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How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in Georgia

Updated on Fri, 6/3/2011

Most new boats must be registered through the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources before they can be sailed.

VESSELS THAT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

  1. Any powerboat
  2. Sailboats longer than 12 feet

VESSELS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

  1. Sailboats less than 12 feet in length
  2. Any boat that is propelled only by oars or paddles like canoes, rowboats, or kayaks
  3. Boats registered in another state, if they will not be used for more than 60 days in Georgia
  4. Boats that will be exclusively operated in private ponds.

TO REGISTER IN PERSON

  • You can register a boat in person by visiting your local Georgia Department of Natural Resources Office.
  • You must bring a completed boat registration application (available at the offices of Wildlife Resources Division of Department of Natural Resources or with boat dealers, hardware stores etc).
  • Your boat must have a Hull Identification Number for registration to proceed. If your boat is home made or if it doesn't have a HIN, you should first apply for one.
You will receive the certificate and decal by mail. Till that time you can operate your vessel using the temporary certificate you get with the registration form. For more details call Boat Registration Office at (800) 366-2661.

TO REGISTER BY U.S. MAIL

The filled-in boat registration application and fees can also be mailed to: 
Department of Natural Resources
Boat Registration Office
P.O. Box 105310
Atlanta, GA 30348-5310

TO REGISTER ONLINE

To register your boat online, just go to the DNR online registration site.

FEES

Boat registration fees vary, depending on the year of registration and whether the applicant is a State resident or not and on the size of the boat. See here for a more detailed breakdown of the registration fees In addition, vessels registered in Georgia are subject to property taxes in the county in which the vessel is stored or moored.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Both the vessel registration number and hull identification numbers must be clearly displayed on the vessel, according to Georgia requirements.
  • Commercial vessels of five net tons or more or 30 feet or more in length can optionally be registered with the U.S. Coast Guard. Call 1-800-799-8362 for additional information.
  • For additional information, see the Georgia Boating Regulations.