Boat Registration and Licenses in Arizona

AZ Boats Requiring Registration

• Gas-powered boats.

• Any boat powered by an electric motor, regardless of size or type.

What Not to Register

You don't have to register boats that are exclusively powered by oar, paddle, or sail.

Boat Exemptions

• Motorized lifeboats used only for rescue operations.

• Boats used by U.S. Coast Guard.

• Visitors to Arizona using their boat for 90 days or less.

NOTE: Visiting boaters must have a current boat registration that adheres to the numbering system of your home state or the U.S. Coast Guard.

Arizona Boat Requirements and Procedures

When ownership of a boat changes, the new owner has 15 days to notify the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

AZ New Boat Registration

To register your new boat, simply:

1. Complete the application.
2. Round up the license and registration fees (see fees below).
3. A bill of sale. It must include: your name and the seller's; the vessel's length; hull ID number; the boat's manufacturer; the purchase price; amount of sales tax paid.
4. Manufacturer's Statement of Origin.
5. Take the above materials to the Arizona Game and Fish office to obtain your registration.

Used Boat Currently Registered in Arizona

1. Complete the application, or fill out the flip side of your current registration.
2. A bill of sale with your name and the seller's, the vessel's length, hull ID number, the boat's manufacturer, the purchase price and amount of sales tax paid.
3. You will also need the current registration slip with the previous owner's signature (indicating release of the vessel).
4. Don't forget payment for the registration, license, and transfer fees (see fees below).
5. Take the above documents to the Arizona Game and Fish office to obtain your new registration.

Used Boat Currently Registered in Another State

1. Complete the application.
2. Bring the title or registration from your previous state, if available.
3. Have the payment for your registration fees (see fees below) and license tax.
4. If you bought the vessel from a dealer, bring the bill of sale.
5. Take all the necessary paperwork to the Arizona Game and Fish office to obtain your new registration.

AZ Address Change

If you change addresses, you must notify the AZ Game and Fish office within 15 days.

Additional Note

If you just moved to Arizona, you can't use your boat until you've registered it here. You must register it within 90 days of the move.

When you obtain your registration, keep your certificate of number on board whenever your boat is in the water. Also attach your AZ number to the front half of your vessel on both sides along with your renewal decal.

Arizona Boat Registration Fees

Your fees depend on the length of your boat, and your residential status:

Residents

• 12' or less: $20

• 12'1" to 16': $22

• 16'1" to 20': $30

• 20'1" to 26': $35

• 26'1" to 39': $39

• 39'1" to 64': $44

• 64'1" and longer: $66

Non-Residents

• 12' or less: $100

• 12'1" to 16': $110

• 16'1" to 20': $222

• 20'1" to 26': $259

• 26'1" to 39': $292

• 39'1" to 64': $330

• 64'1" and longer: $495

In addition, there is a $4 fee to transfer a registration.

Renewals and Replacements

The Game and Fish Department mails renewal notices six weeks prior to the expiration date.

Registrations are valid for one year. However, the second year of registration will be for seven to 18 months as part of the state's "staggered registration" plan. Fees will be prorated accordingly, and you'll be notified of your boat registration's length, determined the last two digit's of your hull's number.

You may renew your registration by:

• Visiting a AZGFD office.

• Going online.

• Mailing it to the address shown on your registration renewal form (processing may take up to 30 days).

Replace a Lost Registration

1. Complete a Certification of Loss form.
2. Take it to a AZGFD office.
3. You may also mail it to:
   • Arizona Game and Fish Department
   • 5000 W. Carefree Highway
   • Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000

There is a $2 replacement registration fee. Decals cost another $2.

Arizona Boater License

At this time, the state does not require boaters to obtain a boating license.

For the latest on boater safety requirements consult the AZGFD watercraft section.

AZ Boater Safety Courses

Boating education is not required by the state, but it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about safe boating practices.

For info on boater’s education, check out BoaterExam.com, or download a copy of the state’s Laws and Regulations handbook.

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