Boat Permit Sticker Placement In Idaho: Where Does It Go?

If you're planning to take your boat out on Idaho's waters, you'll need to make sure it's properly registered and permitted. The requirements and regulations for boat permits in Idaho can vary, but one important consideration is the Invasive Species Sticker. This sticker is required for any motorized or non-motorized boat operating in Idaho and helps fund efforts to prevent the introduction of invasive aquatic species, such as quagga mussels, which can have detrimental effects on the state's waterways and native species. The sticker can be purchased online, at Idaho State Parks, or from specific vendors, and it must be visibly displayed on the boat. In addition to the Invasive Species Sticker, boat owners in Idaho also need to ensure that their registration number and validation stickers are properly displayed, with specific guidelines dictating their placement and appearance.

Invasive Species Sticker Placement

In Idaho, any watercraft coming from out of state that is not registered in Idaho is required to display an Invasive Species Fund (ISF) sticker. This includes all types of watercraft such as boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and rafts. The placement of the ISF sticker on your watercraft is important to ensure compliance with the state's regulations. Here are the guidelines for the placement of the ISF sticker:

• The ISF sticker must be visible on the watercraft. It should be placed within six inches of and in line with the registration number.
• The sticker can be affixed to either side of the registration number, either to the left or right.
• For non-rigid boats, such as inflatable rafts, the sticker can be slit with a knife and attached using a zip tie, plastic attachment, or similar mechanism.
• If you want to prevent the sticker from tearing when slitting it, you may want to consider adding a backing to it. Alternatively, you can laminate the sticker into a hang tag or attach it to a sturdy placard before affixing it to the vessel.
• The placement of the sticker should be such that it does not obstruct the visibility of the registration number.
• The registration number must be displayed on both sides of the bow, as high above the waterline as possible.
• The number must be in block letters, with a minimum height of three inches, and the colour must contrast sharply with the vessel's background.
• Letters and numbers must be separated by a space or hyphen equal to the width of the letter, for example, "ID 3717 ZW" or "ID-3717-ZW".
• Only one sticker is required per side of the vessel, and expired stickers should be removed or covered completely by the new sticker.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your ISF sticker is properly placed and visible on your watercraft when operating in Idaho. This contributes to the state's efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species, such as quagga mussels, which can have detrimental effects on the state's economy and natural environment.

Registration Number Display

The registration number and validation stickers must be displayed in a specific way on your boat. The number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise fixed to both sides of the bow, as high above the waterline as possible. The number must be readable from left to right and must be in block capitals with a minimum height of three inches. The colour of the number must stand out clearly against the vessel's background. Letters and numbers must be separated by a space or hyphen, for example, 'ID 3717 ZW' or 'ID-3717-ZW'. No other numbers can be shown on either side of the bow.

One validation sticker must be affixed to each side of the vessel, within six inches of the registration number and in line with it. It can be placed to either side of the number. If you are renewing your registration, make sure to remove or cover old stickers completely with the new sticker. Personal watercraft must display the certificate's number and a validation sticker on both sides of the bow, high above the waterline.

In addition to the registration number, any watercraft registered in Idaho or another state, as well as any non-motorized vessel (e.g. canoe, kayak, raft, etc.), must display an Invasive Species Fund (ISF) sticker. This sticker is included in the registration for boats registered in Idaho. For out-of-state boats, the fee is $30 for motorized vessels and $7 for non-motorized vessels. The ISF sticker can be purchased online, at any Idaho State Park, or from specific vendors.

Validation Sticker Placement

In the state of Idaho, the placement of validation stickers on boats is subject to specific requirements outlined by the state's Department of Parks and Recreation. The following guidelines ensure proper display and visibility of the validation stickers.

Firstly, the registration number must be displayed prominently on both sides of the bow of the boat. The number should be positioned as high above the waterline as possible, with the format being "ID 3717 ZW" or "ID-3717-ZW". The number must be in block letters, with a minimum height of three inches, and the colour must stand out against the vessel's background for clear visibility. No other numbers are permitted to be displayed on either side of the bow.

In terms of sticker placement, one validation sticker must be affixed to each side of the vessel, within six inches of, and in line with, the registration number. Stickers can be placed either to the left or right of the number. It is important to ensure that expired stickers are completely covered or removed before placing a new sticker. This ensures that only the current, valid sticker is visible.

For personal watercraft, such as jet skis or similar vessels, the validation sticker and certificate number must be displayed on both sides of the bow, again positioned high above the waterline.

Inflatable non-motorized vessels, such as rafts, have a specific instruction for sticker placement. The sticker can be carefully slit with a knife and then attached using a zip tie, plastic attachment, or similar method. Applying a backing to the sticker before slitting it can help prevent tearing. Alternatively, laminating the sticker into a hang tag or attaching it to a sturdy placard before affixing it to the vessel is also acceptable.

Boat Registration Process

The boat registration process in Idaho can be done online, in-person at vendors, or over the phone. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation handles the registration and permits for boats. The department has modernized its approach to recreational vehicle registrations through a web-based program, which offers more convenience and efficiency compared to the previous hand-written triplicate forms.

For first-time registrations, you can visit the official website of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation to register your boat online. You will need to create a new account and provide the necessary information about your boat. Alternatively, you can also visit any of the over 200 vendors across Idaho and other states, or go to some local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices. A full list of vendors and locations is available on the department's website.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email that serves as your temporary proof of registration. Within two weeks, you should receive your permanent sticker and registration document in the mail. If you do not receive your order within 30 days from the date of purchase, you should contact the department.

In addition to the standard registration, there are other requirements for displaying the registration number and validation stickers on your boat. The number must be displayed on both sides of the bow, as high above the waterline as possible, and must be in at least three-inch-high vertical block letters. The number's color must also contrast sharply with the vessel's background.

For non-motorized boats, such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts, an additional Invasive Species Sticker is required. This sticker can be purchased online, by mail, or at any Idaho State Park, regional service center, or selected retail locations. The fee for this sticker is $7 for non-motorized vessels and is valid for one year.

Where to Buy Boat Permits

If you're looking to buy a boat permit in Idaho, there are a few options available to you. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) is the main body responsible for issuing boat permits in the state. You can buy your permit online, in person, or over the phone.

Online

The IDPR website offers a convenient way to purchase or renew your boat registration. You will receive a confirmation email that serves as temporary proof of registration until your official registration document arrives in the mail. This is the most popular option, with most customers opting for the web option to renew or register their boats.

In-Person

If you prefer a more personal touch, you can visit one of the many retail vendors across Idaho that offer boat registration services. The IDPR has over 200 vendors in 100 communities across the state, so you're sure to find one nearby. A full list of vendors is available on the IDPR website. When purchasing in person, please note that not all vendors can provide a sticker at the time of purchase, but you will receive a receipt that allows you to use your boat immediately.

Over the Phone

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, you can simply call the IDPR at 1-888-922-6743 and a service representative will assist you with the transaction. Their phone lines are open seven days a week, Monday to Friday from 8 am to 7 pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, Mountain Standard Time.

What You Need to Register Your Boat

To register your boat, you will need to complete a boat registration application and provide your boat's title, as well as identification such as your driver's license or Social Security number. You will also need to pay the appropriate fees, which are based on the length of your vessel. Vessels 12 feet and under cost $30 to register, while vessels over 12 feet cost $30 plus $2 per additional foot. There is also a $1.50 vendor fee included in the total cost. These fees cover one calendar year, and all boat registrations expire on December 31.

So, whether you prefer the convenience of online registration or the personal touch of an in-person transaction, there are plenty of options available to purchase your boat permit in Idaho.

Frequently asked questions