Boating is simply a part of life in North Carolina, from the waves of the Outer Banks to the glittering surfaces of the Tar Heel State’s lakes. With over 5,000 miles of waterways, there’s barely a day in North Carolina you won’t want to spend on the water.

When setting out on your boat, canoe, or jet ski, there’s tons of fun to be had (safely) . . . as long as you’re legally set to do so.

In North Carolina, there are strict regulations around boat registration and titling, so we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the Tar Heel State’s requirements with the BOATsmart! Guide to all things registration and titling. Happy boating!

Boats at the dock, how to register a boat in North Carolina concept.

How Do I Know If My Boat Needs to Be Registered? 

In North Carolina, boaters are required to register any motorized vessel with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The following boats must be registered:

  • Any motorized vessel, including jet skis
  • Any vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard that remain in North Carolina for over 90 consecutive days
  • Any sailboat longer than 14 feet at the load waterline
  • Any vessel registered in another state that remains in North Carolina for over 90 consecutive days
  • Any vessel already titled

If your vessel doesn’t meet any of these requirements — like a canoe — there’s a good chance it doesn’t need to be registered.

What Boats Are Exempt From Boat Registration in North Carolina?

The following boats are exempt from registration in North Carolina:

  • Vessels that are unused and kept on dry land
  • Boats only moved by the current or by oars (rowboats, canoes, kayaks, rafts)
  • Vessels only used on a private pond
  • Non-motorized lifeboats and dinghies used for emergency purposes
  • Vessels currently registered in another state and belonging to active duty military stationed in North Carolina

How Do I Know If My Boat Needs to Be Titled? 

The following boats need to be titled in North Carolina:

  • Any motorized vessel, jet ski, or sailboat over 14 feet long must be titled
  • Any vessel with an active lien

Remember: the title is different from the registration. If you’re boat needs to be registered, chances are it also needs a title.

A boat moving on the water near shore, boat registration concept.

How Do I Register My Boat in the State of North Carolina?

In the State of North Carolina, you can register your boat by mail or in person at a Local Wildlife Agent.

You’ll need a few things to complete the registration. These include:

  • A completed VL-1 form
  • Proof of ownership (a notarized, original Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin or a bill of sale)
  • The correct fee

Make sure you have all of these things with you when registering in person.

How Do I Title My Boat in the State of North Carolina?

To title your boat in North Carolina, you’ll go through the same process as registering your boat. You can title your boat in person or by mail, and you’ll need:

  • That completed VL-1 form
  • Your proof of ownership
  • The correct fee amount

If you are obtaining a replacement title, you’ll need to fill out the Vessel Title Request Form.

How Much Does Boat Registration and Titling Cost in the State of North Carolina?

The cost of registering and titling your boat in North Carolina depends on your terms of registration. You can choose between a one or three-year registration term.

As of 2023, the fees are as follows:

1-Year Fee3-Year Fee
Registration for a vessel less than 26 ft in length with title.
Titling is required for vessels 14 feet or longer, personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis), and vessels with a lien. The $30 titling fee is included in the price shown.		$71*$131*
Registration for a vessel 26 ft or greater in length with title.
Titling is required for vessels 14 ft or longer or vessels with a lien. The $30 titling fee is included in the price shown.		$91*$191*
Registration for a vessel less than 14 ft in length without title.
Titling is NOT required for vessels less than 14 ft, excluding personal watercraft (i.e., jet ski).		$36*$96*
Registration for a U.S. Coast Guard documented a vessel less than 26 ft long without title.
Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard may not be titled. Application must be accompanied by a copy of the Certificate of Documentation.		$36*$96*
Registration for a U.S. Coast Guard documented vessel 26 ft or greater in length without title.
Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard may not be titled. A copy of the Certificate of Documentation must accompany the application.		$56*$156*
Dealer Registration (complete sections 1, 5, and sign reverse side).
Titling is not an option. Dealer registrations are the same fee regardless of vessel length and are to be used for vessel demonstration purposes only. Must be processed at NCWRC Headquarters by mail or in person.		$56*$156*
Permanent Registration (for government entities only).
Titling is not an option. Volunteer emergency services may apply for a permanent registration for a vessel primarily used for search and rescue. The application must be processed at NCWRC Headquarters by mail or in person.		No chargeNo charge

*Price includes administrative surcharge as mandated by NCGS 75A-5.2(c).

A man driving a boat while wearing a yellow life jacket, boat ownership concept.

How Do I Transfer Boat Ownership to My New Boat?

Transferring, registering, and titling your new boat in North Carolina all depends on your purchase method.

Purchasing Your Boat from an Individual

You’ll need:

  • Completed VL-1 form
  • The original North Carolina title properly assigned and notarized with the seller’s name (if purchasing an out-of-state boat, ensure that the original out-of-state title is filled out appropriately)
  • The appropriate fee

Purchasing a Non-Titled Boat from an Individual

Make sure you have the following:

  • Completed VL-1 form
  • Notarized bill of sale (if you’re purchasing from out of state, you’ll need a copy of the out-of-state registration card)
  • The appropriate fee

Purchasing a Boat (Titled or Non-Titled) from a Dealership

You’ll need these items:

  • Completed VL-1 form
  • Dealer’s bill of sale
  • Original North Carolina title (or original out-of-state title/registration card)
  • The appropriate fee

Will I Need to Take a Boater Safety Education Course?

In North Carolina, every boater born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete a boater safety education course and obtain a boating safety ID card. With BOATsmart!, you can take a boating safety course that’s actually fun. 

Our course is 100% narrated, animated, and packed with all the information you need to know to pass your boating safety test. Plus, it only takes North Carolina boaters an average of three hours to get certified . . . and there’s nothing better or easier than that! 

We’d recommend our boater safety course to every boater, no matter how old you might be. The way we see it, nothing is more important than boating safety on the water.

What Else Do I Need to Know About How to Register a Boat in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, you’ll need to display your registration numbers clearly on both sides of your boat. The numbers must be read from left to right in a contrasting color and printed in block lettering at least three inches high.

Three women smiling and wearing lifejackets while holding boater education cards, boat safely concept.

Stay Safe When Boating in North Carolina

In North Carolina, most boats must be registered and titled with the state. Following the laws and completing a boating safety education course with BOATsmart!, you’ll be prepared and ready for as many days in the sun as your boat allows.

Have fun, and stay safe!

Originally published May 26, 2021. Content most recently reviewed and updated August 12, 2024.

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