non-powered boats, although you can register them if you choose

AK Vessel Registration Exemptions

If you do not use the boat primarily in Alaska waters―and that goes for members of the military and college students living outside the state―you cannot register the boat here. The following are exempt from registration:

• Documented boats.

• Boats owned by any government agency (federal, state, local level).

• Boats with valid registration from another state/country (not operated more than 90 consecutive days in Alaska).

Alaska Boat Requirements and Procedures

If your vessel requires registration:

1. Complete the Boat Registration Application.
2. Bring the necessary fees (see below).
3. Locate one of the following ownership documents:


• Manufacture Statement of Origin (MOS).
• Carpenter’s Certificate.
• Bill of Sale (from the previous owner/dealer).
• Title/registration (from a previous state).
• Affidavit of Boat Ownership.


4. Submit paperwork and fees at any DMV office (this must be done in person if you are registering your boat for the first time, or if there has been a transfer of ownership).
5. Be sure to keep your certificate of number (received at the DMV) on board whenever the boat is in operation.
6. The registration is valid for three years and must be renewed by the end of the month in which you first registered the boat.

AK Boat Registration Fees

• Powered boats: $24

• Non-powered boats: $10

• Replacement of Certificate of Number or Validation Sticker: $5

Boat Registration Renewals and Replacements

You must renew your registration by the end of the month in which you first registered the boat. As long as the DMV has your current address, you should receive a renewal notice approximately 60 days before the registration is set to expire.

Renew Online

If you can pay by Visa or MasterCard and you have the Registration Renewal Number (RRN) found on your renewal notice, you can use the DMV’s online renewal option.

If your address has changed, you must update it with the DMV before renewing. You can conveniently do this online.

Renew By Mail

• Division of Motor Vehicles

• ATTN: CORRESPONDENCE

• 1300 West Benson Blvd., Ste. 200

• Anchorage, AK 99503-3600

Renew In Person

Find the nearest DMV office and renew your registration in person.

Replace Lost Registration

If you lose your Certificate of Number or your Validation Sticker, you can request a replacement by mail. Apply for the duplicate within 15 days and enclose the $5 replacement fee. Complete another application if any info has changed.

If there are no changes, send the following to the same address listed above:

• A photocopy of the last registration.

• A completed Boat Transaction Application.

• Check for $5 duplicate fee.

Alaska Boater License

At this time, the state does not require boaters to obtain a boating license. But there is a trend in other states toward formal licensing. For the latest on boater safety requirements consult the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.

AK Boater Safety Courses

Boating education is not yet required by law, but it’s never a bad idea to learn as much as you can about safe boating practices. For info on boater’s education, check out BoaterExam, or download a copy of the state’s Boater’s Handbook.

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