Boat Registration

Like most western states, Wyoming is peppered with reservoirs of all shapes and sizes. These not only act as massive holding tubs for drinking water and lawn sprinkler systems, but they also serve as playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fly-fishing the majestic blue-ribbon rivers may get most of the press, but the skiff crowd will find plenty of places to drop a line for a trophy catch―or at least a good fish story.

But if you intend to lower any type of mechanical propulsion-powered vessel down a ramp and into the waters of a Wyoming lake or reservoir, it most likely will need to be licensed. This is true whether it's a pontoon, cruiser, raft, sailboat, or Jet Ski.

If you fail to obtain a license and still take the craft out onto the water, you are essentially breaking the law. If you're caught, you'll be issued a hefty citation.

Boats bearing another state's license and not moored in Wyoming for more than 90 consecutive days of the year are exempt from registration, as are government vessels.

Registering a Water Vessel

Unlike road-based motor vehicles, watercraft are under the domain of Wyoming Game and Fish department. Boats are placed into four categories, based on the measurement from bow to stern:

• Class A: This is for the small skiffs and rowboats that do not top 16 feet in length.

• Class B: Small to midsize crafts ranging from 16 feet to 26 feet in length.

• Class C: Midsize to megaboats measuring from 26 feet to 40 feet in length.

• Class D: If a boat is 40 feet or longer, then it fits into this class.

Regardless of boat size or class, the price of registration is the same: $15 for one year and $40 for three years.

In order to get the craft legal, you will need to be assigned a registration number. To obtain this number, you'll need a few things:

• A filled-out Wyoming Watercraft Application.

• Evidence of ownership. This can include a notarized bill of sale or an invoice from the dealer. If the boat is homemade, you can provide an notarized affidavit of ownership.

• Evidence of Wyoming sales or use tax, which will most likely be a receipt from the local county treasurer or department of revenue showing payment. You can also provide proof of sales tax payment from another state.

• Payment of the registration fees.

Mail all forms to:

• Wyoming Game and Fish Department

• Watercraft Section

• 5400 Bishop Blvd.

• Cheyenne, WY 82006-0001

It will take about 10 working days for the registration certificate to be issued.

Snowmobile Registration

Whether you love them or hate them, snowmobiles are as synonymous with Wyoming as the bucking bronco license plates bedecking the cars and trucks in the state. Of course, controversy follows the machines like the smoke contrail spewing out the back-end exhaust pipe.

The main issue of whether snowmobiles should be regulated or banned outright from the pristine trails of Yellowstone Park has traveled all the way to the White House, and is a prime wintertime topic for the media.

Regardless of which side of the political debate your opinion falls, snowmobiles are, at least for the moment, still indelibly etched into Wyoming's snow-covered seasons, and are extremely popular with tourists―Wyoming has 2,000 miles of groomed trails.

Like just about every other type of vehicle, snowmobiles need to be registered―but not with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). Instead, you will need to register the machines through the Wyoming Department of Parks and Cultural Resources. There are a few ways to go about doing this.

Web: Perhaps the easiest way to register is online. You must create an account, but once that process is completed, you can pay by credit card. A registration decal will be sent directly to your home.

Selling agents and mail: You can pick up a permit application at one of more than 175 selling agents peppered across the state. There is a good chance you purchased the snowmobile from one of these places, so you might have already picked up a form. Mail it to:

• Wyoming Department of Parks and Cultural Resources

• 2301 Central Ave.

• Cheyenne, WY 82002

Phone: Contact the Department Call Center at (877) 996-7275 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to order a permit by phone.

Once a registration decal is issued, it must be placed in plain sight on the snowmobile. Registration is valid for one year. You can view the basic rules of snowmobile registration online.

Fees

• Commercial snowmobile registration fee: $75

• Resident, private-use snowmobile registration/user fee: $25

• Nonresident snowmobile user fee: $25

Off-Road Vehicle Registration

Like snowmobiles, off-road vehicles (ORVs) are constantly on the political radar, especially for fans of nonmotorized activities. But Wyoming does its best to promote and allow for multi-use on certain trails.

These vehicles, which run the gamut from ATVs to dirt bikes, also have plenty of rules and regulations the owners need to take into consideration. The vehicles also need to be registered through the Wyoming Department of Parks and Cultural Resources.

You can register online or pick up a permit at one of the numerous state selling agents and mail in the document.

To order by phone, contact the Department Call Center at (877) 996-7275 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The fee is $15 (plus shipping fees if you order online). For any questions or further information, contact the department at (307) 777-6560.