Boat Registration and Licenses in Mississippi

What to Register

• Motorized vessels using the state's public waterways.

Exemptions

• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Requirements and Procedures

You may register your new or used boat by:

1. Completing the registration form. If you can't download the form, grab one from any county tax collector's office, any Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks office, or from most places where boats are sold.
2. Locating a copy of a notarized/witnessed Bill of Sale or dealer's invoice.
3. Providing proof of paid Mississippi sales tax (if vessel bought from out-of-state dealer).
4. Supplying the necessary fee (check or money order).
5. Mailing everything to:
• Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
• Boating Division
• 1505 Eastover Drive
• Jackson, MS 39211-6374.
6. Keep your registration card on board. The state provides information on where to display the registration numbering system on its Registration FAQ page.

Don't forget to tear off the temporary registration tab for use as a temporary registration.

Fees

Registration fees vary depending on the size of the boat:

• Less than 16': $10.20

• 16' to less than 26': $25.20

• 26' and longer: $47.70

Renewals and Replacements

Your registration is valid for three years. You should receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days prior to expiration date.

You may renew in person, by mail, phone, or online. Here's how:

Renew in Person

Take a completed renewal form (with the renewal box checked) or your renewal card, along with the necessary fee, to any authorized registration agent.

Renew By Phone

1. Call (800) 5GO-HUNT any time to renew by phone.
2. Pay by Visa, MasterCard, American Express,or Discover credit and debit cards. Have your renewal card ready.
3. Allow about two weeks for the processing and mailing of your renewal materials.

Renew Online

1. Visit the renewal site and enter your registration number and hull identification number (HIN) or serial number. If you don't have this information, you can't renew online.
2. Follow the online instructions and complete the renewal process.
3. Pay with your MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover or debit card.
4. You will receive your renewal materials in about two weeks.

Renew By Mail

Send your renewal form or completed application, with the renewal box checked, along with the requisite fee to:

• Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

• Boating Division

• 1505 Eastover Drive

• Jackson, MS 39211-6374

Allow two weeks for the processing of your renewal materials.

Replace Lost Registration

Obtain a replacement registration by visiting wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, or by calling (800) 546-4868. Cost: $7.70.

Boater License

If you were born after June 30, 1980, you must have a boating license to operate a powered vessel on Mississippi's public waterways.

Obtain a boating license by completing a state-approved safety class.

Boater Safety Courses

You can also take an online courses through approved providers such as BoaterExam.com. Fees vary with the provider.

Or fulfill your education requirement by completing a six-hour classroom safety course given by the state.

Call (601) 432-2181 or write to the following address for dates and location information:

• Boating Enforcement

• P. O. Box 451

• Jackson, MS 39205-0451

Even if you're not required to take a class, doing so will allow you to become a safer boater, while possibly reducing your insurance rates in the process.

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