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Alabama’s Boat Registration Requirements

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According to Alabama’s boat registration requirements, all motorized boats, sailboats and rental boats to be registered. Once a boat has been registered, you will be provided with an Alabama Certificate of Number and validation decals, both of which are legally required in order to operate the boat.

Exemptions:

  • Human-powered boats (except sailboats and rental boats).
  • Boats operating under a valid, temporary Certificate of Number.
  • Boats that have been registered in another country and that are temporarily using Alabama’s waters.
  • Boats that are owned by the U.S. government, or a state, county or municipality.
  • A ship’s lifeboat.

Boats can be registered in the state of Alabama by submitting an application and fee to the office of Judge of Probate or the county License Commissioner in your own county.

Alabama Certificate of Number

Boats that have been registered will be provided with an Alabama Certificate of Number. The Certificate of Number must be carried on board the boat at all times and be available for inspection by law enforcement, during operation.

Other Boat Registration Info

If your Certificate of Number is lost or damaged (needs to be replaced) you will be required to pay a processing fee and apply to the issuing office to obtain a new copy. Additionally, if there is a change of address, or a boat is lost, stolen, abandoned or destroyed, the boat owner is required to notify the Alabama Marine Police Division within 15 days of the change.

Alabama’s boat registration system operates on a staggered basis. The first letter of your last name will determine the month of renewal.

Boat Registration Number and Decal Placement:

  • The registration number must be painted, applied as a decal or otherwise affixed to both sides of the bow.
  • The number MUST be placed where it can be easily read.
  • No other numbers may be displayed in this area.
  • The registration number must be at least 3 inches high and in block letters of a color that contrasts with the color of the boat.
  • The numbers must be read from left to right (on both sides).
  • The letters of the registration number must be separated from the numbers by a hyphen or by an equivalent space.
  • The validation decals must be affixed on each side of the boat, in line with the registration number and within 6 inches fore or aft of the number.