How to Register a Boat

The legal operation of a motorized watercraft (or sailboat of 12 feet or larger) within the borders of the state of Louisiana will require the vessel to be registered and titled with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Exemption from registering will be permissible for watercraft registered in another state, provided the vessel will not be on Louisiana waterways for longer than a 90-day period. Upon boat purchase, the state grants 15 days from the sale date to complete the title and registration process. To begin the procedure, gather the following materials to prepare for filing by mail:

• A filled and signed Louisiana Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application (Form 55).
• Documented Evidence of Ownership:
  • In this case, the vessel was purchased from a dealership:
    • An Invoice from the dealer.
    • The Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
    • Receipt of completed tax payment or Louisiana Boat Registration Payment Certification (Form R-1331).
  • In the case that it was purchased used from a private party:
    • Notarized bill of sale.
    • The previous title was signed over to the purchaser.
    • Previous certificate of registration.
  • If purchased in a private sale where the individual is not equipped with proper ownership documentation, you may need to provide an executed Louisiana Affidavit Court Order Recognizing Ownership of Boat.
• Should the vessel be made by yourself or not display an appointed Hull Identification Number, you must complete a Louisiana Affidavit for Boat Inspection (From Rev-2015).
• A proper form of compensation to cover all taxes and fees.

Once you prepared the necessary documents, place the paperwork in an envelope and mail it to:

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
P.O. Box 14796
Baton Rouge, LA 70898

Upon receiving the application, the process should be completed in 6-8 weeks. When your application is approved, you will receive registration and accompanying decals in the mail. Be sure to apply the stickers in a highly visible area on the vessel according to LDWF Regulations. You are advised to keep the registration certification in a waterproof enclosure and store it on the watercraft at all times.