How to Register a Boat

Mississippi imposes numerous regulations that must be complied with to legally employ a vessel within state waterways. All boats propelled by motor or sail that are to be utilized on Mississippi waters must be registered by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Exemption from registering in-state is allowable should the vessel be actively registered in another state and utilized for fewer than 60 consecutive days in Mississippi. Upon purchasing a new vessel, the state allows 10 days of grace to apply for registration before imposing a penalty.

Additionally, for a person to lawfully operate a watercraft in-state, they must pass a vessel safety education program if born after 1980. To begin the application process, assemble the following documents to present (or mail) to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks:

• A filled-out and signed Mississippi Motor Boat Registration Application (Rev 2016) (The bottom portion below the dashed line of the application serves as a temporary registration. You may remove this section with scissors and keep it for your records).
• Satisfactory proof of ownership:
  • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
  • Bill of sale
  • Statement of how the vessel came into your possession, attested to by a witnessing authority such as a notary or attorney.
• Receipt of paid Mississippi sales tax.
• All associated registration fees and taxes.

Once obtaining the required documents, you can attend or send them in an envelope to the following address to apply:

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
Boat Registration
1505 Eastover Drive
Jackson, MS 39211-6374