Boat Registration and Licenses in Indiana

Indiana Boat Registration and Licenses

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) handles the registration and titling of all water crafts. On this page, we'll teach you how to title and register your boat AND outline the qualifications needed to operate watercraft on IN waters.

IN Vessels Requiring Title & Registration

All vessels operated on Indiana waters must be titled and registered, with the following exemptions:

• Non-motorized boats (except sailboats), such as:
  • Canoes.
  • Rowboats.
  • Paddle boats.
• Boats registered in another country temporarily being used in Indiana.
• Boats valued under $3,000 when it was new.
• Boats purchased before  January 1, 1986.
• Homemade boats.
• Ship lifeboats.
• Vessels moored/docked on the Indiana portion of Lake Michigan for up to 180 days.
• Non-resident boats currently registered in another state that haven't been in Indiana for more than 60 consecutive days.

If you're still unsure about whether your watercraft requires titling and registration, call the BMV at (888) 692-6841 for assistance.

Title & Register Your Boat in Indiana

You have 45 days from a vessel's purchase date to title and register it with the IN Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

PRIOR to submitting your title and registration application, make sure your boat has a hull identification number (HIN). If your vessel does not have a properly assigned HIN, you'll need to apply for a special identification number before titling and registering your boat.

You can then complete your vessel title and registration application by providing the following items at your local BMV office:

• A completed Application for Certificate of Watercraft Title (Form 38529).
• A proof of ownership document, such as:
  • The Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin.
  • The boat's properly assigned title.
• The acceptable documents to prove your:
  • Indiana residency.
    • As long as the address is correct, you may present your IN driver's license OR identification card in lieu of the residency documents listed in the acceptable documents brochure.
  • Social Security number.
• Documentation regarding payment of sales/use tax; if you:
  • Already paid sales tax: Certificate of Gross Retail or Use Tax Paid on the Purchase of a Motor Vehicle or Watercraft (Form 48842).
  • Are exempt from paying IN sales tax: Certificate of Gross Retail or Use Tax Exemption for the Purchase of a Motor Vehicle or Watercraft (Form 48841).
  • Haven't paid and aren't exempt from paying sales tax: You must provide payment for Indiana sales tax when you submit your application for a boat title and registration.
• Payment for all applicable vessel title and registration fees.

The BMV will mail your Indiana vessel documentation and registration decals. Refer to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles' registration requirements for instructions on how to properly display your boat number and decals.

IN Boat Title & Registration Fees

The fees you could have to pay when titling and registering watercraft with the BMV are as follows:

• Original/renewal registration (depends on the length of your boat):
  • 13 ft or less: $15.
  • 13 ft up to 26 ft: $18.
  • 26 ft up to 40 ft: $21.
  • 40 ft or longer: $24.
• Original, corrected, OR replacement title: $15.
• Duplicate registration: $9.50.
• IN Department of Natural Resources annual fee.
• Watercraft excise tax: Depends on your vessel's class and age—refer to the BMV's excise tax chart for specifics.
• Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) fee: Varies according to your boat's excise class—see the LARE fee chart for details.
• Sales tax:
  
  • State: 7% of the purchase price.
  • Local: Varies from IN county to county.

Title & Registration Renewals & Replacements

Indiana boat registrations expire annually on a staggered basis; the date you're required to renew is determined by your last name. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will send you a renewal notice prior to your registration's expiration.

You can renew your IN boat registration by providing information about your vessel AND the appropriate renewal fees:

• Online using the BMV's renewal portal (you'll need to create a myBMV account).
• By mail to the address listed on your renewal notice.
  
• In person at your local BMV office branch (bring your renewal notice with you).

Replace Lost Title or Registration

If your boat's title or registration is damaged or lost, you can request a duplicate online OR at your local BMV office by providing:

• Your personal identification information (e.g. driver's license or state ID card).
• Your boat's hull identification number.
• The applicable fees for a replacement title/registration.

Indiana Boater Qualifications

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires anyone operating a motorized boat with more than 10 horsepower to be at least 15 years old AND hold an Indiana driver's license UNLESS you're:

• At least 15 years old and:
  • Have completed a boating education course.
    AND
  • Hold a valid IN identification card.
• At least 21 years old and have a state ID card that was issued before January 1, 1996.

Head over to the DNR's boating education and safety page for more on approved boater education providers.