Arkansas boat registration is handled by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and you need it before operating any motorized vessel on state waters.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission issues boat registrations, not your county clerk or the DMV. You register with them whether your boat is powered by a motor, jet ski, or sailboat with an auxiliary motor. Registration is valid for one or three years, depending on which term you choose at the time of registration.

You can register in person at any Game and Fish Commission office, by mail, or online through their website. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, or one to two weeks by mail. Online registration is the fastest route if you have all required documents ready.

Key Takeaways

  • The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission issues boat registrations, not your county clerk, and you must register before operating any motorized vessel.
  • You will need proof of ownership (bill of sale, manufacturer's certificate, or previous registration), your Social Security number or federal tax ID, and a completed process form.
  • Registration costs vary by boat length and motor horsepower, and you can choose a one-year or three-year term at the time of registration.
  • Online registration through the Game and Fish Commission website is the fastest option if you have your documents ready; mail takes one to two weeks.
  • Your registration number must be displayed on both sides of the boat's hull in characters at least three inches tall.

What documents you need to register

Bring or submit proof of ownership. This can be a bill of sale, a manufacturer's certificate of origin, a previous boat registration from Arkansas or another state, or a title document if your boat is titled. If you are registering a used boat and do not have the original bill of sale, a notarized statement from the seller describing the boat and the sale date will work.

You also need your Social Security number or federal tax ID number, the boat's hull identification number (HIN), and the make, model, and year of the boat. If the boat has a motor, you will need the motor's horsepower or kilowatt rating. Have the owner's name, address, and phone number ready as well.

If you are registering on behalf of a business or organization rather than as an individual, bring documentation showing your authority to register the vessel — such as articles of incorporation, a partnership agreement, or a power of attorney.

Registration costs and renewal terms

Arkansas boat registration fees depend on the boat's length and motor type. A boat under 16 feet with an electric motor costs less than one with a gas motor of the same size. Larger boats and higher-horsepower motors cost more. The Game and Fish Commission website lists the exact fee schedule by boat length and motor type.

You can register for one year or three years. The three-year registration costs more upfront but breaks down to a lower annual cost. Both terms renew on the same date each year, regardless of when you registered during that year.

If you register online, you pay by credit or debit card. In-person registration accepts cash, check, or card. Mail-in registrations should include a check or money order.

How to register online

Go to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website and look for the boat registration section. You will enter the boat's HIN, the owner's name and address, the boat's make and model, and motor information. Upload or have ready a photo of your proof of ownership — a bill of sale, title, or previous registration.

The system will calculate your fee based on boat length and motor type. Pay by credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation email with your registration number and temporary documentation. Your physical registration decal and certificate arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Do not operate the boat until you receive the physical decal and certificate, even though you have a confirmation number. Arkansas law requires the decal to be displayed on the hull.

In-person registration at Game and Fish Commission offices

Find the nearest Game and Fish Commission office on their website. Bring your proof of ownership, your Social Security number, and the boat's HIN and motor information. Fill out the registration form on site — staff can help you if you are unsure about any field.

Registration takes about 15 minutes. You will pay the fee and receive your registration decal and certificate on the spot. You can display the decal when ready and begin operating the boat.

Office hours vary by location, and some offices have limited hours on weekends. Call ahead if you are traveling more than 30 minutes to confirm the office is open.

Displaying your registration number on the boat

Your registration number must appear on both the port (left) and starboard (right) sides of the boat's hull, in the forward third of the vessel. The characters must be at least three inches tall, in a contrasting color to the hull, and clearly visible from the water.

You also receive a registration decal that goes on the hull near the registration number. The decal shows the year of registration and must be current. If you renew your registration, you will receive a new decal to replace the old one.

If your boat is damaged or the registration number becomes illegible, contact the Game and Fish Commission to request a replacement decal or number plate.

Renewing your Arkansas boat registration

Renewal notices are mailed to the address on file about 30 days before your registration expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any Game and Fish Commission office using the same process as initial registration.

If you renew online, you will receive your new decal by mail within one to two weeks. Do not remove the old decal until the new one arrives. If you renew in person, you get the new decal when ready.

If you miss the renewal date, your registration expires and you cannot legally operate the boat. Renew as soon as you realize the registration has lapsed. Late renewal may carry a small penalty fee depending on how long the registration has been expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a boat with no motor or a sailboat without an auxiliary motor?

No. Arkansas requires registration only for motorized vessels. A sailboat without a motor or an unpowered rowboat does not need registration. If you add a motor later, you must register before using it.

What if I buy a boat from out of state and want to register it in Arkansas?

Bring your out-of-state registration or bill of sale to the Game and Fish Commission. They will issue an Arkansas registration. You do not need to transfer a title first — the registration is separate from titling.

Can I register a boat online if I do not have a digital copy of my bill of sale?

You can take a photo of your bill of sale with your phone and upload it during online registration. If you do not have a bill of sale at all, register in person and bring the original document so staff can copy it on site.

What happens if I sell my boat before my registration expires?

Notify the Game and Fish Commission of the sale in writing with the buyer's name and the sale date. You may be due a refund for the unused portion of your registration, depending on how much time remains on the term you purchased.

Is there a grace period if my registration expires while I am out of state?

No. Your registration is valid only while current. If it expires, you cannot legally operate the boat, even if you are traveling. Renew before you leave or as soon as you return to Arkansas.