In Georgia, everything from the sparkling lakes to the glittering coastline — which makes boating a must-do for every Georgian. Since being out on the boat is such an important piece of life for boaters in The Peach State, it’s always important to make sure you’re doing it the right way.
Registration is required to take your boat out on Georgia waters. With BOATsmart!’s guide to getting your boat registered, you can make sure your boat can be legally taken out on the beautiful waters that call Georgia home. Here are our best tips for boat registration, Georgia boaters!
How Do I Know if My Boat Needs to Be Registered?
In Georgia, most motorized boats must be registered with the Department of Natural Resources: Wildlife Resources Division.
Boats that need to be registered include:
- All mechanically-powered, motorized vessels
- Sailboats over 12 feet in length
What Boats Are Exempt From Boat Registration in Georgia?
The following boats are exempt from boat registration requirements in Georgia:
- Boats used exclusively on private property (lakes closed to the public, etc.)
- Sailboats less than 12 feet without a motor
- Canoes, kayaks, rafts, and rowboats that are paddled, oared, or windblown (no motors)
How Do I Register My Boat in the State of Georgia?
You can register a boat both online and by mail as long as you have the following required documents:
- Proof of ownership (bill of sale, dealer’s invoice, transferred title, etc.)
- Completed and signed Georgia Vessel Registration/Title Application
- The correct fee
If plan to register it in person, make sure you bring all of these items with you.
How Much Does Boat Registration Cost in the State of Georgia?
The cost to register your boat in Georgia is as follows:
| Description | Cost |
| Boats (less than 16 feet in length) | $35 |
| Boats (16 feet to less than 26 feet long) | $70 |
| Boats (26 feet to less than 40 feet long) | $140 |
| Boats (more than 40 feet long) | $210 |
| Duplicate Registration | $11 |
| Marine Toilet Certificate (with boat registration) | $5 |
| Standalone Marine Toilet Certificate | $15 |
| Late fee for renewal of a lapsed registration (same owner/no transfer) | $10 |
Transaction fees will apply to all applications. These fees include a $10 transaction fee, whether registered by mail, phone, or online.
How Do I Transfer Boat Ownership to My New Boat?
If you’re transferring boat ownership to your new boat, you’ll need two things from the seller: a signed, detailed bill of sale and the seller’s boater registration card.
Additionally, if the boat has been sold several times, you’ll need to be able to show the chain of ownership. Fill out a Georgia Vessel Title/Registration Application and proceed with the registration steps.
What Else Do I Need to Know About Boat Registration in Georgia?
What else can we tell you about boat registration, Georgia boaters? If you sell or transfer a boat in Georgia, you must notify the DNR within 15 days.
You’ll also always need to display your validation decal and registration number on the side of your boat. They must be displayed to read from left to right in clear numbering and coloring, and the letters must be separated from the numbers with a hyphen or space.
Will I Need to Take a Boater Safety Education Course?
In Georgia, all boaters born on or after January 1, 1998, have to obtain a boating card — or boating license — which is where we come in! At BOATsmart!, we educate Georgia boaters with a fully narrated, animated curriculum that’s fun, engaging, and packed with insider info on boating safety.
We like to think of it like this: if you’re going to take a boater safety education course, why not make sure you enjoy it?
Our curriculum is the top choice for Georgia boaters and is the top way to get your boating card quickly and enjoyably.
Follow These Tips for Boat Registration, Georgia Boaters!
Every motorized boat and vessel must be currently registered in The Peach State, so keep up with the necessary regulations to stay legal and safe on Georgia waters.
There’s nothing as fun as a boat day — especially one where you’re safe, registered, and happy — so use BOATsmart! for your boating safety education needs to make sure that you can have as many boat days as your heart desires.
Originally published in March 2021. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy September 10, 2024.
