Missouri boat registration is handled by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and the process depends on whether your boat has a motor and how powerful it is.

All motorized boats in Missouri must be registered, regardless of size. Non-motorized boats—canoes, kayaks, rowboats—do not need registration. If your boat has an electric motor of any size, it must be registered. Gas-powered boats of any horsepower must be registered. The registration itself is not expensive, but you will need proof of ownership and a hull identification number (HIN) before you can complete it.

You can register a boat in person at any Missouri Department of Conservation office, by mail, or online through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website. The online option is fastest if you have all your documents ready. Registration is valid for three years from the date of issue.

Key Takeaways

  • All motorized boats in Missouri—including those with electric motors—must be registered with the Department of Natural Resources, but non-motorized boats do not.
  • You will need the boat's hull identification number (HIN), proof of ownership, and the manufacturer's name and model year before you register.
  • Registration costs vary by boat length and motor type, and you can register online, by mail, or in person at a Conservation office.
  • Missouri boat registration is valid for three years, and you will receive a registration number to display on both sides of the boat's hull.

What documents you need to register a boat

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources requires a bill of sale or other proof that you own the boat. If you bought the boat from a dealer, bring the dealer's paperwork. If you bought it privately, a signed bill of sale from the seller works. If you inherited the boat or received it as a gift, bring documentation of that transfer.

You will also need the boat's hull identification number (HIN), which is a 12-character code stamped or engraved into the boat's hull. On most boats, the HIN is on the starboard (right) side of the hull near the waterline, or on the transom (back). If you cannot locate it, the boat's manufacturer or a dealer can help you find it. You will also need the manufacturer's name, the model year, and the boat's length in feet.

If your boat has a motor, bring the motor's make, model, and horsepower. For electric motors, you will need the voltage and amperage. If you are registering a used boat and the previous owner's registration is available, bring that as well—it speeds up the process.

How much Missouri boat registration costs

Registration fees are based on the boat's length and whether it has a motor. Non-motorized boats do not pay a fee. Motorized boats under 16 feet cost less than motorized boats 16 feet and longer. The exact fee depends on the motor type and horsepower, so the Department of Natural Resources website has a fee calculator where you enter your boat's details and see the cost before you commit.

You will pay the registration fee once every three years when you renew. There is no separate title fee in Missouri for boats, though some boats may require a title depending on their age and how they were acquired—the registration office can tell you whether yours does.

Registering your boat online, by mail, or in person

The fastest route is the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website, where you can complete the registration form, pay by credit card, and receive your registration number when ready. You will still need to print and display the registration decal on your boat, which arrives by mail within two weeks. This method works if you have all your documents scanned or photographed and ready to upload.

If you prefer to register by mail, read the boat registration form from the Department of Natural Resources website, fill it out completely, and mail it with a copy of your proof of ownership and a check or money order. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive it.

You can also register in person at any Missouri Department of Conservation office. Bring your proof of ownership, the boat's HIN, and payment. Staff can process your registration on the spot and issue you a temporary registration number while your decal is mailed. This is useful if you need to use the boat before the decal arrives.

Where to display your registration number and decal

Once registered, Missouri law requires you to display your registration number on both the port (left) and starboard (right) sides of the boat's hull, forward of the midship (middle). The numbers must be at least three inches tall, in a contrasting color to the hull, and clearly visible. You will receive a registration decal in the mail that you affix to the boat as proof of current registration.

If you lose or damage the decal, you can request a replacement from the Department of Natural Resources. If your registration number is lost or becomes illegible, contact the Conservation office to report it and request new numbers.

Renewing your Missouri boat registration

Your registration is valid for three years. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 30 days before it expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as initial registration. If you renew online, the new decal arrives by mail within two weeks. If you renew in person at a Conservation office, you can get a temporary number when ready.

If your registration expires and you do not renew it, you cannot legally operate the boat on Missouri waters. Operating an unregistered motorized boat can result in a fine. If you sell the boat, the new owner must register it in their name before using it.

Registering a boat you bought out of state

If you bought a boat in another state and are bringing it to Missouri, you must register it with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources before operating it on Missouri waters. Bring your out-of-state bill of sale or registration, the HIN, and proof of ownership. The registration process is the same as for a boat purchased in Missouri.

Some states issue boat titles; others do not. If your boat has an out-of-state title, bring it along with the bill of sale. Missouri will accept either as proof of ownership. If you are unsure whether your boat needs a Missouri title in addition to registration, call the Department of Natural Resources—the answer depends on the boat's age and type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a kayak or canoe?

No. Non-motorized boats do not require registration in Missouri. If you add a motor to a kayak or canoe, even a small electric motor, it then must be registered.

What if I cannot find the hull identification number?

Check the transom, the starboard side near the waterline, and inside the boat near the engine. If it is not visible, contact the boat's manufacturer or a dealer with the boat's make and model year—they can tell you where it should be or provide the number from their records.

Can I register a boat I am still paying off?

Yes. If the boat has a lien (the lender holds a security interest), you can still register it. Bring the bill of sale or proof of ownership along with documentation of the lien. The lender's name will appear on the registration.

How long does it take to get my registration number?

Online registration gives you a number when ready; the decal arrives by mail in about two weeks. In-person registration at a Conservation office gives you a temporary number the same day. Mail registration takes two to three weeks.

What happens if I operate a motorized boat without registration?

Operating an unregistered motorized boat on Missouri waters is a violation and can result in a fine. Conservation officers check registration during routine patrols and at boat ramps.