Colorado boat registration is handled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, not your county clerk

Colorado requires registration for any motorized boat or sailboat over 12 feet long used on public waters. You register through Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), which issues a registration certificate and decal. The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but the agency that handles it is different from the one that registers your car.

Registration costs depend on boat length and type. A motorized boat under 16 feet costs less than a sailboat of the same length. You can register in person at a CPW office, by mail, or online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. The decal must be displayed on your boat before you launch on any public water in the state.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife handles boat registration, not your county assessor or DMV.
  • Any motorized boat or sailboat longer than 12 feet must be registered before launching on public water.
  • You need the hull identification number (HIN), proof of ownership, and a completed process form.
  • Registration is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be renewed annually.
  • The registration decal must be displayed on the boat; operating without one can result in a citation.

What documents you need to register

Start by gathering your proof of ownership. This is typically the bill of sale, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or a title document. If you bought the boat used, the seller should provide a bill of sale showing the transfer of ownership. If the boat is financed, your lender may hold the title; you can still register it, but you will need documentation from the lender.

You will also need the hull identification number (HIN), which is a 12-character code stamped on the boat. It is usually located on the starboard (right) side of the hull near the waterline, or on the transom. Write down the complete HIN before you start the registration process. If you cannot locate it, contact the boat manufacturer or bring the boat to a CPW office for help.

Complete the process for Boat Registration (Form 0220), available on the CPW website or at any CPW office. You will also need a valid Colorado driver's license or ID to prove residency. Non-residents can register boats in Colorado, but they must provide proof of their home state address.

Registration fees and what they cover

Boat registration fees in Colorado vary by boat length and type. Motorized boats are charged differently than sailboats. A motorized boat under 16 feet costs less than a motorized boat 16 feet or longer. Sailboats follow a similar structure. The exact fee depends on the specific length and whether the boat has an inboard or outboard motor.

The registration fee covers one year of registration from the date of issue. You receive a registration certificate and a decal. The decal is your proof of registration and must be affixed to the boat in a visible location. The certificate should be kept on the boat or in a safe place at home. Both the certificate and decal are required by law.

If you register late in the year, you still pay the full annual fee; there is no prorated registration. Registration does not expire on a calendar date—it expires one year from the date CPW issues it. Mark your calendar or set a reminder so you do not miss the renewal important date.

How to register online, by mail, or in person

The fastest route is online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. You will need your HIN, proof of ownership, and a valid payment method. The online system walks you through each step and tells you the exact fee before you pay. Once approved, CPW mails the decal and certificate to your address within one to two weeks.

If you prefer to register by mail, read Form 0220 from the CPW website, fill it out completely, and mail it with a copy of your proof of ownership and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include your phone number so CPW can contact you if there are questions. Mail-in registration typically takes two to three weeks.

You can also register in person at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office. Bring the completed form, your proof of ownership, your HIN, and payment. Staff can answer questions on the spot and issue your decal when ready in most cases. Find the nearest CPW office on their website by county.

Renewing your registration each year

Colorado boat registration must be renewed annually. CPW will not send you a renewal notice in the mail, so you are responsible for tracking the expiration date. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as initial registration. Renewal is faster than initial registration because CPW already has your boat information on file.

To renew online, log into the CPW website and provide your registration number and HIN. You will pay the renewal fee and receive a new decal and certificate. By mail, send a renewal form (available on the CPW website) with payment to the same address. In person, bring your current registration certificate and payment to any CPW office.

Operating a boat with an expired registration is illegal in Colorado. If you are stopped by a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer or a law enforcement officer, you must show proof of current registration. An expired decal or missing decal can result in a citation and fine.

Out-of-state boats and temporary use

If you own a boat registered in another state and plan to use it in Colorado for more than 90 days in a calendar year, you must register it in Colorado. Boats used for fewer than 90 days can operate under their home state registration, but you should carry proof of that registration and your proof of ownership.

If you are visiting Colorado with a boat registered in another state, keep your out-of-state registration documents on board. CPW officers will accept valid registration from other states for temporary use. However, if you plan to keep the boat in Colorado or use it repeatedly throughout the year, Colorado registration is required.

Transferring registration from another state to Colorado is handled the same way as initial registration. Provide your out-of-state registration or title, your HIN, and proof of ownership. CPW will issue a Colorado registration certificate and decal. You do not need to cancel your out-of-state registration; that is handled by your home state.

What happens if you do not register

Operating an unregistered boat on Colorado public waters is a violation. CPW officers conduct regular patrols on lakes and rivers and check for valid registration decals. If you are caught without a current decal or certificate, you face a citation and fine. The fine amount varies depending on whether it is a first or repeat offense.

Beyond the legal penalty, operating without registration can complicate insurance claims if there is an accident. Many boat insurance policies require proof of registration. If you are involved in a collision or damage incident and cannot show current registration, your insurer may deny coverage or reduce your claim payout.

Registration also protects you if your boat is stolen. CPW maintains a registry of registered boats, which helps law enforcement recover stolen vessels. An unregistered boat is harder to trace and recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a canoe, kayak, or small sailboat?

No. Colorado only requires registration for motorized boats or sailboats longer than 12 feet. Canoes, kayaks, and small sailboats under 12 feet do not need registration. However, all occupants must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket regardless of boat size or type.

What if I buy a used boat and the seller does not have the title?

Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife directly. They can help you verify ownership and may issue a registration certificate based on the bill of sale and HIN. Bring documentation of the sale and any paperwork the seller has. CPW staff can advise you on the next steps if the title is missing.

Can I register a boat if I do not live in Colorado?

Yes. Non-residents can register boats in Colorado. You will need proof of your home state address, the HIN, proof of ownership, and payment. Register online, by mail, or in person at a CPW office. Your registration is valid for one year from the issue date.

How long does it take to get my registration decal?

Online registration typically takes one to two weeks for the decal to arrive by mail. Mail-in registration takes two to three weeks. In-person registration at a CPW office may issue the decal on the spot in some cases, but call ahead to confirm. Do not launch your boat until you have the decal affixed.

What if my boat's HIN is damaged or illegible?

Bring the boat to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife office. Staff can inspect the hull and help locate the HIN or verify it through other means. You may need to provide additional documentation of ownership. Call your local CPW office before you visit to confirm they can help with HIN verification.