Boat Registration and Licenses in Kentucky

What to Register

• All mechanically-powered vessels used on the state's waterways.

Exemptions

• Vessel currently registered in another state being used in Kentucky for less than 60 consecutive days.

• A ship's lifeboat being used strictly for that purpose.

Requirements and Procedures

Register your newly acquired boat in person by:

1. Completing the boat registration.
2. Locating you Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin or bill of sale.
3. Providing your social security number.
4. Supplying the requisite fee.
5. Traveling to your local county clerk's office. You can also register your boat in the county that you will most often use it.

Keep your registration on board whenever you're operating your vessel.

Fees

Registration fees are determined by the length and type of vessel:

• Class A (less than 16' in length): $15

• Class 1 (16' to less than 26'): $19

• Class 2 (26' to less than 40'): $25

• Class 3 (longer than 40'): $29

• Inboard boats (all sizes): $30

• Boats with an electric (or trolling) motor only: $5

Other fees, such as your property tax, title fee, and clerk's fee may also apply.

Renewals and Replacements

All registrations expire on April 30 of each year. You should receive a renewal notice about a month before the expiration date.

Renew In Person

Go to the appropriate county clerk's office with your original registration, Social Security number, and fee payment.

Renew By Mail

Send your original registration along with your payment to the address listed. Also include a $2 postage and handling fee; your registration should be returned to you within a few days.

If your registration lapses, you must renew your registration in person.

Replace Lost Registration

Receive a duplicate registration by going to your county clerk's office and paying the $6 fee. Bring some sort of personal identification with you.

Kentucky Boater License

To operate a motorized vessel with more than 10 horsepower unsupervised, if you are between the ages of 12 and 17, you must have a boater education certificate. Without the certificate, an adult 18 or older, or someone with the education certificate must be on board with you.

Obtain the certificate by completing a state-approved boater safety course.

KY Boater Safety Course

You may go online and fulfill your education requirement by completing the class through a state-approved provider, such as BoaterExam.com.

Or, you can take a six-hour class given by the state in a classroom setting to receive your certificate.

Be sure to carry the boater education card with you whenever you're operating a vessel.

Even if you aren't required to take a safety class, you may benefit from doing so. Learn more about boating safety, and potentially reduce your insurance rates.

Call (800) 858-1549 for more information on boater education courses and requirements.

MORE BOATING RESOURCES

• National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
• Kentucky Fish and Wildlife
• American Sailing Association
• American Watercraft Association

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