How to Register a Boat

Any vessel propelled by a motor or sail must be registered by the state of Colorado. After purchasing a watercraft, you are allowed to use your bill of sale as a temporary form of registration, although you must have it adequately registered within 30 days. Boats such as kayaks and canoes will not be required to be registered. However, you must display the name and address of the owner viewable on the vessel. You may use an out-of-state boat on Colorado waters without registering for a maximum of 60 days.

Attend the Colorado Parks and Wildlife facility closest in proximity to you with the following materials:

• A fully filled-out Colorado Boat Registration Application (Form REGIS1102).
• A written record showing verifiable proof of ownership of the vessel such as the bill of sale, prior registration, Title, or a Manufacturer’s Certificate.
• A form of payment to submit registration fees for a vessel:
  • Less than a total length of 20 feet – $35.25
  • With a length between 20 – 30 feet – $45.25
  • With a length of over 30 feet – $75.25

Registration is active from January 1st until it expires on December 31st each year, at which point it must be renewed for a flat administrative fee.