How to Register a Boat

All vessels equipped with motors, sailboats, and boats for hire must be registered with the state of Alabama. When purchasing a boat while residing in Alabama, you must consider that the grace period depends on the vessel and the state where it was previously registered. When purchasing a new boat, you are allowed 72 hours from the date of purchase. If you buy a used boat that was once registered in Alabama, you have 15 days to register. However, if the used boat you are buying was formerly registered in another state or country, you must register it before utilizing it on the water.

To register your boat, you can attend your closest Judge of Probate office, License Commissioner,  or Marine Patrol Division office with the required paperwork:

• An Alabama Application for Boat Registration, Transfer, Replacement, and Duplicate supplied with the required information.
• An endorsed and filled bill of sale.
• Evidence of paid sales tax
• The current registration for the boat, if purchasing the vessel used.
• All monies for fees and taxes.