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How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in Pennsylvania

Updated on Fri, 6/3/2011

Most new boats must be registered through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) before they can be sailed.

VESSELS THAT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

  1. All powerboats operated by a gasoline, diesel or electric motor.
  2. Pleasure boats, like yachts, that are documented by the U.S. Coast Guard.
  3. Sailboats that use a gasoline, diesel or electric motor for auxiliary power.
  4. Unpowered boats that are used at PFBC lakes or access areas and at Pennsylvania state parks. (A Use/Launch Permit can also be obtained, instead of registering, to allow access to these lakes)
  5. Unpowered boats that are required to be registered by the owner.

VESSELS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

  1. Unpowered boats that are not used at PFBC lakes or access areas, or at Pennsylvania State parks.
  2. Unpowered boats that have a Use/Launch Permit for access to PFBC areas and State Parks.
  3. Unpowered boats that are not required to be registered by the owner.
  4. Boats registered in another state and not being used in Pennsylvania for more than 60 days.
  5. Surfboards or other unpowered swimming aids.
  6. Commercial vessels that fall under Federal manning and inspection requirements.

TO REGISTER IN PERSON

  • You can only obtain a temporary registration in person by visiting certain PFBC offices, a county treasurer's office or an approved Boat Registration Agent.
  • A temporary registration ("T-sticker") will allow you to use your boat while the permanent registration is being processed.
  • You must complete the boat registration application and provide proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, or out-of-state title.

TO REGISTER BY U.S. MAIL

To register your boat in Pennsylvania, the boat registration application, appropriate payment and proof of ownership should be mailed to: 
PA Fish & Boat Commission
Licensing & Registration Section
PO BOX 68900
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8900
Phone: (717)705-7940

FEES

Boat registration fees for a two-year period range from $18 to $52, depending on the size and type of the vessel. See here for a more detailed breakdown of the registration fees. In addition, vessels temporarily registered in Pennsylvania are subject to a $2 agent fee.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION