Georgia boat registration is handled by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division manages all boat registration in the state. You register through them, not through your county or a separate boating authority. Registration is required for any motorized vessel or sailboat over 14 feet long that operates on Georgia waters.

Registration serves two purposes: it proves you own the boat and it funds the Wildlife Resources Division's work maintaining boat ramps, managing waterways, and enforcing boating safety rules. Your registration number appears on the side of your hull and must be visible and readable while the boat is in use.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia requires registration for motorized boats of any size and sailboats over 14 feet, handled through the DNR Wildlife Resources Division.
  • You can register in person at a Wildlife Resources office, by mail, or online through the Georgia DNR website.
  • Registration costs vary based on boat length and type, and you will need proof of ownership, your Social Security number or federal tax ID, and a completed process form.
  • Registration is valid for three years from the date of issue, and you receive decals and a certificate to keep with you on the boat.

What boats need to be registered in Georgia

Any boat with a motor must be registered, regardless of size. This includes jet skis, pontoons, bass boats, and houseboats. Sailboats over 14 feet long also require registration. Canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized boats under 14 feet do not need to register.

If you own a boat registered in another state and bring it to Georgia, you have 90 days to register it in Georgia if you plan to keep it here. After 90 days, operating an unregistered boat on Georgia waters is a violation.

Documents you need to register

Before you contact the DNR, gather these items: proof of ownership (a bill of sale, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or previous registration from another state), your Social Security number or federal tax ID, and the boat's hull identification number (HIN). The HIN is a 12-character code stamped into the hull, usually on the starboard side near the waterline or on the transom.

You will also need to complete the process for Boat Registration form, which the DNR provides on their website or at any Wildlife Resources office. If someone other than you will be operating the boat, you do not need their information to register — the registration follows the boat, not the operator.

How to register: three routes

Online registration is the fastest option if your boat was previously registered in Georgia or if you have a manufacturer's certificate of origin. Go to the Georgia DNR website, navigate to the boat registration section, and follow the prompts. You pay the fee by credit or debit card and receive your registration number when ready. Decals and the physical certificate arrive by mail within two weeks.

In-person registration at a Wildlife Resources office takes about 30 minutes. You bring your documents and completed process form, pay the fee in cash or card, and walk out with your decals and temporary certificate the same day. Find the office nearest you on the DNR website — there are locations across the state.

Mail-in registration takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office or prefer not to register online. Send your completed process, proof of ownership, and a check or money order to the address listed on the DNR website. Processing takes two to four weeks. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your documents returned.

Registration fees and how long registration lasts

Boat registration fees in Georgia are based on boat length. A boat under 16 feet costs less than a boat 16 to 26 feet, which costs less than a boat over 26 feet. The exact amounts vary and are set by the state, so check the current fee schedule on the Georgia DNR website before you register.

Once registered, your registration is valid for three years from the date of issue. You do not renew annually — you renew once every three years. The DNR will send you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your registration expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as initial registration.

What happens after you register

You receive two decals (one for each side of the hull) and a registration certificate. The decals display your registration number and must be affixed to the boat in the location shown on the decal itself — usually on the hull near the bow. The certificate should stay with you on the boat or in a safe place at home.

If you sell the boat, the new owner must register it in their name. Registration does not transfer. The buyer will need to provide proof of purchase (the bill of sale you sign) and complete their own registration. If you buy a used boat from a private seller, ask them for the bill of sale and their registration certificate so you have proof of the transaction.

If your registration is lost, damaged, or the boat changes hands

If your decals are damaged or lost, contact the DNR to request replacements. You may be charged a small fee. If your registration certificate is lost, you can request a duplicate from any Wildlife Resources office or by mail.

If you sell the boat, notify the DNR in writing with the buyer's name and the date of sale. This removes your liability if the new owner operates the boat unsafely or without proper registration. If you buy a used boat, the previous owner should provide written notice to the DNR, but you are responsible for registering it in your name before operating it on Georgia waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boating license to operate a boat in Georgia?

Registration and a boating license are separate. Registration proves ownership; a boating license proves you know boating safety rules. Georgia requires anyone born on or after July 1, 1998 to hold a boating safety certificate to operate a motorized boat. The DNR offers online courses and in-person classes to earn this certificate.

What if I register a boat but never use it?

You still must renew registration every three years if you own the boat. If you no longer own it, sell it, or no longer plan to use it, contact the DNR to cancel the registration so you do not receive renewal notices or incur fees.

Can I register a boat I am buying from out of state?

Yes. Bring the out-of-state registration or bill of sale to a Wildlife Resources office or submit it with your process by mail or online. The DNR will process your Georgia registration and you can begin operating the boat on Georgia waters once your registration is issued.

What if my boat does not have a hull identification number?

Most boats manufactured after 1972 have a HIN. If yours does not, contact the DNR before you register — they may ask you to have the boat inspected or may issue a number for registration purposes. Do not attempt to add or alter a HIN yourself.

How much does boat registration cost?

Fees depend on boat length and are updated annually by the state. Check the current fee schedule on the Georgia DNR website or call a Wildlife Resources office for the exact cost of your boat's size and type.