Amanda Knapp
Whether you need to register an aluminum boat depends on where you are. In some places, such as Alberta, Canada, you don't need to register your boat but you do need a Pleasure Craft Licence. In other places, like Alabama, you do need to register your boat. The requirements for boat registration also vary by location. For example, in Alabama, you need to register all motorized boats, including those with trolling motors. In California, you need to register boats with any kind of motor, including trolling motors, but boats that are powered by oars do not need to be registered.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hull Identification Number | Required by federal law for all vessels manufactured after 1972 |
| Registration | Required in Alabama, not required in Alberta |
| Registration Fee | Varies based on boat length and state |
| Title | Required for vessels constructed after December 31, 2023, and for vessels with an engine of 75 horsepower or greater |
| Bill of Sale | Required for registration, including details such as the year, make, model, price, motor details, and buyer/seller information |
| Proof of Ownership | Required for registration, especially for second-hand boats |
| Grace Period for Registration | Varies depending on the state and circumstances |
| Exemptions | Human-powered boats, boats with a valid temporary Certificate of Number, boats registered in other countries, and government-owned boats |
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What You'll Learn
Registration requirements for boats with trolling motors
The registration requirements for boats with trolling motors vary depending on the state or province. In California, for example, boats with trolling motors need to be registered and have CF numbers. The cost of registration in California is around $130 for an old 12' aluminum boat.
In Virginia, any boat with a powered motor, electric or gas, needs to be registered. However, boats with less than 10 horsepower may only need registration and not a license.
In Alberta, Canada, boats with motors of less than 10 horsepower are exempt from the requirement for a Pleasure Craft Licence. However, after a 90-day grace period, pleasure craft boaters are required to carry documentation with their name, address, and purchase date of the boat.
To register a boat with a trolling motor, you may need to provide proof of purchase or a bill of sale, the year of manufacture (which can be determined from the serial number), and specify the type of propulsion and fuel used. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state can provide specific requirements.
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Registration cost
The registration cost for an aluminum boat varies depending on the state and the type of boat. For example, in California, the cost to register an old 12' aluminum boat that hadn't been registered in 15 years was about $130. In contrast, a 14' aluminum boat in California costs only $22 to register. In Tennessee, the cost to register a boat is $35 for 2 or 3 years, and in North Carolina, a boat cannot be registered without a title.
Additionally, some states may have different requirements for registering a boat. For instance, in California, a boat with a trolling motor or any non-human means of propulsion must be registered, regardless of the size of the motor. On the other hand, a boat with oars that is not equipped with a motor may not need to be registered at all.
It's important to note that the registration process and requirements may vary from state to state, so it's always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities or websites for the specific requirements and costs in your state.
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Registration documents
Registering a boat is a requirement in some places, and in others, it is not. For example, in Alberta, boats do not need to be registered, but they do need to be licensed with a Pleasure Craft Licence. In Alabama, all boats must be registered.
The registration documents required depend on the location and type of boat. In Alabama, for example, the following documents are required to register a boat:
- A completed registration application form
- A Title Application (if a title is required for the boat)
- A Bill of Sale that includes the year, make, and model, price paid (including sales tax), motor serial number and horsepower, and the name, address, and signature of the buyer and seller
- The latest registration certificate in the seller's name (if bought from an individual in Alabama)
- A hull serial number, which is received after a Marine Police Division inspection (if the boat is homemade)
- Proof of inspection by the Marine Police (if the boat is homemade)
- A statement declaring that the boat is homemade, the cost to build it, the date of completion, the owner's address, and the owner's signature (if the boat is homemade)
In Alberta, the following documents are required to license a pleasure craft:
- A signed photocopy of the valid government-issued identification for the owner(s)
- A completed application
- Proof of ownership or a copy of the bill of sale (home-built boats without a bill of sale may submit a declaration under oath)
- A current, full-side view photo of the vessel
In some places, such as California, it is possible to register a boat without a bill of sale by bringing the boat and a document stating who gave it to you, and then filling out a new title form. The authorities will then check the VIN to verify.
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Registration transfer
If you are transferring the ownership of a boat, you will need to complete the application for a Pleasure Craft Licence. When completing the application, write "transfer ownership" in the field marked "application reason".
You will also need the following documents:
- Proof of ownership (or a copy of the bill of sale)
- A completed application form
- A signed photocopy of the valid government-issued identification for each owner (old and new)
- A current, full-side view photo of the boat
In Alabama, if you purchase a used boat that is currently registered in the state, you must apply for a transfer within 15 calendar days of purchase. You will need the following:
- A bill of sale that includes the seller's signature and a complete description of the vessel, including the HIN, year, make, model, and horsepower of the motor.
- The most recent registration certificate from the individual from whom you are purchasing the vessel.
In California, you can bring the bill of sale or a document stating who gave you the boat, fill out the new title form, and bring the boat with you for a VIN check.
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Registration renewal
The registration renewal process for an aluminium boat varies depending on the state or province. Here is a detailed guide on the registration renewal process for a few locations:
California
In California, registration renewal can be done by bringing the bill of sale or a document stating who gave the boat to you. You will also need to fill out a new title form and bring the boat for verification of the VIN#. The cost for registration renewal in California is around $130.
Tennessee and North Carolina
In Tennessee and North Carolina, registration renewal can be done at any location that sells fishing licenses. The cost of registration renewal in Tennessee is $35 for 2 or 3 years.
Alabama
Alabama boat owners can renew their boat registration online.
Florida
In Florida, boat registrations are renewed annually and expire at midnight on the owner's birthday. If there is more than one owner, the birthday of the first owner listed is considered. For company-owned boats, the expiration date is set as June 30th.
Alberta, Canada
In Alberta, boats with a motor of 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more need to be licensed with a Pleasure Craft Licence. This licence is valid for ten years and there is no charge to obtain it. However, a $250 fee is imposed if a vessel is caught operating without a valid licence.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you must register your boat in Alabama. You can do so by completing the "Application for Boat Registration, Transfer, Replacement and Duplicate" form and submitting it to your county license office.
No, boat registration is not necessary in Alberta. However, boats in Alberta are required to be licensed with a Pleasure Craft Licence.
It depends on the state. In Washington state, for example, any boat with a motor needs to be registered. In Pennsylvania, you need launch permits for anything that floats and isn't a registered boat to use public boat launches.
It depends. In California, for example, you don't need to register a boat if it's powered by oars only. However, if you add a trolling motor or any other non-human means of propulsion, you need to register it.
