Maine boat registration is handled by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and the process depends on whether your boat is motorized, what size it is, and whether you own it outright or have a lien against it.

Most boats used on Maine waters need to be registered, including sailboats with motors, motorboats of any size, and personal watercraft. Canoes, kayaks, and sailboats without motors are exempt. Registration costs between $20 and $50 depending on boat length, and the certificate is valid for three years. You can register in person at a regional IF&W office, by mail, or online through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website.

The process takes about two weeks by mail and a few days in person. You will need proof of ownership (a bill of sale or title), proof of your Maine residency (a driver's license or utility bill), and the hull identification number (HIN) from your boat. If you are financing the boat, the lender's name and address must be included on the registration.

Key Takeaways

  • Motorboats, sailboats with motors, and personal watercraft must be registered with Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; canoes and kayaks without motors do not.
  • Registration costs $20 to $50 based on boat length and is valid for three years from the date of issue.
  • You will need a bill of sale or title, proof of Maine residency, and your boat's hull identification number before you register.
  • You can register by mail, in person at an IF&W office, or online through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, with processing times ranging from a few days to two weeks.

What documents you need to bring or send

Start by gathering proof of ownership. If you bought the boat from a dealer, you will have a bill of sale. If you inherited it or bought it privately, you may have a title document or a notarized bill of sale. The IF&W office will tell you if what you have is acceptable when you call or visit.

Next, bring a photo ID showing your Maine address—a Maine driver's license is the fastest option. If you do not have one, a utility bill, lease, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days will work. You will also need the hull identification number, which is stamped into the boat's hull, usually on the starboard (right) side near the waterline or on the transom (back). Write it down exactly as it appears; it is typically 12 characters long.

If someone else holds a lien on the boat (a bank or finance company), have their name and address ready. The lender's information goes on the registration certificate, and they may need to sign off on the transfer if the boat is being registered for the first time in Maine.

How to register online or by mail

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website allows you to register online if you have all documents ready and your boat is not financed. Upload a photo or scan of your bill of sale and proof of residency, enter the hull identification number, and pay the registration fee by credit card. The certificate will be mailed to you within two weeks.

If you prefer to mail in your registration, read the form from the IF&W website or request one by phone at 207-287-8000. Include copies (not originals) of your bill of sale and proof of residency, write your hull identification number clearly, and mail everything to the address on the form along with a check or money order. Processing by mail takes about two weeks from the date they receive your packet.

If your boat is financed, you must register by mail or in person because the lender's signature or written consent is required. Call the IF&W office to ask whether your lender can email their authorization or whether they need to sign the form directly.

Registering in person at an IF&W office

Maine has seven regional IF&W offices. The fastest way to register is to walk in with your documents and pay the fee on the spot—you will leave with a temporary certificate valid for 30 days while the permanent one is printed and mailed. Bring the originals of your bill of sale, proof of residency, and a photo ID.

Call ahead to confirm office hours, as they vary by location and season. The main office in Augusta is open year-round, but some regional offices have limited hours in winter. If you are registering a financed boat, ask on the phone whether the lender can fax authorization or whether you need to bring a signed form from them.

The registration fee is paid at the time of registration—cash, check, or card are accepted at most offices. You will receive a registration number on the spot, which you must display on your boat before you use it on the water.

Displaying your registration number and renewing

Once registered, you must display your registration number on both sides of the boat's bow (front), in letters at least three inches tall and in a contrasting color to the hull. The number format is "ME" followed by numbers. You can paint it on, use stick-on letters, or attach a metal plate. The registration certificate itself should be kept on board in a waterproof container.

Registration is valid for three years from the date of issue. About 30 days before expiration, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process as initial registration. If you do not renew before the certificate expires, you cannot legally operate the boat on Maine waters.

What happens if you buy a boat already registered in Maine

If you purchase a boat that is already registered in Maine, the previous owner must sign a transfer form available from the IF&W website. You then submit that signed form along with your proof of residency and the bill of sale to complete the transfer. This takes about two weeks by mail or a few days in person.

If the previous owner cannot be located or refuses to sign, contact the IF&W office directly—they can guide you through the process, though it may take longer. Do not assume the old registration is still valid; you are responsible for registering the boat in your name before operating it.

Registering a boat from out of state

If you are moving to Maine with a boat registered in another state, you have 30 days to register it in Maine. Bring your out-of-state registration certificate, bill of sale or title, and proof of Maine residency to an IF&W office or submit them by mail. The Maine registration fee applies, and your out-of-state certificate becomes void once Maine registration is issued.

If your out-of-state boat has a lien, the lender information must be transferred to the Maine certificate. Contact your lender before registering to confirm they will accept a Maine registration in their name.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized boats are not required to register. However, you must still follow Maine boating safety laws, including wearing a personal flotation device.

What if I cannot find the hull identification number on my boat?

Contact the IF&W office with the boat's make, model, year, and any other identifying information you have. They can sometimes locate the HIN through manufacturer records or help you register without it if the boat is very old. Bring the boat to an office if possible so an officer can inspect it.

Can I register a boat I am still paying off?

Yes. The lender's name and address go on the registration certificate. You will need written authorization from the lender or their signature on the registration form, which you can obtain by contacting them directly or asking them to email their consent to the IF&W office.

What if my registration certificate is lost or damaged?

Contact the IF&W office and request a duplicate. You will need to provide your registration number and proof of identity. A replacement certificate costs the same as a new registration and takes about two weeks by mail or a few days in person.

Do I need to register a boat I only use on private property or in a pond?

If the water body is entirely on your property and not connected to any public water, registration is not required. If there is any public access or connection to public waters, registration is required. Call the IF&W office if you are unsure whether your water body counts as public.