Boat Registration

Boats are divided into four (4) classes as follows:

Class I              $12.00 less than 16 feet

Class II            $16.00 16 feet to less than 26 feet

Class III           $31.00 26 feet to less than 40 feet

Class IV           $51.00 40 feet and above

Transfer Fee     $1.25

Replacement Decal       $ .75

The Alabama boat registration system is on a staggered basis.  The first letter of an individual’s last name determines the month of renewal.  The renewal months in which a vessel owner shall register his vessel(s) is indicated below:

            January  A,D                February  B                  March  C,E

            April     F,G,N              May     H, O                June     M, I

            July      P,L                   August J,K, R               September Q,S, T

            October U, V, W, X, Y, Z and all registered under company names, dealers and liveries

Transfer - $1.25

Applies to vessels with a current year registration but needs to be transferred into new owner’s name

If your vessel is brought into Alabama from another state, there will be no transfer fee charged, a new Alabama number will be issued.  Also, if previously registered in another state, surrender last state registration.  If the vessel has not ever been registered a bill of sale is needed.

When to Apply

There is a 72 hour grace period to obtain the registration of a new boat.

If you buy a used boat that is currently registered within this state, you must make application for transfer within 15 days. You will need the previous registration or the AL numbers.

If you buy a boat with an expired registration, you must currently register and transfer the boat before it is used.  There is no grace period for a used boat with an expired decal (registration).

What is required when you sell your boat

Provide new owner with the last registration certificate and a bill of sale(notarized or two witnesses).  Notify the Marine Police Division within 15 days when your boat is abandoned, lost, destroyed or stolen.

Select Forms to obtain a copy of a bill of sale for watercraft

What is required when you purchase a new or used boat

Bill of Sale - full description of the boat.  Dealers are required to itemize sales tax.

Current or expired boat registration (in-state or out-of-state)

Alabama does not require boat trailers to be licensed and does not have a title law on boats.

Sales Tax

Alabama law states that purchasers must pay sales tax on the purchase price of a boat.  A licensed dealer must provide a bill of sale with detail reporting of the amounts and rates of sales tax collected.  A bill of sale (fully describing the vessel)  to the buyer is required on sales by individual seller.

Additional information may be found by contacting Alabama Division of  Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries at the address below:

www.dcnr.state.al.us (Marine Police division)

Vessel Licenses

Persons 12 years and older operating watercraft must have an operators license.  Persons born prior to 4/28/1954 are exempt from written examination.  For more information regarding certification requirements exemptions, and restrictions contact Marine Police Division www.dcnr.state.al.us and click on Education

Department of Conservation and Marine Police Division

www.dcnr.state.al.us