Boat Registration

In Alabama, all mechanically propelled vessels, sailboats, and boats for hire must be registered, but there are a few exceptions to this law:

• A vessel operating under a temporary number.

• A vessel already covered by a number in full force, such as that of another state, provided the vessel has not been in Alabama more than 90 days.

• A vessel temporarily using Alabama waters that is under registry from another country.

• A vessel owned by the United States, a single state, a county, or a municipality.

• A ship's lifeboat.

• A vessel not propelled by machinery except for sailboats and rental boats.

Alabama does not require boat trailers to be licensed and does not have a title law on boats.

Know Your Boat

It is important to know the length of your boat so you can register and insure it correctly. Measure in a straight line from the very tip of the bow (front of boat) to the end of the stern (back of boat). Rudders, outboard motors, and other attachments are not to be measured. From this length, boats are divided into four classes:

• Class I―Less than 16 feet long

• Class II―16 feet to less than 26 feet long

• Class III―26 feet to less than 40 feet long

• Class IV―40 feet and above

The cost of registering your boat will be determined by the size, with Class I fees set at $11 plus a $1 issuance fee; Class IV fees are $50 plus the $1 issuance fee. Transfer and duplicate fees are extra.

You may register, renew, or transfer ownership of your boat at your local probate judge's office or the license commissioner. There is a 72-hour grace period on the purchase of a new boat; used boats don't have a grace period.

The registration system for boats is set up on a staggered basis, the same as for vehicles. The first letter of the owner's last name determines what month the registration is renewed. The renewal months are:

• January―A, D

• February―B

• March―C, E

• April―F, G, N

• May―H, O

• June―M, I

• July―P, L

• August―J, K, R

• September―Q, S, T

• October―U, V, W, X, Y, Z, and all boats registered under company names. Also, all dealers and liveries.

Selling Your Boat

You have 15 days to notify the Marine Police Division when you sell your boat, giving them the name and address of the new owner and the boat's registration number.

You must provide the new owner with the last registration certificate and a bill of sale documenting their purchase.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers more information about registering your boat, boating rules and regulations, boating certification and education, and more.

PROTECT YOUR BOAT

• Record all serial numbers associated with your boat: motor, model number, depth finder, trailer, and so forth.
• Never leave the registration certificate on the boat unless you're using the boat.
• Don't leave your keys in the boat.
• Keep the boat trailer chained and locked.
• Contact the Alabama Marine Police at (334) 242-3673 and the regular police if your boat is stolen.