Louisiana boat registration is handled by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, not your local DMV

Boat registration in Louisiana is separate from vehicle registration. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) issues all boat registrations, and you cannot register through your parish tax assessor or the DMV. Every motorized boat and sailboat over 14 feet must be registered, regardless of where you keep it. Non-motorized boats under 14 feet do not need registration.

You can register your boat in person at any LDWF office, by mail, or online through the LDWF website. The process takes about two weeks by mail and is faster in person. Registration is valid for three years from the date of issue, and you will receive a certificate and decals to display on your hull.

Key Takeaways

  • The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, not the DMV, registers all boats over 14 feet in Louisiana.
  • You need a bill of sale, proof of ownership, and a completed registration form to register a boat.
  • Registration costs vary based on boat length and type, and is valid for three years.
  • You can register by mail, online, or in person at any LDWF office across the state.
  • New boat owners must register within 30 days of purchase or face a fine.

What documents you need to register a boat

The LDWF requires a bill of sale or proof of ownership for every boat registration. If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer provides this. If you are buying from a private seller, you and the seller must sign a bill of sale that shows the boat's description, the sale price, and the date of sale. The bill of sale does not have to be notarized in Louisiana, but it must be signed by both parties.

You also need a completed Boat Registration process (Form WL 1-A), which you can read from the LDWF website or pick up at any LDWF office. The form asks for your name, address, the boat's hull identification number (HIN), the boat's length, the type of boat, and the engine type. If you do not know the HIN, the LDWF can help you locate it during the registration process.

If you are registering a boat you already own and are renewing registration, you only need the renewal form and your previous registration certificate.

Registration costs and how long it lasts

Louisiana boat registration fees depend on the boat's length. Boats under 16 feet cost less than boats 16 to 26 feet, which cost less than boats over 26 feet. The exact fee varies by year and boat type, so check the LDWF website or call your local LDWF office for the current rate. There are no additional county or parish fees for boat registration in Louisiana.

Your registration is valid for three years from the date it is issued. You will receive a registration certificate and two decals. You must display one decal on each side of the boat's hull, near the bow. The decals must be visible and not covered by anything. If your decals are damaged or lost, you can request replacements from the LDWF.

How to register by mail

To register by mail, complete the Boat Registration process form and gather your bill of sale and proof of ownership. Mail these documents along with the registration fee to the LDWF address listed on the form. Include a check or money order made out to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Do not send cash.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. The LDWF will mail your registration certificate and decals to the address you provided on the form. If you need your registration faster, register in person at an LDWF office instead.

How to register in person or online

LDWF offices are located in most parishes across Louisiana. You can find the nearest office on the LDWF website by entering your parish name. Bring your completed registration form, bill of sale, proof of ownership, and payment. Registration in person is usually completed the same day, and you will receive your certificate and decals when ready.

Online registration is also available through the LDWF website. You will need to upload a photo or scan of your bill of sale and proof of ownership, complete the registration form, and pay by credit card or debit card. Online registration takes about one week for processing and mailing.

What happens if you do not register within 30 days

Louisiana law requires you to register a boat within 30 days of purchase. If you do not register within this window, you may face a fine. The fine amount depends on how long you have gone without registering, but it can be substantial. You are also not legally permitted to operate an unregistered boat on Louisiana waters.

If you have missed the 30-day important date, register as soon as possible. The LDWF does not waive late fees, but registering when ready stops the clock on further penalties. Bring your bill of sale and proof of ownership showing the original purchase date so the LDWF can process your registration correctly.

Renewing your boat registration

Your registration expires three years from the date it was issued. The LDWF does not send renewal notices by mail, so mark your calendar or set a reminder. You can renew by mail, in person, or online using the same methods as initial registration. Renewal is faster than initial registration because you do not need to provide a bill of sale again—just your previous registration certificate.

If your registration has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may owe a late fee. Renew when ready to avoid operating an unregistered boat. If you sell your boat, the new owner must register it in their name within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Boats used only on private land or private ponds do not need to be registered with the LDWF. Registration is required only for boats used on public waters, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. If you ever plan to use the boat on public water, you must register it.

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

Older boats may not have a HIN. The LDWF can assign a number during registration. Bring the boat or a detailed photo showing the hull to an LDWF office, and staff will help you. You can also call your local LDWF office to ask about the process before visiting in person.

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

Yes. If you are moving to Louisiana or buying a boat from another state, you must register it with the LDWF within 30 days of bringing it to Louisiana. Bring your bill of sale, proof of ownership, and any previous registration from the other state. The LDWF will issue a new Louisiana registration.

What if I lose my registration certificate?

Contact the LDWF office where you registered the boat and request a replacement certificate. You will need to provide your boat's HIN and proof of identity. There is usually a small replacement fee. You can request a replacement in person, by mail, or by phone.

Do I need to register a kayak or canoe?

No. Non-motorized boats under 14 feet, including kayaks and canoes, do not need to be registered in Louisiana. However, you are still required to carry a personal flotation device (life jacket) for each person on board, regardless of boat size or type.