How to Register a Boat in Arizona

Arizona, though predominantly a desert state, is home to over 128 lakes and five major rivers, offering ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and water-based recreation. Whether you’re navigating the waters of Lake Havasu, rafting through the Grand Canyon, or simply enjoying a quiet day on a smaller reservoir, owning a boat in Arizona comes with the responsibility of proper registration. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) oversees watercraft registration, ensuring that all motorized vessels comply with state laws to promote safety and protect the environment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of registering a boat in Arizona, covering requirements, costs, exemptions, trailer registration, and additional boating regulations to help you hit the water legally and confidently.

Why Boat Registration Matters in Arizona

Boat registration in Arizona is more than a bureaucratic formality—it’s a legal requirement designed to ensure safety, accountability, and resource conservation on the state’s waterways. All motorized watercraft, regardless of size or type, must be registered with the AZGFD before they can be operated, anchored, or moored on Arizona waters. This includes everything from small inflatable rafts with electric motors to large yachts with powerful engines. Registration helps authorities track ownership, enforce boating laws, and fund safety initiatives like education programs, law enforcement, and infrastructure improvements.

The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Whether you’re a resident purchasing a new vessel, transferring ownership of a used boat, or bringing an out-of-state watercraft into Arizona, understanding the steps and associated costs will save you time and potential penalties. Additionally, while boats are managed by the AZGFD, trailers fall under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), adding another layer to consider if you tow your vessel.

Who Needs to Register a Boat in Arizona?

In Arizona, the rule is simple: if your boat has a motor, it must be registered. This applies to vessels of all sizes and configurations—motorboats, sailboats with auxiliary motors, canoes with trolling motors, and even personal watercraft (PWCs) like jet skis. The type or size of the motor doesn’t matter; if it’s motorized, it needs an Arizona registration number.

There are, however, a few exceptions to this requirement:

• Human-Powered Boats: Canoes, kayaks, or rowboats without motors are exempt.
• Federally Documented Vessels: Boats documented by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) don’t need state registration, though documentation is optional for larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens.
• Lifeboats: Watercraft used solely as emergency lifeboats are exempt.
• Temporary Out-of-State Boats: Boats registered in another state or country can operate on Arizona waters for up to 90 consecutive days without Arizona registration, provided they comply with their home jurisdiction’s numbering system.

If your boat doesn’t fall into one of these categories, registration is mandatory. Arizona operates as a “registration-only” state, meaning titles are not issued for boats—only a Certificate of Number and registration decals are provided.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Boat in Arizona

Registering a boat in Arizona involves submitting an application, providing proof of ownership, and paying a fee based on the vessel’s length. Here’s how to do it:

1. Gather Required Documents

The cornerstone of the registration process is the Watercraft Registration Application, available from AZGFD offices, marine dealers, or the department’s website. This form is required for both new registrations and transfers of ownership. Along with the application, you’ll need:

• Proof of Ownership:
  • For new boats: A Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) and a bill of sale listing the buyer, seller, hull identification number (HIN), length, manufacturer, purchase price, and sales tax paid (if applicable).
  • For used boats previously registered in Arizona: A bill of sale signed by the seller, including the same details as above.
  • For out-of-state boats: The original title (if from a title state) signed by the previous owner, or the original registration (if from a registration state). If purchased from a dealer, a bill of sale is also acceptable.
• Hull Identification Number (HIN): All boats manufactured after October 1972 must have a 12-digit HIN. For homemade boats or pre-1972 vessels without an HIN, you must apply to AZGFD for an assigned number before registration.

2. Submit Your Application

You can submit your materials in person at any AZGFD office or by mail to the Watercraft Registration Section. Mail transactions may take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly if you intend to use your boat soon. For renewals, an online option is available through the AZGFD website, offering immediate usability once processed.

3. Pay the Registration Fee

Fees vary based on the boat’s length and your residency status (more on costs below). Payment must accompany your application, and additional fees may apply for transfers or duplicates.

4. Receive Your Registration Materials

Upon approval, you’ll receive:

• Certificate of Number: A document you must carry on board whenever the boat is in use, available for inspection by law enforcement.
• AZ Registration Number: A unique identifier (e.g., AZ-1234-AB) to be displayed on the forward half of both sides of the boat.
• Validation Decals: Annual decals to be placed 3 inches from the AZ number on both sides, indicating the registration’s expiration.

5. Display Your Number and Decals

The AZ number must be:

• Painted or permanently affixed to the forward half of each side.
• In block letters at least 3 inches high, contrasting with the boat’s hull color.
• Readable from left to right, with letters and numbers separated by a hyphen or space (e.g., AZ-1234-AB).
• The only number displayed in this area.

Decals must be affixed 3 inches forward of the AZ number on both sides. Personal watercraft follow the same placement rules.

Example of Proper Display:

| |
| AZ-1234-AA |
| [DECAL] |
|_____________|

Arizona Boat Registration Costs

The cost to register a boat in Arizona depends on the vessel’s length and whether you’re a resident or nonresident. Fees are structured to scale with boat size, reflecting the potential impact larger vessels have on waterways. Below are the breakdowns:

Residents

For Arizona residents, registration fees are modest and based solely on length:

Boat Length	Registration Fee
0 – 12 feet	$20
12 ft 1 in – 16 ft	$22
16 ft 1 in – 20 ft	$30
20 ft 1 in – 26 ft	$35
26 ft 1 in – 39 ft	$39
39 ft 1 in – 64 ft	$44
64 ft 1 in and over	$66

• Small boats (e.g., dinghies or fishing boats under 12 feet) cost just $20.
• Larger vessels, like yachts over 64 feet, top out at $66.
• Measurements are taken from the bow to the stern, excluding attachments like outboard motors.

