Register a Boat in New Mexico

Learn about New Mexico boat licensing or boater education cards if you are new to boating. If you are under a certain age, you may be required to have a boater education card, in addition to your boat registration, when operating on New Mexico waters. A boater education card is proof that you have taken an approved boater education course and know the NM boat laws.

Register Your Boat
Boat Registration

NEW MEXICO BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

New Mexico is one of 48 states that currently has some form of required boater education in place. Whether you have years of boating experience or are a beginning boater, it is always a good idea to take a boating safety course so that you know the current NM boat laws and safety procedures. There are courses that can be taken online or in a classroom setting.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

Your boat registration serves as documentation to prove that you are the rightful owner of a vessel. There are registration fees that you will need to pay when you register your boat in New Mexico; however, these fees are used by the state to help sustain our natural resources and promote responsible boating.

NEW MEXICO BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

  • When you apply for your boat registration, you are required to pay a registration fee that is based on the length of your boat.
  • When you receive your boat registration paperwork or Certificate of Number, keep it in a safe place on board. Boat trailers are titled and registered separately.
  • All motorboats powered by any source including personal watercraft must be registered in New Mexico.