Georgia boat registration is handled by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, not the DMV

Boat registration in Georgia is separate from vehicle registration. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division manages all boat titles and registrations, not the Georgia Department of Driver Services. You can register online through the DNR website, by mail, or in person at a DNR office or authorized agent location. Registration takes about two weeks by mail and is when ready online.

Every motorized boat and sailboat over 12 feet long must be registered in Georgia if it is used on state waters. This includes boats you own, boats you are purchasing, and boats you are bringing into the state from another state. Non-motorized boats under 12 feet do not need registration, but they do need a hull identification number (HIN) if they were manufactured after 1972.

The registration fee depends on the boat's length and type. A motorized boat 16 to 26 feet costs less than a boat 26 to 40 feet. Sailboats have different fees than powerboats. Registration is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be renewed annually.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia boat registration is managed by the Department of Natural Resources, not the DMV, and you can register online, by mail, or at a DNR office.
  • Every motorized boat and sailboat over 12 feet must be registered; non-motorized boats under 12 feet do not need registration but do need a hull identification number if made after 1972.
  • You will need proof of ownership (bill of sale or title), a completed process form, and payment for the registration fee, which varies by boat length and type.
  • If you are registering a boat from out of state, you must provide proof that sales tax was paid in the previous state or pay Georgia sales tax before registration is issued.
  • Registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually; you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

What documents you need to register a boat

The documents required depend on whether you own the boat outright or are purchasing it. If you already own the boat and it was previously registered in Georgia, bring your current registration certificate and a completed Form 3200 (process for Boat Registration). If the boat is new or has never been registered in Georgia, bring a bill of sale signed by the seller and a completed Form 3200.

If the boat has a title (which is required for boats over 20 feet or boats with an inboard motor), you will need the title document or a bill of sale that shows the seller's name and signature. For boats from out of state, bring proof that sales tax was paid in the previous state. If no sales tax was paid, you will owe Georgia sales tax at the time of registration.

You will also need a valid photo ID and proof of your Georgia residency if you are registering in person. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works as proof of residency. read Form 3200 from the DNR website before you go, or ask for it when you arrive at the office.

Registering online through the DNR website

Online registration is the fastest option and takes about 15 minutes. Go to the Georgia DNR website and select the boat registration section. You will enter your boat's information (length, type, hull identification number, and engine details), your personal information, and upload a photo of your bill of sale or title. Pay the registration fee by credit card or debit card.

After you submit, the DNR processes your process and sends your registration certificate by mail within two weeks. Your boat is not legally registered until you receive the certificate in the mail, so do not put the registration numbers on your boat until it arrives. The certificate will show your registration number, which you must display on both sides of the boat's bow in numbers at least 3 inches tall.

If your process is incomplete or the DNR needs more information, they will contact you by email or phone. Keep your confirmation number from your online submission so you can check the status of your process on the DNR website.

Registering by mail or in person

To register by mail, complete Form 3200 and mail it with a copy of your bill of sale or title, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the registration fee. Mail everything to the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division at the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the DNR receives your packet.

To register in person, visit any DNR office or an authorized agent location. You can find the nearest office on the DNR website by entering your county. Bring the original or a certified copy of your bill of sale or title, a completed Form 3200, a valid photo ID, and proof of residency. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or card at most locations. Registration is processed on the spot, and you receive your certificate when ready.

Authorized agents are typically boat dealers, marinas, and outdoor retailers. They charge a small service fee on top of the registration fee, but they handle the paperwork for you. Call ahead to confirm the agent is open and has the forms in stock.

Registering a boat from out of state

If you are moving to Georgia with a boat that is currently registered in another state, you have 30 days to register it in Georgia. Bring your out-of-state registration certificate, a bill of sale or title, and proof that sales tax was paid in the previous state. If you cannot provide proof of sales tax payment, you will owe Georgia sales tax, which is 4 percent of the boat's fair market value.

The DNR uses the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) guide to determine fair market value if you do not have a recent appraisal. If the out-of-state sales tax you paid was higher than Georgia's rate, you do not owe additional tax. If it was lower, you pay the difference. This is calculated at the time of registration.

You cannot legally operate the boat in Georgia on an out-of-state registration after the 30-day grace period ends. If you are caught operating an unregistered boat, you face a fine and your boat may be impounded.

Renewing your boat registration

Boat registration expires one year from the date it was issued. The DNR sends a renewal notice by mail about 30 days before your registration expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as initial registration. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as initial registration.

If you renew online, log into your account on the DNR website and select your boat. Enter any updated information (such as a new engine or a change of address), pay the fee, and submit. Your new certificate arrives by mail within two weeks. If you miss the renewal important date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee depending on how long the registration has been expired.

If your boat's registration has been expired for more than one year, you may need to re-register it as if it were new, which requires a bill of sale or title and proof of residency. Contact the DNR to confirm the requirements for your situation.

What happens if you operate an unregistered boat

Operating a boat without a current Georgia registration is a violation of state law. A conservation officer can stop your boat at any time to check your registration. If you cannot produce a valid certificate, you face a fine of up to $500 and your boat may be impounded until registration is obtained.

If you are involved in an accident while operating an unregistered boat, your insurance may not cover the damage or injury, and you may be held personally liable. You are also not legally permitted to rent or loan an unregistered boat to another person.

If your registration has expired but you have submitted a renewal process, carry a copy of your confirmation number or receipt with you on the water. This shows you have made a good-faith effort to renew, though it does not replace a valid certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a kayak or canoe?

No. Non-motorized boats under 12 feet, including kayaks and canoes, do not need registration in Georgia. However, if your kayak or canoe was manufactured after 1972, it must have a hull identification number (HIN) assigned by the manufacturer. Check the stern (back) of your boat for a 12-character HIN.

What if I buy a boat from a private seller and they do not have the title?

A bill of sale signed by both you and the seller is sufficient for boats under 20 feet or boats without an inboard motor. For larger boats or boats with inboard motors, you may need to obtain a title from the previous owner or contact the DNR to request a replacement title. The DNR can issue a title based on the bill of sale and proof of ownership, though this may take additional time.

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

No. You must be a Georgia resident to register a boat in Georgia. Residency is established by a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. If you own property in Georgia but do not live there full-time, you may not be able to register a boat there. Contact the DNR to discuss your specific situation.

How much does boat registration cost?

The fee varies by boat length and type. A motorized boat 16 to 26 feet costs less than a boat 26 to 40 feet. Sailboats have different fees than powerboats. The exact fee is listed on the DNR website and on Form 3200. Fees do not change during the year, so the cost is the same whether you register in January or December.

What if I sell my boat before the registration expires?

Notify the DNR in writing that you have sold the boat and provide the buyer's name and contact information. You are not liable for violations or fines that occur after the sale if you have notified the DNR. The new owner must register the boat in their name before operating it on Georgia waters.