Paddle Boat Registration: Illinois Law Requirements

do you have to register a paddle boat in Illinois

Illinois is home to 11,000 inland lakes, 900 miles of rivers, and a sizable share of Lake Michigan's shoreline. With so many bodies of water, it's no surprise that boating is a popular activity in the state. If you want to take your paddle boat out on the water in Illinois, you may be wondering if you need to register it. So, do you have to register a paddle boat in Illinois?

shunoutdoor

Registration requirements for paddle boats in Illinois

In Illinois, all vessels powered by a motor or sail must be registered to operate on public waters. This includes boats with trolling motors. However, unpowered watercraft, such as paddle boats, are exempt from registration requirements.

Exemptions

The following types of vessels are exempt from registration requirements in Illinois:

  • Unpowered vessels, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards
  • Vessels owned by the federal or state government
  • Vessels properly registered in another state and using Illinois waters for less than 60 consecutive days
  • Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and using Illinois waters for less than 60 consecutive days
  • Vessels used solely as lifeboats
  • Vessels registered in other countries temporarily using Illinois water
  • Vessels used exclusively and solely for racing purposes
  • Vessels 21 feet and under in length are not required to have a Certificate of Title

Registration Process

To register a new boat in Illinois, you need to complete a Watercraft Registration/Title Application (Form IL 422-0321). Along with this application, you will need to provide proof of purchase, such as the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin or the previous owner's title and registration. You will also need to pay the registration fees and submit any required tax forms and the bill of sale or purchase agreement.

Registration Fees

Boats in Illinois are classified into four classes based on their length, and each class has its own registration/title fee:

  • Class 1: boats measuring less than 16 feet = $28
  • Class 2: boats measuring between 16 and 26 feet = $60
  • Class 3: boats measuring between 26 and 40 feet = $160
  • Class 4: boats measuring more than 40 feet = $210

These fees apply to motor- or sail-powered watercraft only. There may also be additional processing fees for certain requests, such as a duplicate title, which costs $7.

Displaying Registration Information

Once your registration is approved, you must have your registration certificate, certificate of number, and certificate of title with you when operating your boat. The registration numbers should be affixed to the bow of your boat on both sides, either painted on or using vinyl stickers. The colour of the numbers should contrast with the colour of your boat, and the expiration decals should be affixed after each registration number, leaving 3 inches between the number and the decal.

shunoutdoor

How to register a paddle boat in Illinois

If you're looking to take your paddle boat out on the waters of Illinois, there are a few things you need to know about registration. Here's a step-by-step guide to registering your paddle boat in the state of Illinois:

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

In Illinois, not all boats need to be registered. Unpowered vessels, including paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, are exempt from registration requirements. So, if your paddle boat has no motor or sail, you're good to go without registration.

However, if your paddle boat is powered by a motor or sail, then it needs to be registered if you plan to operate it on public waters in Illinois.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Documents

To register your paddle boat, you'll need the following documents:

  • A completed Watercraft Registration/Title Application (Form IL 422-0321).
  • Proof of purchase, such as the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin or the previous owner's title and registration.
  • Payment for registration fees, which vary depending on the length of your boat. For a paddle boat likely to fall under Class 1 (16 ft) or Class 2 (16-26 ft).
  • Tax forms, if required. This includes the ST-556 tax form for new boats purchased in Illinois from a dealer.
  • Bill of sale or purchase agreement, if required.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your application by mail to:

Department of Natural Resources, Springfield, IL 62794

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources only accepts new watercraft registration applications by mail. You cannot apply for registration in person or online.

Step 4: Temporary Registration and Timeline

After submitting your application, you have a 60-day temporary registration period during which you can operate your paddle boat. This period starts from the date of your application. Keep a copy of your application on board during this time.

The processing time for applications can take up to 12 weeks after payment is received. Don't worry, though; this won't delay your boating plans.

Step 5: Registration Certificate, Number, and Decals

Once your registration is approved, you'll receive your registration certificate, certificate of number, and certificate of title. These documents must be with you when operating your paddle boat. Here are the guidelines for displaying your numbers and decals:

  • Affix 3-inch block-type registration numbers to both sides of the bow of your boat. You can paint these numbers on or use vinyl stickers. Ensure the colour contrasts with the boat.
  • Affix expiration decals after each registration number, leaving 3 inches between the number and the decal.

