With some of the best inland and coastal spots for boaters in the country, get out and enjoy them all! Learn how to get your North Carolina boat registration and start exploring the state’s waters today.
To enjoy North Carolina’s public waters by boat, there’s a good chance you’ll need to register your boat before taking it out. That’s because there are several types of vessels must be registered in North Carolina, including:
There are a few exceptions to the North Carolina boat registration rule so if you have one of the following, you’re exempt:
If you determine your vessel is a type that must be registered, then you’ll need to get a North Carolina boat registration with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. When registering a boat in North Carolina, you have two options to process your application:
Whatever method you choose, you’ll need to complete a VL-1 Form NC Vessel Registration & Title Application. If you’re registering an out-of-state boat in North Carolina, you’ll also need to submit the original out-of-state title. When registering a boat in North Carolina with no title, you’ll instead need a copy of the out-of-state registration card.
Once our application is approved, you’ll receive a Registration Number to identify your boat, a Registration Decal, and a Registration Card. Your registration will be good for one or three years, depending on the term you selected when applying. You’ll receive a Renewal Notification two months before your current registration expires, and you can renew your registration in person, by mail, or online.
If you plan to use a boat trailer to transport your vessel, you must title and register it just like you would a car. To get a North Carolina boat trailer registration, you’d complete the transaction at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. Once you register your boat trailer, the registration will be good for one year.
The cost to register boat in Texas varies depending on the size of your boat.
NC BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS
North Carolina has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe.
NC BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONSRESPONSIBLE BOATING STARTS WITH YOU
Learn how to take care of your crew and your boat, while also taking care of our valuable water resources.
BOATING AND WATER SAFETY BOATING SAFETY COURSES ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENTNC BOATING RESOURCES/INFO
Additional resources and information can be found directly on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission site.
BOAT REGISTRATION RENEWAL REGISTER YOUR BOAT IN NORTH CAROLINA