What to Register

All motorboats and any sailboat that is more than 12 feet in length.

What Not to Regsiter

• Non-motorized canoes.

• Non-motorized kayaks.

• Non-motorized rowboats.

• Non-motorized sailboat that's 12 feet or less in length.

Exemptions

• Any boat from another country that is temporarily in Wisconsin.

• A ship's lifeboat.

• Any type of military boat.

• Any boat registered with a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band.

• Any boat in Wisconsin for a race for no more than 10 days.

• Any boat registered in another state and using Wisconsin waters for no more than 60 consecutive days.

Requirements and Procedures

Titles

Any boat more than 16 feet in length must be titled. Detailed titling instructions can be found on the Boat Registration and Application.

Registrations

Boat registrations are handled by Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

1. Complete a Boat Registration and Application.
2. Photocopy the application before mailing. This will serve as your temporary registration until your new one arrives in the mail.
3. Mail application with all applicable fees to the address on the application.

Fees

Fees are based on a boat's length, type, and whether it was obtained through a dealer, a private party or a transfer.

Renewals and Replacements

Registrations are valid for three years, beginning April 1 and expiring March 31.

Renew Online

Renew online using either Visa or MasterCard.

Renew by Mail

Complete a Boat Registration and Titling Application and mail to:

Registration Processing Center
P.O. Box 78701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53278

Renew in Person

Drop off a completed Boat Registration and Titling Application at any DNR location.

Replace Lost Registration

Visit any DNR location. Be sure to have your driver's license for identification purposes. Cost: $2.50

Boater License

A boating safety course certificate is required for all boat operators born on or after January 1, 1989, and are at least 16 years old.

Boater Safety Courses

• Recreational safety courses are offered throughout the state, generally during March, April, May and June. Before attending, first get a DNR Customer ID Number by calling (888) 936-7463 or visiting any DNR location.

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