Registering Your Old Aluminum Boat In Louisiana: What You Need

how to register an old aluminum boat louisiana

If you're looking to register an old aluminium boat in Louisiana, you'll need to register it with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). This applies to all motorized boats and non-motorized boats over 12 feet in length. You'll need to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale, and may also need to submit a completed Tax Payment Certification Form (R-1331) to verify that all state taxes have been paid. The registration process can be done online or in person, and you'll need to provide information such as the boat's make, model, length, hull material, and engine type. There is a fee for registering your boat, which varies depending on its length. Once registered, you'll need to display your registration numbers on both sides of the bow of the boat.

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What documents do you need to register a boat in Louisiana?

To register a boat in Louisiana, you must submit a completed Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application form, along with the relevant supporting documents and payment for any applicable fees. The base registration fee ranges from $36 to $99, depending on the length of your boat, but additional fees may apply.

The specific supporting documents you need to provide will depend on how you acquired your boat. If you purchased your boat new from a dealer, you must submit the following:

  • Original Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO)
  • Copy of the dealer invoice
  • Proof of Louisiana state and local taxes paid on the invoice, or a completed original Tax Payment Certification Form (R-1331) from the Louisiana Department of Revenue

If you purchased your boat from an individual who previously registered/titled the boat in another state, you must submit:

  • Title and registration documents
  • Bill of Sale of Boat/Motor

If you acquired your boat from a dealer in another state and it was previously titled or registered, you must submit:

  • Invoice from the dealer or a Bill of Sale of Boat/Motor
  • Title and/or registration documents
  • Proof of ownership from the titled/registered owner to the dealer

If you are registering an out-of-state boat in Louisiana for the first time, you may be required to submit a completed Tax Payment Certification Form (R-1331) from the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

If your boat does not have a Hull Identification Number (HIN) or has an incorrect HIN, it must be inspected by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and must be titled in addition to being registered. In this case, you must submit an Application for a Boat Inspection along with your completed registration application and provide receipts for building materials indicating taxes paid (for homemade boats) at the time of inspection.

For non-motorized houseboats, you must also complete and submit an Affidavit of Ownership of a Non-Motorized Houseboat and pictures of the houseboat.

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What is the process for registering a boat in Louisiana?

Step 1: Determine if your boat needs to be registered.

In Louisiana, all motorized boats must be registered with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). Additionally, if your boat is over 12 feet in length, you will need to register it, regardless of whether or not it has a motor. If your boat is smaller than 12 feet and doesn't have a motor, you may still choose to register it, but it is not required.

Non-motorized houseboats also require registration.

Step 2: Gather the necessary information.

Before you begin the registration process, you'll need to gather some important information about your boat. This includes the boat's make, model, and year, as well as the length, hull material, engine type, and hull identification number (HIN). The HIN can be found on the starboard-stern (back-right) corner of the boat. You'll also need to provide your contact information, including your name, address, and phone number.

Step 3: Complete the registration application.

To register your boat in Louisiana, you'll need to complete a Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application. This can be done online through the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' website, or in person at LDWF Headquarters in Baton Rouge, or by mail. The application will ask for the information you gathered in Step 2.

Step 4: Provide proof of ownership.

To prove that you are the rightful owner of the boat you're registering, you'll need to provide some form of documentation. This could include the boat's title, a bill of sale, or a notarized statement of ownership. If the boat has previously been registered in another state, you'll need to provide proof of registration.

Step 5: Pay the registration fees.

The cost of registering a boat in Louisiana varies depending on the length of the boat. You can pay the registration fees online by credit card or in person by check or money order when you submit your application.

Step 6: Display your registration numbers and decals.

Once you've completed the registration process, you'll receive a set of registration numbers that must be displayed on your boat. The numbers should be at least 3 inches tall and in a contrasting color to the boat's hull. They should be displayed on both sides of the bow of the boat and should be visible from at least 100 feet away.

Additional Information:

Boat registrations are valid for three years from the date they are issued. The expiration date is printed on your registration certificate. You must renew your boat registration within 60 days of the expiration date; you will receive a renewal notice in the mail. If you do not renew in time, your boat registration will be canceled.

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What are the fees for registering a boat in Louisiana?

The fees for registering a boat in Louisiana are based on the length of the vessel. For boats that are 15 feet, 11 inches or less, the registration fee is $22. For boats that are between 16 feet and 25 feet, 11 inches, the registration fee is $130. For boats that are between 26 and 39 feet, 11 inches, the registration fee is unknown, but likely to be higher than for smaller vessels. These fees are important as they fund the maintenance of marinas, boat ramps, and waterway clean-up efforts.

