Arizona boat registration is handled by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and you'll need to complete it before operating any motorized vessel on state waters.

The process involves submitting a registration form, proof of ownership, and a fee to the department. Most boat owners complete this through the mail or in person at a Game and Fish office. The registration is valid for one or three years, depending on which term you choose when you register.

You cannot legally operate a motorized boat in Arizona without current registration. Non-motorized vessels like canoes and sailboats under 16 feet do not require registration, but anything with a motor does. The registration process takes about two to three weeks by mail, so plan ahead if you're buying a boat for an upcoming trip.

Key Takeaways

  • All motorized boats in Arizona must be registered with the Arizona Game and Fish Department before you can use them on the water.
  • You'll need proof of ownership (a bill of sale or title), a completed registration form, and the registration fee, which varies by boat length and registration term.
  • Registration is valid for either one year or three years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Game and Fish office.
  • Processing takes about two to three weeks by mail, so submit your paperwork well before you plan to use the boat.

What documents you need to register

Start by gathering proof that you own the boat. If you bought it from a dealer or private seller, you'll have a bill of sale. If the boat came with a title (which some states issue and Arizona recognizes), bring that instead. The Game and Fish Department uses this document to confirm ownership and record the registration in your name.

You'll also need to complete the process for Boat Registration form, which the Arizona Game and Fish Department provides. You can read it from their website or pick up a copy at any Game and Fish office. The form asks for your name, address, the boat's description (length, manufacturer, hull color), and the hull identification number (HIN), which is stamped on the boat itself — usually on the transom or inside the cabin.

Bring a valid photo ID and proof of residency if you're registering in person. If you're mailing your registration, include a copy of your ID and a utility bill or lease agreement showing your current address. The department uses this to verify you live in Arizona.

Registration fees and how long they last

The fee depends on your boat's length and how long you want the registration to last. Boats under 16 feet cost less than boats 16 feet and longer. You can choose a one-year registration or a three-year registration. The three-year option costs more upfront but works out to a lower annual cost.

Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department directly or check their website for the current fee schedule, as fees change periodically. When you pay, you'll receive a registration number and decals. You must display the decals on both sides of the boat's hull, near the bow. The registration number itself must be painted or attached to the boat in a visible location.

Where to register your boat

You have three options: mail, in person, or online renewal if you're renewing an existing registration. For new registrations, mail is the most common route. Send your completed form, proof of ownership, proof of residency, and the fee to the Arizona Game and Fish Department at their Phoenix office. Include a check or money order — they do not accept credit cards by mail.

If you prefer to register in person, visit any Arizona Game and Fish office. The main office is in Phoenix, but there are regional offices throughout the state. Call ahead to confirm hours and to ask whether they have the forms in stock. Processing takes about two to three weeks by mail; in-person registration may be faster, but you should still expect to wait a few days for your decals to arrive by mail.

If you already have an active registration and it's time to renew, you can renew online through the Game and Fish Department website. This is faster than mailing and you'll receive your new decals within a week or two.

What happens after you register

Once the department processes your registration, they'll mail you a registration certificate and two decals. The certificate is proof of registration — keep it with you or at home. The decals go on the boat itself, one on each side of the hull. Without the decals visible, a Game and Fish officer can cite you for operating an unregistered vessel, even if your registration is current.

Your registration is valid from the date the department issues it. If you registered for one year, it expires exactly one year later. If you registered for three years, it expires three years later. You'll need to renew before the expiration date if you want to keep operating the boat legally.

Renewing your registration

Renewal is simpler than initial registration because you don't need to provide proof of ownership again. About 30 days before your registration expires, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes only a few minutes. You'll need your registration number and the renewal fee.

If you renew by mail, send your renewal notice (which the department mails to you before expiration), the fee, and a check or money order to the same Phoenix address. If you renew in person, bring your registration certificate and the fee to any Game and Fish office.

Transferring registration to a new owner

If you sell your boat, the new owner must register it in their name. The registration does not transfer automatically. The new owner will need to submit a new registration form with proof of ownership (the bill of sale from you) and their proof of residency. They should do this before operating the boat.

As the seller, you're not required to notify the Game and Fish Department, but it's a good idea to keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records. If the new owner doesn't register the boat and gets cited, the citation goes to them, not to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a canoe or kayak?

No. Non-motorized boats under 16 feet, including canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, do not require registration in Arizona. If your canoe or kayak has a motor attached, even a small electric motor, it must be registered.

What if my boat doesn't have a hull identification number?

Older boats or homemade boats may not have a HIN. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department before you register — they can issue a HIN or provide instructions for what information to submit instead. Do not attempt to create or alter a HIN yourself.

Can I register a boat I don't own yet?

No. You must own the boat and have proof of ownership before you register it. If you're buying a boat and want to use it when ready, complete the registration as soon as you have the bill of sale or title in hand.

What if I move out of Arizona?

If you move to another state, you'll need to register your boat in that state instead. Contact the new state's boating authority for their registration requirements. You can stop paying Arizona registration fees once you've registered elsewhere.

How do I replace lost or damaged registration decals?

Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department and request replacement decals. You'll need to provide your registration number. There is usually a small fee for replacements, and they'll mail the new decals to you within one to two weeks.