Boat Registration and Licenses in Missouri

Boat Registration and Licenses in Missouri

If you recently acquired a boat, you may need to title and register it with the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR).

Continue reading this page to learn all about the process of registering and titling your boat AND the qualifications needed to operate vessels on MO state waters.

MO Vessels Requiring Title & Registration

The Missouri DOR requires ALL mechanically propelled vessels to be titled and registered, with the following exemptions:

  • Boats (any length) propelled by oars or paddles only.
  • Sailboats or sailboards less than 12 ft in length.
  • Ship lifeboat used only for that purpose.
  • Watercraft registered out-of-state being stored or used in Missouri for less than 60 consecutive days.
  • Vessels owned by foreign governments being used in Missouri for less than 60 consecutive days.
  • U.S. government-owned vessels.

Still not sure whether your boat requires a title and registration? Call the MO DOR's vessel titling and registration number at (573) 526-3669.

Boat Registration in Missouri

In Missouri, you need to title and register your boat within 60 days of purchase to avoid a $10 monthly penalty ($30 total maximum penalty). To do so, submit the following items at your local DOR motor vehicle office:

The MO Department of Revenue will assign your boat a certificate of title, registration number, decals, and registration card. When affixing your boat number to the vessel, refer to the DOR's instructions on correctly displaying the number.

Boat Titling & Registration Fees in MO

The fees associated with titling and registering your vessel with the Missouri Department of Revenue are as follows:

  • Initial/renewal boat registration (determined by the length of your vessel):
    • Less than 16 ft: $25.
    • 16 ft to 25 ft: $55.
    • 26 ft to 39 ft: $100.
    • 40 ft and longer: $150.
    • Additional processing fee for all registration transactions: $6.
  • Boat title: $7.50.
    • Title processing fee: $6.
    • Additional registration number processing fee: $6.
  • Replacement:
    • Registration decal OR card: $8.50.
      • Processing fee: $6.
    • Vessel title: $8.50.
      • Processing fee: $6.
  • Sales tax:

Renew Your Missouri Boat Registration

Your Missouri boat registration is valid for 3 years, and expires on June 30 of the final registration year. The MO Department of Revenue will mail you a renewal notice before the expiration date.

To renew your registration, begin by gathering:

Then, you can submit the items above:

If you still have questions regarding boat registration renewals, call the DOR's vessel title and registration line at (573) 526-3669.

Duplicate MO Boat Title & Registration

If your vessel's title or registration is lost or destroyed, you can easily request a duplicate from the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Replacement Boat Title

To request a replacement boat title, start by gathering the following:

Then, you can submit the above items to the DOR:

Vessel Registration Replacement

To receive a duplicate boat registration or decal, you'll need to submit:

Mail the above items to:

  • Motor Vehicle Bureau
  • P.O. Box 2046
  • Jefferson City, MO 65105

You'll receive a receipt once your application has been received; you can use the receipt as temporary registration while you wait for the DOR to mail your replacements.

Missouri Boater Requirements

If you were born after January 1, 1984, you must have a Missouri boater certification card to operate a motorized boat on the state's lakes. You'll need to enroll in a boater safety course AND pass an exam for certification.

You can complete the state's boating education requirement:

  • Online.
  • In the classroom.

For a complete list of approved classroom and online education providers, head over to the MO State Highway Patrol's Water Patrol Division safety education classes page.

Forms

2686
Application for Boat, Vessel or Outboard Motor Registration and Replacement Decal
Apply for an original, replacement, OR renewed MO registration for your boat OR outboard motor.
DOR-93
Application for Missouri Boat/Vessel or Outboard Motor Title and Registration
Apply to title AND register your boat OR outboard motor with the MO Department of Revenue.
DOR-4809
Notice of Lien, Lien Release, or Authorization to ADD/Remove Name from Title Form
Notify the Missouri DOR of a change (addition or removal) of a lien on your vehicle title. Must be notarized AND completed by the lienholder.
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