How to Register a Boat

Alaska mandates that all powered seacrafts (or non-powered with auxiliary-power units), regardless of size, must be registered to be utilized on state water deemed water of the state. “Water of the state” may be viewed as any lake, river, stream, or saltwater within 3 miles of the Alaskan shore. Vehicles exempt from this are limited to seaplanes, lifeboats, water toys, non-powered boats (with no auxiliary power unless operating as a fishing guide boat), and government boats. Also, boats registered out-of-state or in a foreign country are also exempt. Once registered, a boat will not need to be renewed for another three years.

To register your boat, attend your nearest Alaska DMV facility with the following items:

• A filled Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles Boat Registration Application (Form 841).
• One of the following pieces of evidence proving ownership of the vessel:
  • Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
  • Bill of sale.
  • The title or registration from the former owner (if the watercraft purchased was registered or titled out-of-state).
  • An authentic Carpenter’s Certificate.
  • A completed Alaska Affidavit of Boat Ownership (Form 848).
• Payment for the state registration fee ($10 for non-powered vessels and $24 for powered vessels).