Mississippi boat registration is handled by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, and the process depends on whether your boat is new, used, or imported from another state.

All motorized boats and sailboats over a certain size must be registered in Mississippi before you can legally operate them on state waters. Registration is not optional — operating an unregistered boat can result in fines and the boat being impounded. The process itself is straightforward and takes place at your county tax assessor's office or through the Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks office, depending on your situation.

The cost and timeline vary based on the boat's age, value, and whether you are registering it for the first time in Mississippi or transferring an existing registration. Most registrations are valid for three years from the date of issue.

Key Takeaways

  • All motorized boats and sailboats over 14 feet must be registered with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks before operating them on state waters.
  • You will need the boat's hull identification number (HIN), proof of ownership, and proof of payment of sales tax or an exemption certificate to complete registration.
  • Registration takes place at your county tax assessor's office, and the process typically takes a few days to a few weeks depending on whether the boat is new or used.
  • Mississippi boat registrations are valid for three years, and you will receive a registration certificate and decals to display on the boat.

What boats must be registered in Mississippi

Any boat with a motor — including outboard motors, jet skis, and airboats — must be registered. Sailboats 14 feet or longer also require registration. Canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized boats under 14 feet do not need to be registered, though you may still need to follow other boating safety rules.

If you own a boat that was previously registered in another state, you must register it in Mississippi within 30 days of bringing it into the state. This applies even if the boat still has a valid registration from its previous state.

Documents you will need to bring

Before you go to the tax assessor's office, gather the boat's hull identification number (HIN). This is a unique 12-character code stamped into the boat's hull, usually on the starboard (right) side near the top. You will also need proof of ownership — typically the bill of sale, title, or previous registration certificate.

Bring proof that sales tax has been paid on the boat, or a certificate of exemption if the boat qualifies for one. If you purchased the boat from a dealer, they may have already handled this. If you bought it privately, you may need to show a receipt or bill of sale with the purchase price. Bring your driver's license or other government-issued photo ID as well.

If the boat is being registered in someone else's name, bring written authorization from the owner or a power of attorney document.

How to register a new boat

If you purchased a new boat from a dealer in Mississippi, the dealer often handles the initial registration paperwork on your behalf. Ask the dealer before you leave the lot whether they will submit the registration or whether you need to do it yourself. If they handle it, you will still need to visit the tax assessor's office to pay any remaining fees and receive your registration certificate and decals.

If you are registering the boat yourself, take your bill of sale, proof of sales tax payment, and the HIN to your county tax assessor's office. The assessor will calculate any registration fees based on the boat's value and issue your certificate and decals. The process usually takes a few days.

How to register a used boat purchased in Mississippi

When you buy a used boat from a private seller in Mississippi, you become responsible for registration. Take the bill of sale, the previous owner's registration certificate, and proof of sales tax payment to your county tax assessor's office. If sales tax was not paid at the time of purchase, you may need to pay it at the time of registration — the assessor can tell you whether this applies to your situation.

The assessor will use the boat's value (either the purchase price on the bill of sale or a standard value table) to calculate registration fees. You will receive your certificate and decals at that time or within a few days.

How to register a boat brought from another state

If you are moving to Mississippi with a boat that was registered in another state, you have 30 days to register it in Mississippi. Bring the out-of-state registration certificate, the bill of sale or title, your driver's license, and proof of sales tax payment or exemption to your county tax assessor's office.

Some states do not charge sales tax on boats, so you may need to pay Mississippi sales tax at the time of registration. The assessor will let you know what is required. Once registered, your out-of-state registration becomes invalid, and you must display the new Mississippi decals on your boat.

Registration fees and renewal

Mississippi registration fees are based on the boat's length and value. Fees vary and are set by the state, so contact your county tax assessor's office for the exact amount for your boat. Registration is valid for three years from the date of issue.

To renew your registration, you can return to the tax assessor's office with your current registration certificate, or some counties allow renewal by mail. You will receive a renewal notice before your registration expires. If your boat's information changes — such as the owner's name or address — notify the tax assessor's office to update your registration.

What happens after registration

Once your registration is approved, you will receive a registration certificate and two decals. The decals must be displayed on both sides of the boat's hull, usually near the stern (back). The certificate should be kept on the boat or in a safe place where you can produce it if a wildlife officer asks to see it.

Keep your registration current. Operating a boat with an expired or missing registration can result in fines. If you sell the boat, the new owner must register it in their name — your registration does not transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly do I go to register my boat?

Go to your county tax assessor's office. You can find the address and phone number by searching "[your county name] tax assessor Mississippi" online or by calling your county courthouse. Some counties also allow you to start the process online or by mail, so call ahead to ask what options are available in your area.

What if I do not have the bill of sale?

If you bought the boat privately and do not have a bill of sale, ask the previous owner to sign a straightforward written statement confirming the sale, the date, and the price. Bring this to the tax assessor along with any other proof of ownership you have. The assessor can advise you on what additional documentation may be needed.

Can I register a boat if I do not live in Mississippi?

Yes, but the boat must be registered in the county where it is primarily kept or used. If you own property in Mississippi or keep the boat at a marina in the state, you can register it there. Contact the tax assessor in that county for details on what documentation you will need.

What if my boat does not have a visible HIN?

The HIN is usually on the starboard side of the hull near the top, but if you cannot find it, contact the boat's manufacturer or the tax assessor's office. They can help you locate it or, in rare cases, determine whether your boat requires one. Some older boats may not have a HIN, and the assessor can guide you through the registration process in that situation.

Do I need to register my boat if I only use it on private property?

If the boat is used only on private lakes or ponds that you own and never on public waterways, registration may not be required. However, if there is any chance you will use it on public water, you should register it. Contact your county tax assessor or the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to confirm whether your specific situation requires registration.