Colorado requires all motorized boats and sailboats over 12 feet to register with the Parks and Wildlife Division

Boat registration in Colorado is handled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), not by the Department of Motor Vehicles. You must register any boat with a motor, regardless of size, and any sailboat longer than 12 feet. Non-motorized boats under 12 feet — canoes, kayaks, rowboats — do not need registration. Registration is valid for three years from the date of issue.

The process involves submitting an process form, proof of ownership, and payment to CPW. You can register in person at a Parks and Wildlife office, by mail, or online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. The registration certificate and decal must be displayed on your boat before you use it on Colorado waters.

Registration costs vary based on boat length and type. A motorized boat under 16 feet costs less than one over 40 feet. Sailboats are priced separately. You can find the current fee schedule on the CPW website, as rates change periodically.

Key Takeaways

  • All motorized boats and sailboats over 12 feet must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before use.
  • Registration is valid for three years and requires a completed process, proof of ownership, and payment.
  • You can register online, by mail, or in person at a CPW office.
  • The registration decal must be displayed on your boat, and you should carry your registration certificate while operating the vessel.
  • Non-motorized boats under 12 feet do not require registration in Colorado.

What documents you need to register

To register a boat in Colorado, you need proof of ownership. If you purchased the boat new, bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin. If you bought it used, bring the signed title or bill of sale from the previous owner. If the boat was gifted to you, bring a bill of sale signed by the donor stating the transfer was a gift, or a notarized gift letter.

You also need the boat's hull identification number (HIN), which is permanently stamped on the hull. The HIN is usually located on the starboard (right) side of the boat near the top of the transom. If the boat is very old or was custom-built, it may not have a HIN — contact CPW to learn what documentation they will accept instead.

Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number or federal tax ID. If you are registering a boat owned by a business or trust, bring documentation showing your authority to register it on behalf of that entity.

How to register online, by mail, or in person

The fastest route is online registration through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. You will enter your boat information, upload images of your proof of ownership and HIN, and pay by credit card. The registration certificate is emailed to you, and the decal arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Online registration is open 24 hours and does not require a visit to an office.

If you prefer to register by mail, read the boat registration form from the CPW website, complete it, and mail it with copies of your proof of ownership and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date CPW receives your packet. Include a phone number so CPW can contact you if documents are missing or unclear.

In-person registration is available at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office during business hours. Bring your original documents, completed process form, and payment. Registration is processed on the spot, and you receive your certificate and decal when ready. Office hours and locations are listed on the CPW website.

Registration fees and what they cover

Colorado boat registration fees are based on boat length and motor type. A motorized boat under 16 feet costs significantly less than a boat 40 feet or longer. Sailboats are charged at a different rate than motorized vessels. Non-resident registrations cost more than resident registrations.

The registration fee covers three years of use. You do not renew annually; instead, you renew once every three years. CPW will mail you a renewal notice before your certificate expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as initial registration.

If you sell your boat, the registration does not transfer to the new owner. The new owner must register the boat in their own name. If you register a boat and then sell it before the three-year period ends, you cannot get a refund for the unused portion of the registration.

Where to display your registration decal and certificate

The registration decal is a sticker that must be affixed to your boat in a visible location. Most boat owners place it on the hull near the waterline or on the transom. The exact placement depends on your boat type — CPW provides instructions with your decal. The decal must be visible from the water and not obscured by covers, equipment, or other objects.

You must carry your registration certificate with you whenever you operate the boat. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers can stop and inspect your boat at any time, and you are required to show your certificate on demand. If you cannot produce it, you may be cited for operating an unregistered vessel, even if the boat is registered.

If your decal is damaged, faded, or lost, contact CPW to request a replacement. There is usually a small fee for a replacement decal. Do not operate the boat without a visible decal unless CPW has issued you a temporary permit while you wait for a replacement.

Registering a boat you own out of state or recently moved to Colorado

If you own a boat registered in another state and you move to Colorado, you have 90 days to register it with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. After 90 days, you cannot legally operate it on Colorado waters without a Colorado registration. Bring your out-of-state registration certificate and proof of ownership to complete the Colorado registration.

If you are a non-resident visiting Colorado with a boat registered in your home state, you do not need to register it in Colorado as long as your home state registration is current and valid. However, you must carry your home state registration certificate and comply with Colorado boating laws. If you plan to keep the boat in Colorado for more than 90 days, you must register it with CPW.

If you purchase a boat from out of state and have it shipped to Colorado, register it before you launch it. You cannot legally operate an unregistered boat on Colorado waters, even if it is newly purchased and the title transfer is still in process.

Special situations: transfers, name changes, and lost certificates

If you change your name, contact CPW with proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, or other legal document). They will issue a new certificate at no charge. If you move to a different address in Colorado, you can update your address online or by contacting CPW directly — you do not need to re-register the boat.

If your registration certificate is lost or destroyed, request a duplicate from CPW. Bring your boat's HIN and proof of ownership, or contact CPW by phone or mail with this information. A duplicate certificate costs less than a new registration and is issued quickly.

If you transfer ownership of your boat to another person, the new owner must register it in their name. You should notify CPW of the sale so your name is removed from the registration. The new owner cannot legally operate the boat until they have completed their own registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a kayak or canoe in Colorado?

No. Non-motorized boats under 12 feet, including kayaks, canoes, and rowboats, do not require registration. However, all occupants must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (life jacket) while on the water, regardless of whether the boat is registered.

What happens if I operate a boat without registration?

Operating an unregistered motorized boat or sailboat over 12 feet is a violation of Colorado law. You can be cited and fined. CPW officers patrol Colorado waters and check registrations during routine stops. Fines vary but can be substantial, and you may be required to remove the boat from the water.

Can I register a boat if I do not have a title?

If the boat is very old or was custom-built, it may not have a title. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife directly with details about the boat's history and origin. They can advise you on what documentation is acceptable and may require an affidavit of ownership or other proof.

How long does online registration take?

Online registration is processed when ready, and you receive your certificate by email. The physical decal arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can print a temporary decal from the website while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

What if my boat is damaged and I cannot display the decal?

Contact CPW before you operate the boat. They can issue a temporary permit that allows you to use the boat while repairs are underway. Once repairs are complete, you must display the decal again before launching.