Step 6: Renewal and Updates

All boat registrations in Illinois expire on September 30th, three years after they are issued. You will need to renew your registration before this date. Renewal fees depend on the boat's class, as outlined in Step 2.

If you change your address, you must notify the Department of Natural Resources within 15 days. Additionally, report to the local Department of Natural Resources within 15 days if your boat is destroyed or transferred to a new owner.

If you lose or damage your registration documents, you can apply for duplicates from the Department of Natural Resources.

shunoutdoor

What is the cost of registering a paddle boat in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, all vessels powered by a motor or sail must be registered, including boats with trolling motors. Unpowered watercraft, such as paddle boats, are not required to be registered. However, if your paddle boat is motorized, it will need to be registered and you will need to pay a registration fee.

The cost of registering a boat in Illinois depends on the size of the boat. Here are the fees for new titles and registration:

  • All powered watercraft less than 16 ft. and all motorized canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats: $28 for Class 1 and $60 for Class 2
  • 16 ft. to less than 26 ft.: $60 for Class 2
  • 26 ft. to less than 40 ft.: $160 for Class 3
  • 40 ft. and over: $210 for Class 4

Registration renewal fees are as follows:

  • All powered watercraft less than 16 ft. and all motorized canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats: $18 for Class 1 and $50 for Class 2
  • 16 ft. to less than 26 ft.: $50 for Class 2
  • 26 ft. to less than 40 ft.: $150 for Class 3
  • 40 ft. and over: $200 for Class 4

It's important to note that titles are optional for boats under 22 feet in length, and there is a $2.00 processing fee for all watercraft application transactions.

Who Really Owns the Boat Grace?

You may want to see also

shunoutdoor

Exemptions for registering a paddle boat in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, exemptions for registering a paddle boat include:

  • Unpowered vessels, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
  • Vessels owned by the federal or state government.
  • Vessels properly registered in another state and using Illinois waters for less than 60 consecutive days.
  • Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and using Illinois waters for less than 60 consecutive days.
  • Vessels used solely as lifeboats.
  • Vessels registered in other countries temporarily using Illinois water.
  • Vessels used exclusively and solely for racing purposes.
  • Vessels 21 feet and under in length are not required to have a Certificate of Title.

Additionally, the following regulations apply to paddle boats in Illinois:

  • All vessels powered by a motor or sail must be registered in the state of Illinois.
  • Titles are optional for boats under 22 feet in length.
  • Unpowered watercraft do not need to be registered.
  • All registered watercraft over 21 feet in length are required to be titled.
Paddling a Jon Boat: Is It Possible?

You may want to see also

shunoutdoor

Do I need to register my paddle boat if I'm not in Illinois

If you are not in Illinois, you do not need to register your paddle boat in the state of Illinois. However, you may need to register it in the state you are in. Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding boat registration, so it is important to check with the relevant authorities in your state to determine the specific requirements that apply to you.

In Illinois, all vessels powered by a motor or sail must be registered, and this includes boats with trolling motors. Vessels that do not require registration in Illinois include kayaks, canoes, rafts, paddle boards, and kiteboards. Additionally, vessels used exclusively as lifeboats, vessels used exclusively for racing, and government-owned and operated watercraft are exempt from registration requirements.

It is worth noting that even if you are not in Illinois, you may still need to register your paddle boat with the appropriate authorities in your state or country. The registration process and requirements can vary depending on your location, so it is always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities before taking your boat out on the water.

In Illinois, the registration process for a new boat involves submitting a Watercraft Registration/Title Application (Form IL 422-0321) along with proof of purchase, payment for registration fees, tax forms (if required), and a bill of sale or purchase agreement (if necessary). The application can be mailed to the Department of Natural Resources in Springfield, Illinois, but it is important to allow sufficient time for processing, as it can take up to twelve weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if it is powered by a motor or sail and you plan to operate it on public water in Illinois, it needs to be registered.

Unpowered vessels, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, are exempt from registration.

To register a new boat in the state of Illinois, you need to complete a Watercraft Registration/Title Application (Form IL 422-0321). Along with this, you need proof of purchase, payment for registration fees, tax forms (if required), and a bill of sale or purchase agreement (if required).

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment