Alabama boat registration is handled by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the process depends on whether your boat has a motor and how you plan to use it.

Most motorized boats in Alabama waters must be registered with the state, regardless of where you bought the boat or whether you use it in state or out of state. The registration itself is a certificate of number — a set of numbers and letters you display on the hull. Non-motorized boats like canoes, kayaks, and sailboats without motors do not need registration. Boats registered in another state that you bring into Alabama temporarily do not need an Alabama number, but if you keep the boat in Alabama year-round or use it regularly in state waters, you will need to register it here.

The cost and timeline depend on the boat type and whether you are registering for the first time or renewing. Initial registration takes about two weeks if you explore in person or by mail, and you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Key Takeaways

  • Motorized boats must display an Alabama certificate of number on the hull, and registration is required whether the boat is used in state or out of state.
  • Non-motorized boats, canoes, kayaks, and sailboats without motors do not need Alabama registration.
  • You can register a boat at any county probate office, by mail to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, or online for renewals.
  • Registration fees vary by boat length and motor type, and you will need the hull identification number (HIN), proof of ownership, and a completed process form.
  • Registrations last three years and can be renewed online, by mail, or in person without a new inspection.

Who needs to register a boat in Alabama

Any boat with a motor — inboard, outboard, or jet drive — must be registered if it is used in Alabama waters. This includes boats you own but keep docked at a marina, boats you trailer to lakes and rivers, and boats you use only occasionally. The registration requirement applies even if you live out of state and bring the boat to Alabama for a few weeks each year.

Boats without motors do not need registration. This includes canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats with no motor, and paddleboards. If your sailboat has an auxiliary motor (even a small one), it must be registered.

If you own a boat registered in another state and you keep it in Alabama for more than 90 consecutive days, you must register it in Alabama instead. Temporary visitors — people passing through with a boat registered elsewhere — do not need an Alabama number.

Documents and information you will need

Before you register, gather the hull identification number (HIN), which is a 12-character code stamped or engraved on the boat. 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 find it, contact the boat manufacturer or the dealer where you bought it.

You will also need proof of ownership — a bill of sale, title, or previous registration certificate. If the boat is financed, bring the lienholder's information as well. You will need the make, model, year, and motor type (inboard, outboard, jet drive, or other). If the motor is not original to the boat, note the motor's year and horsepower.

Complete the process form before you go to the probate office or mail it in. The form is called the "process for Certificate of Number" and is available on the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website or at any county probate office.

Where to register and how long it takes

You can register a boat at any county probate office in Alabama. The probate office is the same office that handles vehicle registration and marriage licenses. Walk in during business hours with your completed process, HIN, proof of ownership, and payment. Registration is issued on the spot or within a few days.

You can also register by mail. Send your completed process, copies of proof of ownership, and payment to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Boat Registration Section, at the address listed on the process form. Mail registration takes about two weeks.

For renewals only, you can register online through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website. You will need your current certificate of number and payment method. Online renewal is the fastest option and can be done at any time.

Registration fees and how long registration lasts

Boat registration fees in Alabama are based on boat length. Boats under 16 feet cost less than boats 16 to 26 feet, which cost less than boats over 26 feet. Exact fees change year to year, so check the current fee schedule on the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website or ask at your county probate office.

A certificate of number is valid for three years from the date of issue. You do not need a new inspection or safety check to renew — you straightforward pay the renewal fee and update any information that has changed (such as the motor or owner address). Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person at a probate office.

If your registration expires, you cannot legally operate the boat in Alabama waters. Renewal notices are mailed to your address on file about 30 days before expiration, but it is your responsibility to renew on time.

What the certificate of number looks like and where to display it

The certificate of number is a paper document that shows your boat's registration number, your name, the boat's HIN, and the expiration date. You will receive two copies — one to keep and one to display on the boat.

The registration number must be painted or attached to the hull on both sides of the boat, in letters and numbers at least three inches tall. The number is usually displayed near the bow (front) on the side of the hull. The lettering must be in a contrasting color — dark letters on a light hull or light letters on a dark hull — so it is clearly visible from the water.

You must also carry the paper certificate with you whenever you operate the boat. A law enforcement officer can ask to see it during a stop or inspection.

Transferring registration if you sell the boat

If you sell your boat, the new owner must register it in their name. The registration does not transfer automatically. The new owner will need to explore for a new certificate of number using the same process as a first-time registration — they will need the bill of sale, HIN, and payment.

As the seller, you should notify the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources that you no longer own the boat. This protects you from liability if the boat is involved in an accident or violation after the sale. You can do this by submitting a notice of sale form, available from the department or your probate office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a boat I only use out of state?

No, if you keep the boat in another state and only use it there, you register it in that state. However, if you bring the boat to Alabama and keep it here for more than 90 consecutive days, you must register it in Alabama even if you also use it elsewhere.

What if my boat does not have a visible HIN?

Contact the boat manufacturer with the boat's make, model, and year, and they can provide the HIN. You can also bring the boat to a county probate office and staff can help you locate it or verify it. Do not register without a HIN — it is required for the certificate.

Can I renew my boat registration online?

Yes, renewals can be done online through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website. You will need your current certificate number and a payment method. Online renewal is faster than mail and does not require a visit to the probate office.

What happens if I operate a boat without a current registration?

Operating an unregistered motorized boat in Alabama is a violation and can result in a fine. Law enforcement can stop you and ask for your certificate. If your registration has expired, renew it when ready at a probate office or online.

Do I need to register a pontoon boat or houseboat?

Yes, if it has a motor, it must be registered. Pontoon boats and houseboats follow the same registration process and fee structure as other motorized boats, based on length and motor type.