Boat Registration and Licenses in Arkansas

Arkansas Boats Requiring Registration

• Motor boats used on the state's public waterways.

• Sail boats for use on the state's public waterways.

AR Vessel Registration Exemptions

• Boats registered in another state that are going to be used on Arkansas waterways for fewer than fewer than 90 days.

• Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard are exempt.

• Any vessel not propelled by motor or sail.

AR Boat Registration Requirements and Procedures

You must apply for your registration within 30 working days of your purchase. Visit any State Revenue Office with:

1. Either a bill of sale or current registration.
2. Provide proof of liability insurance (if your vessel has an engine greater than 50 horsepower). Coverage must meet the state's $50,000 liability requirement and be with an insurance provider authorized to operate in Arkansas.
3. Have proof that your boat has been assessed (or is listed for assessment in the current year).
4. Bring proof that you've paid your personal property taxes (county tax collector receipt or payment stamp on your assessment papers).

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides information on how to exhibit the registration number and validation decals.

Be sure to keep the Certificate of Number card on board; it must be readily available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation.

Arkansas Boat Registration Fees

Registration fees vary with the size of the boat:

• Less than 16 ft.: $ 7.50

• 16 ft. to less than 26 ft. long: $15

• 26 ft. to less than 40 ft. long: $ 51

• 40 ft. and longer: $105

Boat Registration Renewals

Your registration is valid for three years. When it's time to renew you may:

Renew in Person

Renew your registration by following the application instructions outlined above. However, you will need the renewal notice or current registration certificate instead of the bill of sale. The fees are the same, too.

Renew by Mail

Send photocopies of the required application documents (mentioned above) along with a check or money order for the renewal fee to:

• Department of Finance and Administration

• Office of Motor Vehicle

• P.O. Box 3153

• Little Rock, AR 72203-3153

Allow at least 15 days to process your request. Make your check payable to the Department of Finance and Administration.

Replace a Lost Boat Registration

Replace a damaged or lost registration by following the original application instructions outlined above. Cost: $1.

Arkansas Boater License

While Arkansas doesn't issue a boater's license, it requires residents and non-residents to successfully complete a state-approved safety education course (see below for details) if you were born on or after January 1, 1986.

You can bypass this requirement, however, if you have a valid, approved education certificate issued by another state.

A person under 12 years of age may only operate a boat with a 10 horsepower or greater engine if:

• He or she has a boating education certificate.

• Is under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian or person 18 or older.

Boating Safety Courses

The Arkansas Boating Education course is available through classroom instruction. You can complete the course with an all-day Saturday class, or spread it over three or four days.

You can also fulfill your safety education requirements by signing up for Boat Arkansas. Choose either the Internet or DVD options.

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