In addition to the standard registration fee, there are other costs to be aware of. Inspection fees of $25 are required for boats with no Hull Identification Number (HIN). If you are registering your boat by mail, you will need to pay for postage. If you are registering your boat in person, you can pay by cash, cashier’s check, personal check, money order, or credit card (with a 3% additional charge). There is also a $5 transfer fee if you are transferring ownership of your boat.

Boat registrations in Louisiana are valid for three years from the date they are issued. You must renew your registration within 60 days of the expiration date, and there is no late fee for late renewals. The renewal fee is the same as the registration fee. If you renew your registration online, you will be charged a handling fee in addition to the renewal fee.

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What are the rules for displaying registration numbers and decals on your boat?

Once your boat registration is processed, you will receive a registration certificate, a registration number, and two decals. You must keep the registration certificate on board the vessel at all times, preferably in a waterproof container in a safe but easily accessible place.

The registration number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the bow. The number must read from left to right and be in at least three-inch-high, plain BLOCK letters. The colour of the number must contrast with its background, and letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen equal in length to a letter. For example, LA 2791 GM or LA-2791-GM. No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.

The decals must be affixed on both sides of the vessel within six inches of the registration number.

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What should you do if you need to renew or transfer your boat registration in Louisiana?

If you need to renew or transfer your boat registration in Louisiana, there are a few steps you need to follow.

Renewing Your Boat Registration in Louisiana:

Firstly, it's important to note that boat registrations in Louisiana are valid for three years from the date they are issued. You will find the expiration date printed on your registration certificate. It is your responsibility to renew your boat registration within 60 days of the expiration date. If you do not renew in time, your boat registration will be canceled.

To renew your boat registration, you need to complete and submit a Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application. This application must include your current registration number. You can submit the application in person at the LDWF Headquarters in Baton Rouge during their business hours, which are 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can renew online, although you will be charged a handling fee in addition to your renewal fee. Finally, you can also renew by mail. Send your application to:

LDWF

Attn: Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application

PO Box 14796

Baton Rouge, LA 70898.

The renewal fees are the same as the initial registration fees, which are based on the length of your boat.

Transferring Your Boat Registration in Louisiana:

When you sell your boat, you must notify the LDWF within 15 days of the date of sale. The original registration numbers will be transferred to the new owner. To initiate the transfer, you need to complete and submit a Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application, which includes the current Louisiana registration number, along with original documentation demonstrating boat ownership.

In addition, you must submit a Bill of Sale of Boat/Motor. This document should include the registration number, Hull Identification Number, make and model year of the boat, and signatures of both the seller and purchaser.

If the boat has a title, you must surrender it. If the owner of the boat is deceased, you will need to submit the Judgment of Possession awarding the boat to an heir or heirs. If there is no succession, you must submit the Affidavit for Transfer of Decedent's Boat along with a copy of the death certificate. If the boat is sold by the heir(s), a Bill of Sale of Boat/Motor from them is required.

You can submit the transfer application in person at the LDWF Headquarters in Baton Rouge during their business hours, or by mail to the same address as above. There is a $5 transfer fee, in addition to the registration fee.

Frequently asked questions

To register an old aluminum boat in Louisiana, you must register with LDWF all motorized vessels/watercraft, including sailboats 12 feet or longer, used in Louisiana waters. You must also register non-motorized houseboats. You must title a boat or outboard motor (25 horsepower or more) that is financed or currently titled in another state when you’re registering it in Louisiana, a homemade boat, or a boat that has an incorrect hull identification number.

You will need the boat's make, model, and year, as well as the length, hull material, engine type, and hull identification number (HIN). The HIN can be found on the starboard-stern (back-right) corner of the boat. You'll also need to provide your contact information, including your name, address, and phone number. If you purchased your boat new from a dealer, you’ll also need a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, a dealer invoice, and proof of Louisiana state and local taxes paid on the boat. If you purchased your boat used and the boat was previously registered either in or outside of Louisiana, you’ll need the previous title and registration, along with a bill of sale for the boat or motor. If you already own your boat and are registering it for the first time in Louisiana, you will need to complete a Tax Payment Certification Form.

The cost of registering a boat in Louisiana varies depending on the length of the boat. Registration fees are based on the length of your boat; additional fees may apply.

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