Mississippi boat registration basics

Mississippi requires registration for any boat with a motor, regardless of size or horsepower. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) handles all boat registrations in the state. You register through your county wildlife office, not through a central state office, so the location and hours depend on which county you live in.

Registration is valid for three years from the date of issue. You'll receive a certificate of number and decals that must be displayed on your boat. The process takes about 15 minutes if you have all required documents, though some county offices have wait times during peak seasons (spring and early summer).

Key Takeaways

  • Any motorized boat in Mississippi must be registered with your county wildlife office, not the state capital.
  • You need proof of ownership, a completed process form, and your Social Security number or federal tax ID to register.
  • Registration costs vary by boat length and motor type, ranging from around $20 to $100 for three-year registrations.
  • Your registration decals must be displayed on the boat's hull, and you must carry your certificate of number while operating the boat.
  • Out-of-state boats visiting Mississippi can operate for up to 90 days without registering, but longer stays require registration.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your proof of ownership — this is usually the bill of sale, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or a previous registration from another state. If you're registering a used boat, the seller should provide this document. If you're registering a new boat from a dealer, they often handle the paperwork and you pick up your registration from the county office.

You'll also need a completed process for Boat Registration form (Form 38-2-1), which you can get from any county wildlife office or read from the MDWFP website. Bring your driver's license or state ID and your Social Security number. If you're registering the boat under a business name, bring your federal tax ID instead of a Social Security number.

If the boat has a hull identification number (HIN), have that ready — it's usually on a plate on the transom or inside the boat. If the boat is older and doesn't have a HIN, the wildlife office can still register it, but the process may take longer.

Registration fees and what they cover

Mississippi boat registration fees are based on the length of the boat and whether it has a motor. A boat under 16 feet with a motor costs less than a boat 26 feet or longer. The three-year registration fee for a typical recreational boat ranges from about $20 to $100, depending on size. Sailboats and boats without motors have different fee schedules.

Your registration fee covers the certificate of number and two registration decals. The decals are valid for three years and must be replaced when your registration renews. If you lose a decal or need a replacement before your registration expires, the county office can issue a new one, usually for a small fee of $5 to $10.

There are no additional state taxes or fees beyond the registration cost. Some county offices may charge a small processing fee (typically $1 to $3), but this varies by location.

Where to register and how long it takes

Find your county wildlife office by visiting the MDWFP website or calling their main office at 601-432-2400. Each county has at least one office, and larger counties may have multiple locations. Hours vary — some offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, while others have limited schedules. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially if you're traveling from out of county.

Registration typically takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all documents. During spring and early summer (March through May), wait times can be longer because many people register boats before the busy boating season. If you want to avoid crowds, visit in fall or winter.

Some county offices allow you to mail in your process if you're unable to visit in person. Call your local office to ask whether they accept mail-in registrations and what additional steps are required (such as notarization of the process).

Displaying your registration decals and certificate

Your two registration decals must be placed on the hull of the boat, one on each side, near the stern (back). The decals should be visible and readable from the water. If your boat is a houseboat or has an unusual shape, ask the wildlife officer where to place the decals — they can direct you to the best location.

You must carry your certificate of number with you whenever you operate the boat. This is a small laminated card that serves as proof of registration. If a wildlife officer stops you, they will ask to see this certificate. Failure to display decals or carry the certificate can result in a citation.

If a decal is damaged, faded, or lost, contact your county wildlife office for a replacement. You don't need to renew your entire registration — just request a replacement decal.

Renewing your registration before it expires

Your registration is valid for three years from the date of issue. About 30 to 60 days before your registration expires, you should contact your county wildlife office to renew. You can renew by mail, phone, or in person, depending on what your county office offers.

To renew, you'll need your current certificate of number and payment for the renewal fee (the same amount as the original registration). You don't need to bring proof of ownership again unless the boat's ownership has changed. The renewal process is faster than the initial registration — usually just a few minutes.

If your registration expires and you continue to operate the boat, you're in violation of state law and can be cited. Renewing early is straightforward, so mark your calendar three months before your expiration date.

Out-of-state boats and temporary operation

If you're visiting Mississippi with a boat registered in another state, you can operate it for up to 90 consecutive days without registering in Mississippi. Your out-of-state registration and decals are valid during this period. After 90 days, you must register the boat in Mississippi if you want to continue operating it in state waters.

If you're moving to Mississippi permanently or planning to keep your boat here longer than 90 days, register it with your county wildlife office before the 90-day period ends. Bring your out-of-state registration certificate and proof of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a boat with no motor or a sailboat?

Non-motorized boats and sailboats without motors do not require registration in Mississippi. However, if your sailboat has an auxiliary motor (even a small one), it must be registered. Check with your county wildlife office if you're unsure whether your boat qualifies.

What happens if I buy a used boat from a private seller?

Get a bill of sale signed by the seller that includes the boat's description, HIN (if it has one), purchase price, and date of sale. Bring this to your county wildlife office along with your other documents. The office will issue a new registration in your name. The previous owner's registration becomes void once you register.

Can I register a boat online or by mail?

Some county offices accept mail-in registrations, but not all. Call your local county wildlife office to ask. If they do accept mail, they'll tell you whether the process needs to be notarized and where to send payment. In-person registration is usually faster and guarantees no paperwork delays.

What if my boat doesn't have a hull identification number?

Older boats may not have a HIN. The wildlife office can still register your boat, but you'll need to provide a detailed description of the boat (color, make, model, length, motor type) and proof of ownership. The registration process may take longer, so allow extra time.

Do I need boat insurance to register in Mississippi?

Mississippi does not require boat insurance to register. However, if you have a loan on the boat, your lender may require it. Check your loan agreement. Even without a requirement, insurance is a good idea for liability and damage coverage.