Register a Boat in Vermont

Whether you are new to boating or have years of experience on the water, it is a good idea to complete a boat safety course in order to earn your Vermont boat license or boating safety card before applying for your Vermont boat registration. Your registration dollars, along with safe use of our state waterways, help to play a role in protecting our natural resources.

Register Your Boat
Boat Registration

VERMONT BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Responsible boaters stay up to date with the laws concerning safe vessel operation. Refresh your knowledge on the Vermont boating laws by taking a boating safety class to obtain your boating safety card (often referred to as a Vermont boat license). Your boating safety card serves as proof that you have satisfied the educational for operating a boat on state waters.

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 Vermont; however, these fees are used by the state to help sustain our natural resources and promote responsible boating.

VERMONT BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

  • When you apply for your Vermont boat registration, you will be issued a registration number that must be displayed on each side of your boat for identification purposes. A boat registration card will also be provided and should be kept in a safe place on board at all times.
  • A Vermont Certificate of Registration and validation stickers are required to operate any vessel propelled by a motor on public waters of Vermont.
  • You are required to register all motorboats including jet skis. You don’t need to register non-motorized sailboats, canoes, kayaks, or any other non-motorized vessel.