Register a Boat in North Dakota

NORTH DAKOTA BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

As a boat owner or operator, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers and other boaters on North Dakota’s waterways. Keep your boating trips fun and relaxing by following all of the boating laws. Take a boating safety course in your local area or online so that you are educated on boat handling, weather, navigation, and required safety equipment.

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

NORTH DAKOTA BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

• All motorized boats (including sail boats) used in public waters must have a current North Dakota boat registration.
• Whether you have just purchased a new pontoon or a used bass boat, you will need to apply for your ND boat registration and pay the required registration fees before taking your new boat out on the water.
• Boat registration fees are assessed based on the length of your vessel.