Where to register your boat and what you need to start

Boat registration in Mississippi is handled by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), not your county clerk or the DMV. You can register in person at any MDWFP regional office, by mail to their Jackson headquarters, or online through their website if your boat meets certain conditions. The process takes about two weeks by mail and a few days in person, though online registration can be faster if you're renewing an existing registration.

Before you start, gather your boat's hull identification number (HIN)—a 12-character code stamped on the hull, usually on the starboard (right) side near the waterline. You'll also need proof of ownership: a bill of sale, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or a previous registration from another state. If you're financing the boat, bring the lienholder's information as well.

Mississippi requires all motorized boats and sailboats 12 feet or longer to be registered. Non-motorized boats under 12 feet do not need registration. If your boat has an outboard motor, jet ski, or any other motor, it must be registered regardless of length.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) handles all boat registration, not your county or the DMV.
  • You need your boat's hull identification number (HIN), proof of ownership, and a completed process form to register.
  • Registration costs vary based on boat length and type, and you can pay by mail, in person, or online depending on your situation.
  • Your registration is valid for three years, and renewal notices are mailed about 30 days before expiration.
  • Motorized boats and sailboats 12 feet or longer must be registered; non-motorized boats under 12 feet do not.

What registration costs and how long it lasts

Mississippi boat registration fees are based on the length of your boat. Boats under 16 feet cost less than boats 16 to 26 feet, which cost less than boats over 26 feet. The exact fee varies, so contact MDWFP directly or check their website for current pricing. Some counties may add a small local fee on top of the state registration cost.

Your registration is valid for three years from the date it is issued. You do not renew every year; instead, you renew once every three years. The MDWFP will mail you a renewal notice about 30 days before your registration expires. If you miss the important date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee.

Registration includes a decal—a sticker with your registration number—that you must display on your boat. The decal goes on the hull, usually on both sides near the bow. If you lose or damage the decal, you can request a replacement from MDWFP.

How to register by mail or in person

To register by mail, read the boat registration process from the MDWFP website or request one by phone. Fill it out completely with your name, address, boat information, and HIN. Attach a copy of your proof of ownership and mail everything to the MDWFP office in Jackson along with your payment. Include a check or money order—they do not accept credit cards by mail. Mail registration typically takes two to three weeks.

If you prefer to register in person, visit any MDWFP regional office with your completed process, proof of ownership, and payment. Bring your driver's license or state ID as well. In-person registration is usually faster and you can ask questions if anything on the form is unclear. The MDWFP has offices in Jackson, Biloxi, and other locations across the state.

If you are renewing an existing Mississippi registration and have not changed your boat's information, you may be able to renew online through the MDWFP website. Online renewal is the fastest option and you can pay by credit card. However, online renewal is only available for renewals, not for new registrations.

Registering a boat you bought from out of state

If you bought your boat in another state and are moving it to Mississippi, you must register it with MDWFP within 30 days of bringing it into the state. Bring your out-of-state registration or bill of sale as proof of ownership. If the boat was registered in another state, you can use that registration as temporary proof while your Mississippi registration is being processed.

Some states issue a certificate of title for boats; others issue only a registration. If your previous state issued a title, bring it with you. If you do not have the original title or registration, a bill of sale from the seller is usually enough. If the boat has a lienholder (a bank or finance company), you will need their name and address so they can be listed on your Mississippi registration.

Do not assume your old registration is valid in Mississippi. You are required to register with MDWFP, and operating an unregistered boat in Mississippi waters can result in a citation and fine.

What happens if your boat is financed

If you financed your boat through a bank, credit union, or dealer, the lender is listed as a lienholder on your registration. This means the lender has a legal interest in the boat until you pay off the loan. You still own and operate the boat, but the lienholder's name appears on the registration document.

When you register, provide the lender's full name, address, and loan account number. MDWFP will send a copy of your registration to the lienholder as proof that the boat is registered. Once you pay off the loan, contact MDWFP to remove the lienholder from your registration. You do not need to re-register; a straightforward form removes them from the existing registration.

If you sell the boat while it is still financed, the new owner must assume the loan or the sale cannot go through. The lienholder must release their interest in the boat before the title can transfer to the new owner.

Displaying your registration and carrying required documents

Mississippi law requires you to display your registration decal on the hull of your boat in a visible location. The decal should be placed on both the port (left) and starboard (right) sides of the bow, or in the location specified by MDWFP on your registration paperwork. The decal must be clearly visible from the water and not obscured by any part of the boat.

When you operate your boat, carry your registration certificate with you at all times. Game wardens and law enforcement can stop you on the water and ask to see your registration. If you cannot produce it, you may be cited. Keep your certificate in a waterproof container or bag so it does not get damaged by water or weather.

If your decal is damaged, faded, or missing, contact MDWFP for a replacement. Do not operate your boat without a visible decal; it is a violation of Mississippi boating regulations and can result in a fine.

Renewing your registration before it expires

Your registration is valid for three years. About 30 days before it expires, MDWFP will mail you a renewal notice to the address on file. The notice includes a renewal form and instructions. If you have not moved and your boat information has not changed, you can renew by mail or online using the form in the notice.

To renew by mail, fill out the renewal form, attach your payment, and mail it back to MDWFP. To renew online, visit the MDWFP website and follow the online renewal process. Online renewal requires your registration number and the last four digits of your Social Security number or tax ID. Payment is by credit card.

If you do not receive a renewal notice, contact MDWFP directly. Do not wait until your registration expires to renew. Operating a boat with an expired registration is illegal and can result in a citation. If your registration has already expired, you can still renew, but you may owe a late fee in addition to the regular renewal cost.

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 require registration in Mississippi. However, if you add a motor to a kayak or canoe, it then becomes a motorized vessel and must be registered regardless of its length.

What if I lose my registration certificate?

Contact MDWFP and request a duplicate certificate. You will need to provide your boat's HIN and registration number. There is usually a small fee for a duplicate. In the meantime, carry a copy of your original certificate or a letter from MDWFP confirming your registration status.

Can I register a boat I built myself?

Yes. You will need to provide a bill of sale or a statement of origin from the builder, along with your boat's HIN. If you built the boat yourself, you may need to provide documentation of the construction or a notarized statement of ownership. Contact MDWFP before you register to confirm what documents they need.

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

Contact MDWFP when ready. A missing or illegible HIN can prevent registration. MDWFP may require an inspection by a game warden to verify the boat's identity before registration can be issued. Do not attempt to repair or replace the HIN yourself; this must be done through official channels.

Do I need boat insurance to register in Mississippi?

No. Mississippi does not require boat insurance to register a boat. However, if you financed your boat, your lender may require you to carry insurance as a condition of the loan. Check your loan agreement to see if insurance is required.