Dnr Launch Sticker Placement On Indiana Boats

where to put dnr launch sticker on boat in Indiana

If you're planning to take your boat out on the water in Indiana, there are a few things you need to know about permits and stickers. All watercraft operating on Indiana waterways must be registered with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and display valid watercraft decals unless they are exempt. This includes motorized and non-motorized vessels. In addition, an annual lake permit is required for privately-owned boats and seaplanes using or mooring at state parks, state-managed lakes, state forests, and Division of Outdoor Recreation lakes. So, where exactly do you put these stickers on your boat? Well, the BMV issues a certificate of registration, a registration number, and two decals for each watercraft registration. The registration number must be displayed on each side of the bow of the watercraft, and the decals, which contain the registration number and expiration date, must be affixed to the bow of each side of the watercraft, within three inches to the right of the registration number. For boats that require a lake permit, this should be placed on the left front side (port side) of the boat, not on the boat windshield.

Characteristics Values
Where to put the DNR launch sticker on a boat in Indiana Left front side (port side) of the boat
Colour of the DNR launch sticker Single colour
Size of the DNR launch sticker 3-inch-high BLOCK letters
DNR launch sticker legibility Clearly legible from a distance of 100 feet
DNR launch sticker positioning Not on the boat windshield

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Indiana DNR launch sticker placement instructions

The Indiana DNR launch sticker, also known as a lake permit, must be placed on the left front side (port side) of your boat. Do not place the sticker on the boat windshield. This is because when your boat is stopped by an Indiana Conservation Officer, they will be looking for the permit on the boat's left (port) front side.

The back of the permit provides instructions and an illustration for placement. The permit must be clearly visible and should not be covered or obscured in any way.

In addition to the DNR launch sticker, there are other requirements for displaying registration and excise tax decals on your boat. These decals are provided by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) when you register your boat.

The registration number must be displayed on both sides of the bow of the boat. It should be painted on or permanently attached, with BLOCK letters that are at least three inches high and of a single colour that contrasts sharply with the colour of your boat. The letters and numbers must be separated by a space or a hyphen, for example, "IN 2234 AB" or "IN-2234-AB".

The excise tax decals must be affixed on both sides of the bow, within three inches to the right of the registration number. These decals must also be clearly visible and should not be covered or obscured.

It is important to note that these requirements are in place to ensure that your boat is properly registered and identifiable while operating on Indiana waterways. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines or other penalties.

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Indiana boat registration requirements

To register a boat in Indiana, you must apply to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). You will need to provide proof of ownership. If you do not have a certificate of title, you can complete a Watercraft Ownership Affidavit (State Form 55100). Once your boat is registered, you will receive a Certificate of Registration, a registration number, and two decals. The certificate must be kept on board and be available for inspection by a law enforcement officer whenever the vessel is in operation.

The registration number must be displayed on each side of the bow of the boat and be clearly visible and legible from a distance of 100 feet. The decals must be affixed to the bow of each side of the boat, within three inches to the right of the registration number.

In addition to registering your boat, you must also pay a boat excise tax if your boat is a motorboat or sailboat that is used, operated, docked, or stored in Indiana. This tax is paid annually and will grant you two excise tax decals that must be displayed on the vessel.

There are some exemptions to the requirement to register a boat in Indiana. These include:

  • Non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks, and rowboats.
  • Vessels that are properly registered in another state and are using Indiana waters for a maximum of 60 consecutive days, or the owner has paid the Indiana excise tax.
  • Vessels from another country that are temporarily operated on Indiana waters.
  • Vessels moored on the Indiana part of Lake Michigan for a maximum of 180 consecutive days.

If you have a privately-owned boat that you plan to use on state park, state-managed lake, state forest, or Division of Outdoor Recreation lake, you will also need to purchase an annual lake permit. This is required for all watercraft moored at marinas, private docks, group docks, or bank ties. The permit must be placed on the left front side (port side) of the boat.

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Indiana boat excise tax

In Indiana, boat owners are required to pay an annual boat excise tax. This tax is paid to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and is based on the watercraft's class and age. The class of a watercraft is determined by the price set by the manufacturer when the boat was new. The age of a watercraft is counted from the manufacturer's model year.

The boat excise tax must be paid for vessels registered in another state if they are used, operated, docked, or stored in Indiana for 22 or more consecutive days. Vessels exempt from registration in Indiana include non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks, and rowboats; vessels that are properly registered in another state and are using Indiana waters for a maximum of 60 consecutive days; and vessels from another country that are temporarily operated on Indiana waters.

The BMV provides a certificate of registration, a registration number, and two decals for each watercraft registration. The registration number must be displayed on each side of the bow of the watercraft and be clearly legible from a distance of 100 feet. The decals contain the watercraft's registration number and expiration date and must be affixed to the bow of each side of the watercraft, within three inches to the right of the registration number.

In addition to the boat excise tax, there are other fees associated with boat ownership in Indiana. For example, a watercraft registration fee is charged when a boat is registered for the first time and each time it changes ownership. There is also an annual watercraft registration renewal fee, which is determined by the Excise Class of the watercraft.

