Registering Your Paddle Boat: License Requirements And Exemptions

Whether or not you need a title to register a paddle boat depends on the state and country you are in, as well as the type of paddle boat you are using. In the US, most states don't require paddleboards to be registered, but a handful, including Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota, do have specific rules. In Illinois, for example, all watercraft powered by machinery or sail must be registered, but unpowered watercraft do not need to be. Florida has a similar rule, with motorized boats and non-motorized boats over 16 feet in length needing to be registered.

Do you need a title to register a paddle boat?

Registration requirements vary by state

The registration requirements for paddle boats vary across different states in the US. In some states, such as Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota, you are required to register your paddle boat. However, in many other states, registration is not mandatory.

In Iowa, for instance, you must register your paddle boat with the Iowa DNR Boating Registration if it exceeds 13 feet in length. Vessels without motors or sails that are longer than 13 feet need to be registered to legally operate in Iowa's waterways.

Minnesota has a similar requirement, but the length threshold is 10 feet. Non-motorized watercraft that are 10 feet or less in length are exempt from registration in Minnesota.

South Dakota also mandates paddle boat registration for vessels longer than 12 feet.

On the other hand, several states do not require paddle boat registration. These include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

It is important to note that registration requirements may change over time, and it is always a good idea to check the most up-to-date information for your specific state. Additionally, some states may have unique requirements, such as Idaho's mandate for an invasive species sticker on paddle boats.

Non-motorized boats are often exempt from registration

In contrast, many states do not require registration for non-motorized boats. In Alabama, a "vessel not propelled by machinery" is exempt from numbering and registration. Similarly, in Alaska, a "boat that is not equipped with mechanical propulsion" is exempt from these requirements. Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming also do not require registration for non-motorized boats.

Length of the boat may determine registration requirements

The registration requirements for a boat vary from state to state in the US. While some states require all motorized boats to be registered, others have specific length requirements. Here are some examples of how the length of a boat may determine its registration requirements:

Iowa

In Iowa, all vessels with motors or mechanical devices must be registered. However, non-motorized canoes and kayaks that are 13 feet or less in length are exempt from registration. So, if you have a small paddle boat without a motor, you don't need to register it in Iowa as long as it's not longer than 13 feet.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, boats with a motor that are 16 feet or shorter do not need to be registered if they are propelled by oars or paddles and are not used for commercial or rental purposes. So, if you have a small motorized paddle boat that you use for personal recreation, you don't need to register it as long as it's not longer than 16 feet.

South Dakota

South Dakota requires registration for all motorized vessels. However, non-motorized vessels that are 12 feet in length or less do not need to display registration numbers, but they must display validation stickers. So, if you have a small paddle boat without a motor, you don't need to register it and display the numbers, but you still need to get the validation stickers if it's longer than 12 feet.

Oregon

In Oregon, all motorized boats, regardless of length, must be registered. On the other hand, human-powered craft and sailboats under 12 feet in length are exempt from registration. So, if you have a motorized paddle boat, you need to register it regardless of its length, but if it's human-powered or a small sailboat, registration is not required if it's under 12 feet.

Illinois

In Illinois, all vessels powered by a motor or sail must be registered. This includes boats with trolling motors. Unpowered watercraft, such as paddle boats without a motor, are exempt from registration. So, if your paddle boat has a motor, you need to register it, but if it's unpowered, you don't need to worry about registration.

These are just a few examples of how the length of a boat may determine its registration requirements. It's important to check the specific laws and regulations of your state, as they can vary significantly. Additionally, there may be other factors besides length that come into play when determining registration requirements, such as the type of propulsion or the intended use of the boat.

Registration fees vary by boat length and state

The cost of registering a boat varies depending on the state and the length of the boat. In general, the average cost of registering a boat is between $25 and $250. However, there are some states that have different requirements and fees.

For example, in Illinois, the registration fee depends on the length of the boat and whether it is powered by a motor or sail. Boats that are less than 16 feet in length and all motorized canoes, kayaks, and boats that are 16 feet to less than 26 feet in length cost $60 to register. Boats that are 26 feet to less than 40 feet in length cost $160, and boats that are 40 feet and over cost $210.

In Iowa, the registration fee also depends on the length of the boat. Boats that are 17 feet or larger require a title fee of $12.75. The registration fee for boats in Iowa decreases in price from January to May 1st, with the highest cost being in January.

Some states, like California, have a flat registration fee that depends on the year of registration and whether the owner is an in-state or out-of-state resident. The fee for registering a boat in California is typically between $20 and $50.

Other states, like Idaho, have a base registration cost that increases depending on the length of the boat. In Idaho, the base registration cost is $20, and there is an additional $2 fee for each additional foot of the boat's length.

It's important to note that not all boats need to be registered. For example, in Illinois, only vessels powered by a motor or sail are required to be registered. Unpowered watercraft, such as paddle boats, do not need to be registered. Additionally, each state has different requirements for paddle boat registration, with only a handful of states requiring it. It's always a good idea to check with your specific state to understand the requirements and fees for registering a paddle boat.

Some states require registration for paddle boats

In the United States, the requirement for paddle boat registration varies from state to state. While most states do not require registration, a handful of states do have specific rules for paddle boat owners to follow.

In Iowa, for instance, paddle boards longer than 13 feet must be registered with the Iowa DNR Boating Registration. Similarly, Minnesota requires the registration of paddle boards exceeding 10 feet in length. South Dakota is another state that requires paddle board registration for boards greater than 12 feet in length.

In addition to length-based requirements, some states have specialized SUP registration requirements. For example, Idaho mandates that paddle boards display an invasive species sticker, while Illinois requires registration for all vessels powered by a motor or sail.

It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding paddle boat registration may change over time, so it is always a good idea to check with the relevant state agencies or consult an attorney for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions