Boat Registration and Licenses in Arizona

Before you take your boat out on AZ waters, you may have to register it with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). On this page, we'll help you with the details of original and renewed boat registrations.

AZ Boats Requiring Registration

In Arizona, you need to register:

  • Gas-powered boats.
  • Any vessel powered by an electric motor, regardless of size or type.

If you're unsure if your boat requires registration, call the AZGFD at (602) 942-3000.

Boat Registration Exemptions

The following types of vessels are not required to be registered in Arizona:

  • Motorized lifeboats used only for rescue operations.
  • Boats without motors.
  • Vessels used by U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Boats operating in the state for under 90 days.
    • 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 Registration Procedures

The process for registering your boat with the Arizona Game and Fish Department will differ depending on if you bought the boat new OR used.

Once you obtain your registration, keep your certificate of number on board whenever your boat is in the water. Also, be sure to attach or paint your AZ number on the front of your vessel (on both sides) along with your renewal decal.

AZ New Boat Registration

To register a new boat, head to your local AZGFD office with the following in hand:

Used Boat Registration

To register a recently-bought used boat, bring the following items to your local AZGFD office:

Arizona Boat Registration Fees

The fees for registering your boat with the Arizona Game and Fist Department are as follows:

  • Registration fees depend on the length of your boat and your residential status:
    • AZ residents with boats measuring:
      • 12 ft or less: $20.
      • 12 ft 1 in to 16 ft: $22.
      • 16 ft 1 in to 20 ft: $30.
      • 20 ft 1 in to 26 ft : $35.
      • 26 ft 1 in to 39 ft: $39.
      • 39 ft 1 in to 64 ft: $44.
      • 64 ft 1 in and over: $66.
    • Non-residents with boats measuring:
      • 12 ft: $100
      • 12 ft 1 in to 16 ft: $110.
      • 16 ft 1 in to 20 ft: $222.
      • 20 ft 1 in to 26 ft: $259.
      • 26 ft 1 in to 39 ft: $292.
      • 39 ft 1 in to 64 ft: $330.
      • 64 ft 1 in and over: $495.
  • Duplicate decal: $8.
  • Duplicate certificate of number: $8.
  • Registration renewal late fee: $5.

Renewals & Replacements

In Arizona, your boat's registration period could be between 7 and 18 months and is determined the last 2 digit's of your vessel's AZ number. The Game and Fish Department will send you a renewal notice by mail ahead of your boat registration's expiration date.

You can renew your boat registration by:

  • Completing the online form.
  • Taking your renewal notice and payment for the necessary fees in person to an AZGFD office.
  • Mailing the renewal form and applicable fees to the address shown on your registration renewal notice (processing may take up to 30 days).

If you have additional questions about renewing your boat registration, call the AZGFD at (602) 942-3000.

Replace a Lost Registration or Decals

If you lost your boat's registration or decals, you can request replacements by first gathering:

Then, you can:

  • Take the required items above in person to an AZGFD office.
    OR
  • Mail the items above to:
    • Game and Fish Department
    • 5000 W. Carefree Highway
    • Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000

Forms

1503
Application for Duplicate Certificate AND/OR Decal
Apply for duplicate boat registration AND/OR decals with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
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