For those who keep their boats in storage rather than using them on the waterways, there is a flat boat excise tax of $12. To qualify for this tax, boat owners must present a copy of the storage contract or receipt, which includes a description of the watercraft.

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Indiana watercraft registration

Firstly, it's important to note that not all watercraft need to be registered. Non-motorized watercraft, such as canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, are exempt from registration. Additionally, vessels registered in another state can operate in Indiana waters for up to 60 consecutive days without registration, as long as the owner has paid the required excise tax. Vessels from another country can also operate temporarily without registration.

For motorized vessels, registration is mandatory. To register a boat in Indiana, you must submit an application to the BMV. This can be done online or at any BMV branch. The registration requirements include providing proof of ownership, which can be in the form of a certificate of title or a completed Watercraft Ownership Affidavit (State Form 55100) if the watercraft is not required to be titled.

Upon registration, the BMV will issue a Certificate of Registration, a registration number, and two decals for the watercraft. The certificate must be kept with the watercraft at all times and made available for inspection by law enforcement when the vessel is in operation. The registration number must be displayed on each side of the bow of the watercraft and be clearly legible. The decals, which include the registration number and expiration date, should be affixed within three inches to the right of the registration number.

In addition to the BMV registration, all privately-owned boats operating on state park, state forest, or reservoir lakes in Indiana must also display a valid lake permit. These permits are available from the Department of Natural Resources and can be purchased online or at property offices and entrance gates of state parks, reservoirs, and forests. The permit must be placed on the left front side (port side) of the boat, as per the instructions provided.

Boat owners should also be aware of the excise tax, which is an annual requirement for motorboat and sailboat owners in Indiana. The excise tax decals must be displayed on the vessel and will be valid for one year.

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Indiana boating license

To operate a motorized vessel on Indiana waters, it must be registered and display valid watercraft decals. Non-motorized vessels must also display valid watercraft decals and pay any applicable taxes and fees. The only vessels exempt from registration in Indiana are non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, and vessels that are properly registered in another state.

To register a boat in Indiana, you must submit a registration application to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Once a vessel is registered, the owner will receive a Certificate of Registration that must be kept on board and available for inspection by a law enforcement officer whenever the vessel is in operation. The BMV must be notified in writing within 30 days if the owner changes address, and if the boat is sold, destroyed, or stolen, the BMV must be notified within 15 days. Registration fees are charged only when a vessel is purchased.

Owners of motorboats and sailboats used, operated, docked, or stored in Indiana are required to pay an annual boat excise tax. Owners will receive two excise tax decals that must be displayed on the vessel.

In Indiana, any vessel that requires registration must also have a certificate of title. However, vessels acquired before January 1, 1986, vessels less than $3,000 in value when new, and home-built vessels for personal use and not for resale are exempt from this requirement.

To display your Indiana boat registration number and decals correctly, follow these guidelines:

  • The registration number must be painted on or permanently attached to each side of the bow.
  • Use BLOCK letters at least three inches high in a solid color that contrasts sharply with your boat's color.
  • Ensure the number is clearly legible from a distance of 100 feet.
  • The number should be read from left to right, with letters and numbers separated by a space or hyphen (e.g., IN 2234 AB or IN-2234-AB).
  • Excise decals must be displayed on both sides of the boat, within three inches, and to the right of the registration number.
  • Remove any expired decals.

In addition to registration, all privately-owned vessels on state park, state forest, or reservoir lakes in Indiana must display a valid lake permit. These permits are required for personal watercraft, motorboats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, rowboats, and all watercraft moored at marinas, private docks, group docks, or bank ties. Permits are available for purchase online, at property offices and entrance gates of state parks, reservoirs, and forests, and from the DNR Customer Service Center. The cost of the permit is $20 per motorized watercraft and $5 per non-motorized watercraft.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends all boaters, regardless of age, take a boating safety class. While Indiana does not have specific education requirements for adults, there are age restrictions for vessel and PWC operation. All motorboat and PWC operators must have a valid driver's license to operate on Indiana public waters. Operators aged 15 may operate these craft until they become licensed drivers if they have completed an IN DNR-approved boater safety education program and have proof of completion during operation. Additionally, anyone who has never been licensed by the BMV must complete an INDNR-approved boater safety education program and have a BMV-issued ID card on board.

To obtain an Indiana Boating License, you can take an online boating safety course approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. One such course is provided by Boat-Ed.com, which offers a state-approved course for $44.95. After passing the final exam, you can immediately print a temporary boating license. Another option is the BoatUS Foundation's Online Course, which is the only free course approved by the Indiana DNR. Upon completion, you will be issued a printable certificate that you can use immediately.

Frequently asked questions

The DNR launch sticker should be placed on the left front side (port side) of the boat. Do not place the sticker on the boat windshield.

The registration number must be painted on or affixed to both sides of the bow. The number must be in BLOCK letters, with letters separated from the numbers by a two-inch space. The number must be clearly legible from a distance of 100 feet and be in a single, sharp contrast colour. Excise tax decals must be affixed to both sides of the bow, within three inches to the right of the registration number.

DNR launch stickers can be purchased at DNR properties, the DNR Customer Service Center in Indianapolis, or online at Mother Nature's Mercantile.

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