New Hampshire boat registration is handled by the Department of Safety, Marine Patrol Division, and costs between $27 and $107 depending on your boat's length and whether you own it outright or are financing it
New Hampshire requires registration for any motorized vessel or sailboat over 15 feet used on state waters. The process involves submitting a completed process, proof of ownership, and the registration fee to the Marine Patrol Division. Registration is valid for three years from the date of issue, and you receive a certificate and hull number decal to display on your boat.
You can register your boat in person at a Marine Patrol office, by mail, or through an authorized agent such as a boat dealer or marine retailer. The fastest route is usually through an authorized agent if you purchased your boat from a dealer, since they often handle the paperwork on your behalf. If you are registering a used boat or one you already own, mailing the process directly to Marine Patrol typically takes two to three weeks from receipt.
Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire requires registration for motorized boats and sailboats over 15 feet, and the certificate is valid for three years.
- Registration fees range from $27 to $107 based on boat length and ownership status, with no additional renewal fees between three-year periods.
- You can register through the Marine Patrol Division office in Concord, by mail, or through an authorized agent like a boat dealer.
- You will need proof of ownership (bill of sale, title, or manufacturer's certificate), your Social Security number or federal tax ID, and the completed process form.
- Out-of-state boats used temporarily in New Hampshire waters may be exempt, but permanent residents must register within 60 days of purchase.
What documents you need to bring or submit
The Marine Patrol Division requires proof of ownership before issuing a registration. For a new boat, this is the manufacturer's certificate of origin. For a used boat, you need either the previous registration certificate, a bill of sale signed by the seller, or a title document if your boat was titled in another state.
You also need to complete the process for Boat Registration (Form OHRV-1), which asks for the boat's hull identification number (HIN), length, type of propulsion, and your personal information. If you are financing the boat, you must list the lienholder on the process. Bring or include your Social Security number or federal tax ID, your current address, and a phone number where you can be reached.
If you are registering by mail, send copies of your proof of ownership and the completed form to the Marine Patrol Division at 10 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305. Include a check or money order for the registration fee made payable to the State of New Hampshire. Do not send cash through the mail.
Registration fees and what they cover
The registration fee depends on your boat's length overall. Boats under 16 feet cost $27; boats 16 to 25 feet cost $47; boats 26 to 40 feet cost $67; and boats over 40 feet cost $107. These fees cover the three-year registration period. You do not pay renewal fees between three-year cycles — when your certificate expires, you submit a new process and pay the full fee again based on your boat's current length.
If you are financing your boat, the fee is the same, but the lender's name appears on the certificate as the lienholder. This does not add to the cost. If you register a boat that was previously registered in New Hampshire and your certificate is still valid, you may be able to transfer the registration to a new boat, though you will need to pay any difference in fees if the new boat is longer.
Where to register and how long it takes
The Marine Patrol Division office in Concord is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can walk in with your completed process and documents, and registration is usually processed the same day. The office is located at 10 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305, and you can call (603) 271-2214 with questions about your specific boat.
If you register by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing after the Marine Patrol Division receives your process. If you register through an authorized agent — typically a boat dealer, marina, or marine retailer — the agent submits the paperwork on your behalf, and you receive your certificate and decal within two to three weeks. Many dealers include registration as part of the purchase process, so ask whether they handle it before you leave the lot.
Hull number decals and displaying your registration
When your registration is approved, you receive a certificate and two hull identification number (HIN) decals. The decals are white with black lettering and must be affixed to the hull on both sides of the boat, usually near the stern. The decals show your registration number and are how Marine Patrol officers verify that your boat is registered during a water safety stop.
You must carry your registration certificate on board whenever you operate the boat. If you are stopped by a Marine Patrol officer, you are required to produce the certificate along with your boating safety certificate if you are operating a motorized vessel. Failure to display the decals or carry the certificate can result in a fine.
Boats exempt from registration and temporary use
Boats under 15 feet, canoes, kayaks, and non-motorized sailboats do not require registration in New Hampshire. Boats registered in other states that are temporarily used in New Hampshire waters (generally fewer than 60 days per year) may be exempt from New Hampshire registration, but you should contact Marine Patrol to confirm your situation before launching.
If you are a permanent resident of New Hampshire and purchase a boat, you must register it within 60 days of purchase, even if you plan to use it only part of the year. If you move to New Hampshire and bring a boat registered in another state, you have 60 days to transfer the registration to New Hampshire. Operating an unregistered boat that is required to be registered can result in a fine.
Renewing or transferring your registration
Your registration is valid for three years from the date of issue. To renew, submit a new process and fee to Marine Patrol 30 days before your certificate expires. You can renew by mail or in person at the Concord office. If you sell your boat, the registration does not transfer to the new owner — the buyer must submit their own process with proof of ownership.
If you purchase a second boat or replace your current boat with a different one, you need a separate registration for each boat. You cannot transfer a registration from one boat to another. However, if you are upgrading to a longer boat and your current registration is still valid, you may be able to explore for a credit toward the new registration fee, though you will owe any difference if the new boat is in a higher fee category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register a kayak or canoe in New Hampshire?
No. Kayaks, canoes, and other non-motorized boats do not require registration. Only motorized vessels and sailboats over 15 feet must be registered with the Marine Patrol Division.
What happens if I buy a boat from out of state and bring it to New Hampshire?
If you are a New Hampshire resident, you must register the boat within 60 days of purchase, even if it was previously registered elsewhere. Bring your out-of-state registration or bill of sale as proof of ownership. The Marine Patrol Division will issue a New Hampshire registration and decals.
Can I register my boat online?
No. New Hampshire does not offer online boat registration. You can register in person at the Marine Patrol office in Concord, by mail, or through an authorized agent such as a boat dealer or marina. Mailing your process is the most common method for private owners.
What do I do if I lose my registration certificate?
Contact the Marine Patrol Division at (603) 271-2214 and request a duplicate certificate. You will need to provide your boat's HIN and registration number. There is typically a small fee for a replacement certificate, and it is mailed to you within one to two weeks.
Do I need a boating safety certificate to register my boat?
No. Registration and a boating safety certificate are separate. You need a registration to own and launch the boat. You need a boating safety certificate to operate a motorized vessel if you were born after January 1, 1988. The Marine Patrol Division offers safety courses, but you can register your boat without one.