Boat Registration and Licenses in Indiana

What to Register

• All motorized vessels, including personal watercraft and motorized sailboats.

Exemptions

• Lifeboats of a ship.

• Watercraft based in another country that are temporarily in the state.

• Non-resident boats currently registered in another state that haven't been in Indiana for more than 60 consecutive days.

Requirements and Procedures

Most boats need to be titled before they can be registered. Call (317) 232-2859 for information on titling your boat.

Once you have acquired your title, register your vessel by:

1. Providing title or some other proof of ownership.
2. Getting the registration fee.
3. Visiting any license agency.

Fees

Your registration fee depends on the length of your boat, as follows:

• Less than 13': $16

• 13' to 25': $18

• 26' to 39': $21

• 40' or longer: $26

Sales Tax

If you purchased your watercraft from an individual or an out-of-state dealer, you will need to pay a 7% Indiana sales tax. The purchase price of the watercraft and motor will be subject to the sales tax. Pay the tax at the license agency.

If you already paid the sales tax to an out-of-state dealer, and the tax was less than 7%, you will need to pay the difference while at the license agency. Indiana dealers collect the sales tax at the time of purchase, so you should not have to worry about further assessments.

Renewals and Replacements

Registrations are valid for one year. When its time for renewal, simply renew in person or through the mail:

Renew in Person

Take the registration renewal reminder letter you'll receive in the mail to any license agency and pay the renewal fee.

Renew by Mail

Follow the instructions given on your renewal reminder letter. Remember to include your fee payment.

Replace Lost Registration

To receive a duplicate registration, go to a license agency and bring your hull identification number (HIN) along with some form of identification, such as your driver's license or state ID card.

Duplicate registrations cost $1.

Boater License

You must be at least 15 years old to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on the state's public waterways. If, however, you're at least 15 but do not hold a driver's license, you must have an ID pass verifying that you completed a department-approved boater safety course. Beyond this, the state of Indiana doesn't issue boaters' licenses.

Boater Safety Courses

To fulfill your boater safety class requirement, you may complete a course online through an approved provider, such as BoaterExam.com. Course fees and hours will vary with the provider.

Even if the class is not required, the course should make you a better informed boater. You may even save money on your insurance.

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