Boat Registration and Licenses in Georgia

What to Register

• Except for the exemptions listed below, all boats used on Georgia's waterways must be registered.

Exemptions

• Boats used strictly on private ponds or lakes.

• Sailboats Sailboats less than 12 ft.

• Rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and rubber rafts without mechanical propulsion.

Requirements and Procedures

Boats built after 1972 need to have a hull identification number (HIN) to be registered. If you have a post-1972 boat without a HIN, you may apply for one.

Call (800) 366-2661 with any registration questions you might have.

By Mail

To register by mail, you should:

1. Go to a Wildlife Resources Division office or to most marinas, hardware stores, sporting goods stores, or boat dealers to pick up a registration application.
2. Send the completed application and your registration fee (check or money order) to:


• Georgia Department of Natural Resources
• Boat Registration Office
• P.O. Box 934943
• Atlanta, GA 31193-4943


3. Be sure to tear off and keep the temporary certificate attached to the application form. You can use this until your registration and decals arrive.

Online

If you don't have a log-in account, create one, (it's free). Then follow the instructions given to complete your online application.

Fees

Your fee is determined by the length of your boat, as follows:

• Less than 16': (Class A): $15

• 16' to less than 26' (Class 1): $36

• 26' to less than 40' (Class 2): $90

• 40' or longer (Class 3): $150

Renewals and Replacements

Registrations are valid for three years. When it's time to renew, you have two options:

By Mail

Send your renewal application and renewal payment (check or money order) to the address listed on the form.

Online

Create a log-in account (it's free), if you don't have one. Then, follow the instructions given to complete your online renewal.

Replace Lost Registration

Receive a duplicate registration by:

1. Visiting a location that offers the replacement application form (such as marinas, hardware stores, sporting goods stores, or boat dealers).
2. Completing the form.
3. Mailing it along with your $1 fee to the address listed on the form.

Boater License

You may need a license to operate certain boats, depending on your age.

If you're 12 or 13 years old and want to drive a Class A (Less than 16 feet long) boat with a horsepower of 30 or less, by yourself, you must have a boater's license. Otherwise, an adult must be with you, or supervising you.

The same rules apply for operating a personal watercraft.

If you're 14 or 15 years old, you may operate any type of motor-powered boat or personal watercraft by yourself if you have a license. Otherwise, again, you'll need to be with an adult or have one directly supervising you.

To obtain a license, you'll need to pass a boating safety course.

Boater Safety Course

Approved online providers, such as BoaterExam.com, give boaters the option of fulfilling their licensing requirements on the Internet.

Or you can complete your safety course in person. Check your local Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Office for classroom information.

Hours and fees vary with the provider.

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