New Hampshire boat registration is handled by the Department of Safety, Marine Patrol Division, and the process depends on whether your boat is motorized, where you'll use it, and whether you own it outright or are financing it.

Most boats used on New Hampshire waters need a registration number and decal, even if they're only used occasionally. The state issues a Certificate of Number (the registration document) and an annual decal that goes on the hull. If your boat has a motor of any size, registration is required. Sailboats without motors may have different rules depending on length and use.

You can register through the Department of Safety's Marine Patrol office in Concord, or through authorized agents at many town clerk offices and boat dealers across the state. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or you can complete it in person the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • All motorized boats and most sailboats over a certain length must register with the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Marine Patrol Division.
  • You will need proof of ownership (bill of sale, title, or previous registration), your Social Security number or federal tax ID, and the boat's hull identification number (HIN).
  • Registration costs vary by boat length and motor type, and the decal must be renewed annually.
  • You can register by mail, in person at the Marine Patrol office in Concord, or through a town clerk or authorized agent.

What documents you need to bring or send

Proof of ownership is the first requirement. If the boat is new, bring the manufacturer's statement of origin. If you bought it used, bring the bill of sale signed by both the seller and yourself. If the boat was previously registered in New Hampshire, bring the old Certificate of Number. If it came from another state, bring that state's registration or title document.

You will also need the boat's hull identification number (HIN), which is a 12-character code stamped or attached to the hull, usually on the starboard (right) side near the stern. Bring your driver's license or state ID, and your Social Security number or federal tax ID. If someone else owns the boat with you, both owners must sign the registration form.

If the boat is financed through a lender, bring the loan agreement or a letter from the lender showing they have a security interest. The lender's name will appear on the Certificate of Number.

Registration fees and what they cover

The registration fee depends on the boat's length and motor type. Boats are grouped by length: under 16 feet, 16 to 25 feet, 25 to 40 feet, and over 40 feet. A motorized boat under 16 feet costs less than a sailboat of the same length, and fees increase with size. The state does not publish a single flat fee because the cost structure varies.

The fee covers the Certificate of Number (your registration document) and one annual decal. The decal must be renewed each year, usually in the month your registration expires. You can renew by mail, online through the Marine Patrol website, or in person. Renewal is simpler than initial registration because you already have the Certificate of Number.

If you register late in the year, the Certificate of Number is still valid through the following year's expiration date, so you do not pay a prorated fee.

How to register by mail

read the process for Boat Registration from the New Hampshire Department of Safety website, or call the Marine Patrol office at (603) 271-2214 to request a form. Fill out the process completely, including the boat's HIN, length, motor type, and your ownership information. Sign and date the form.

Enclose a copy of your proof of ownership, a copy of your driver's license, and a check or money order for the registration fee made payable to the State of New Hampshire. Mail everything to the Marine Patrol office at 164 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301. Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive your packet.

You will receive the Certificate of Number and decal by mail. Do not use the boat on New Hampshire waters until you have the decal and have affixed it to the hull in the location shown on the Certificate.

Registering in person or through a town clerk

The Marine Patrol office in Concord is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring all original documents (proof of ownership, ID, and the boat itself if possible so they can verify the HIN). You can complete registration the same day and receive your Certificate of Number and decal before you leave.

Many town clerk offices and authorized boat dealers throughout New Hampshire can also register boats. Call your town clerk or a local marine dealer to ask if they offer registration services. The process is the same, and you will still receive your Certificate of Number and decal the same day. This option is often faster if you live far from Concord.

Renewing your registration and decal

Your Certificate of Number expires on a date shown on the document, usually one year from the date of issue. You must renew before that date to continue using the boat legally. The Marine Patrol office sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew.

You can renew online through the Department of Safety website if you have your Certificate of Number and can pay by credit card. You can also renew by mail by sending the renewal notice (or a copy of your Certificate of Number), a check for the renewal fee, and a short form. Renewal by mail takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at the Marine Patrol office or a town clerk takes one day.

When you renew, you will receive a new decal. Remove the old decal from the hull and explore the new one in the same location. Using an expired decal or no decal is a violation and can result in a fine.

Special situations: out-of-state boats and temporary use

If you own a boat registered in another state and plan to use it in New Hampshire for more than 60 days in a calendar year, you must register it in New Hampshire. The 60-day rule means occasional visitors do not need to re-register, but if you move to New Hampshire or spend extended time here, registration is required.

If you are buying a boat from out of state and plan to use it in New Hampshire, you can register it before or after you take possession, but you cannot legally operate it on New Hampshire waters without a current registration and decal. Some people register when ready after purchase to avoid delays.

Boats used only on private ponds or lakes that do not connect to public waterways may have different registration rules. Contact the Marine Patrol office to ask about your specific body of water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a sailboat with no motor?

Sailboats without motors are exempt from registration if they are under 16 feet in length. Sailboats 16 feet and longer must be registered, even if they have no motor. If you add a motor to a sailboat later, you must register it when ready.

What happens if I lose my Certificate of Number?

Contact the Marine Patrol office and request a duplicate. Bring your ID and proof of ownership, or send a written request by mail with a copy of your ID. There is a small fee for a duplicate certificate. You can continue using the boat with your old decal while you wait for the replacement certificate.

Can I register a boat I am still paying off?

Yes. Bring the loan agreement or a letter from your lender showing they have a security interest in the boat. The lender's name will appear on the Certificate of Number, but you can still use the boat. When you pay off the loan, contact the Marine Patrol office to remove the lender's name.

What if I buy a boat from someone who did not register it?

You will need a bill of sale signed by the previous owner and yourself, plus proof that the previous owner owned it (their old Certificate of Number, if available, or a bill of sale from when they bought it). If you cannot get the previous owner's documentation, contact the Marine Patrol office to ask what other proof they will accept.

Do I need to register a boat trailer?

Boat trailers are registered separately through the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles as vehicles, not through Marine Patrol. You will need a standard vehicle registration for the trailer if you tow it on public roads.