Nonresidents

Nonresidents face an additional Nonresident Boating Safety Infrastructure Fee (NBSIF), which significantly increases the total cost. This surcharge supports boating education, law enforcement, and infrastructure projects. Here’s the combined cost:

Boat Length	Base Fee	NBSIF Fee	Total Cost
0 – 12 feet	$20	$80	$100
12 ft 1 in – 16 ft	$22	$88	$110
16 ft 1 in – 20 ft	$30	$192	$222
20 ft 1 in – 26 ft	$35	$224	$259
26 ft 1 in – 39 ft	$39	$253	$292
39 ft 1 in – 64 ft	$44	$286	$330
64 ft 1 in and over	$66	$429	$495

• A nonresident with a small boat pays $100, five times the resident rate.
• For a yacht over 64 feet, the total climbs to $495, reflecting the higher infrastructure demands of larger vessels.

Nonresidents can avoid these fees by limiting their boat use in Arizona to 90 consecutive days or less, provided the vessel is registered elsewhere. Active-duty military members stationed in Arizona for at least 30 days (or listing Arizona as their home of record) are exempt from the NBSIF.

Registering a Boat Trailer in Arizona

While the AZGFD handles boats, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) oversees trailer registration. If you tow your boat, your trailer must also be registered, regardless of whether it’s for personal or commercial use. ADOT offers two registration types:

• Regular Registration: Valid for 1, 2, or 5 years, renewable based on your preference.
• Permanent Registration: Available for most non-commercial trailers under 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, excluding travel trailers, commercial trailers, or historic trailers repurposed for non-commercial use.

Trailer Registration Types

Type	Duration	Eligibility
Regular	1, 2, or 5 years	Most trailers
Permanent	Lifetime	Non-commercial trailers under 10,000 lbs

Trailer Registration Process

1. Inspection: Trailers require a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If the VIN is missing or damaged, an ADOT representative will inspect the trailer and assign a new one.
2. Application: Submit a trailer registration application, indicating whether it was purchased or built, along with proof of ownership (e.g., bill of sale or manufacturer’s certificate).
3. Fees: Costs vary based on weight and usage, but permanent registration eliminates renewal fees for qualifying trailers.

Trailers must display a license plate with the VIN clearly visible at all times. Street-legal trailers must meet equipment requirements (e.g., lights, brakes) if used on highways.

Additional Registration Requirements and Tips

Transfers and Updates

• Ownership Transfer: Notify AZGFD within 15 days of selling or buying a boat. The new owner must submit a transfer application and bill of sale.
• Address Changes: Report address changes to AZGFD within 15 days, online or in writing.
• Lost or Stolen Boats: Report theft to law enforcement and AZGFD within 15 days. Lost or destroyed Certificates of Number can be replaced for $2.

Staggered Registration System

Arizona uses a staggered registration system, similar to motor vehicles. The expiration date is tied to the last two digits of your AZ number, and decals are color-coded to indicate renewal timing. New registrations are valid for 12 months, with subsequent renewals adjusted (7-18 months) to fit this system.

Out-of-State Boats

Vessels registered elsewhere can operate in Arizona for up to 60 consecutive days (or 90 days for nonresidents) before requiring Arizona registration. If Arizona becomes the state of principal use (over 60 days), registration is mandatory.

Homemade Boats

Homemade boats without an HIN must be inspected by AZGFD to receive a number. A homemade boat bill of sale and surveyor validation are required for registration or sale.

Arizona Boating Laws and Safety Regulations

Registering your boat is just the first step—compliance with Arizona’s boating laws is equally important. Key regulations include:

• Certificate on Board: Carry your Certificate of Number at all times during operation.
• Number Visibility: Ensure your AZ number is legible from 100 feet in daylight.
• Safety Equipment: Equip your boat with life jackets, fire extinguishers, and navigation lights as required by state and federal law.
• Boating Education: While not mandatory for registration, completing a boating safety course is recommended for responsible operation.

The AZGFD’s Boater’s Guide of Arizona provides a full handbook of laws and responsibilities, available on their website.

Practical Tips for Boat Owners

1. Apply Early: Mail submissions can take 30 days, so apply well before your planned boating season.
2. Renew Online: Use the AZGFD’s online renewal system for convenience and immediate usability.
3. Check Exemptions: If you’re a nonresident or own a USCG-documented vessel, confirm your status to avoid unnecessary fees.
4. Trailer Compliance: Register your trailer with ADOT concurrently to avoid delays.
5. Contact Support: For questions, call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 (option 3) or visit a regional office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Registering a boat in Arizona is a manageable process that ensures you can enjoy the state’s abundant waterways legally and safely. From gathering documents and paying fees to displaying your AZ number and decals, each step is designed to protect boaters and the environment. Whether you’re a resident with a small fishing boat or a nonresident towing a yacht, understanding the requirements and costs will streamline your experience. Pair your boat registration with a properly registered trailer, and you’ll be ready to explore Arizona’s lakes and rivers with confidence. For forms, fees, and further details, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website—your gateway to responsible boating in the Grand Canyon State.

Happy Boating!

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