Boat Registration and Licenses

What to Register

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

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

Exemptions

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

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

Requirements and Procedures

You must apply for your registration within 20 working days of your purchase. Here's how:

1. Find your bill of sale or current registration.
2. Provide proof of liability insurance (if your vessel has an engine greater than 50 horsepower).
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).
5. Go to any Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV) State Revenue Office with the above paperwork.
6. Keep the certificate of number card on board; it must be readily available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation.

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

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

Renewals and Replacements

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 Registration

Replace a damaged or lost registration by following the original application instructions outlined above. It costs $1 to receive a duplicate registration.

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 after December 31, 1985.

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

You must be at least 14 years old to drive a boat with a 10 horsepower or greater engine, by yourself. If you're younger than that, you'll need to take other precautions.

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.