Disclaimer
  • Boat Registration and Licenses

    If you're adding a boat to your lifestyle, there's a strong chance that you will need to have it registered in your state. To simplify the process, we at The Unofficial DMV Guide have provided detailed information to help you keep your vessel legally afloat.
    Choose Your State

    We provide current information that is specific to your state, with special emphasis on where to register. For unlike cars, not every state's DMV handles boats. In many states, it is a parks division or a fish-and-game department that oversees boat registrations.

    The Unofficial DMV Guide tells you exactly what information to submit when registering your boat. We provide your state's downloadable application forms, when available, to spare you the inconvenience of having to drive around town trying to find them.

    But we don't stop there. Fees, most of which are determined by boat length, are also listed in absolute detail in our state-by-state guides. We even include renewal information and whether your state allows you to renew online (if it does, we'll take you there). You can also find careful instructions on how to affix your assigned registration number to your vessel.

    Don't feel like a boat without a rudder―read your state's boat registration guide from The Unofficial DMV Guide for smooth sailing.

    Choose Your State

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    Washington DC

    West Virginia

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