How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in Alaska
Most new boats must be registered through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles before they can be sailed.
VESSELS THAT REQUIRE REGISTRATION
- Any powerboat (including boats using power as their secondary propelling source)
- Any boat used by sport fishing guides
VESSELS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION
- Boats registered in another state/country and not being used in Alaska for more than 90 days
- Any boat that is propelled only by oars or paddles, except those used by sport fishing guides.
- Any government owned boats
- A boat with a valid Certificate of Documentation from any country, including the US.
- A ship's lifeboat
- A seaplane
- Any passenger vessel that has gone through inspection
- Water toys or single air mattress/ inner tube
TO REGISTER IN PERSON
- You can register a boat only in person for the first time by visiting your local DMV office.
- You must bring a completed boat registration application and proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, previous registration, Carpenter's Certificate, out-of-state title or an Affidavit of Boat Ownership.
FEES
Boat registration fees in Alaska are fixed at $24 for powerboats and $10 for non-powered boats (the registration for these is optional) See here for a more detailed breakdown of the registration feesADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Both the vessel registration number and current decals must be clearly displayed on all powered vessels, according to Alaska requirements.
- For additional information, see the [http://www.dmv.com/redirect?url=http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/boating/pdf/AlaskaBoater'sHandbook082010.pdf Alaska Boater's Handbook ]
- Boat numbers are randomly generated by computer. Hence, no special numbers can be granted.
