Boat Registration
North Dakota Boat
Registration 2026
Everything you need to register a boat in North Dakota — official agency links, fees, title requirements, and boater education requirements. North Dakota requires registration for all motorized vessels operated on public waters, administered by the Game and Fish Department. Annual registrations expire December 31 each year. Boater education is required for operators born after December 31, 2002.
1-Year Registration Period
Boater Ed Required
2026 Registration Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Base Fee
$35.00
Annual flat base fee; increases for vessels over 16 ft
Reg. Period
1yr
Annual renewal required
Title Required?
No
North Dakota does not require vessel titles
Boater Ed?
Required
Required for operators born after December 31, 2002; most recently adopted birth-year cutoff in the nation.
Step-by-Step
How to Register a Boat in North Dakota
Most boats with a motor must be registered with North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Here's the typical process:
1
Gather Required Documents
You'll need proof of ownership (bill of sale or manufacturer's certificate of origin for new boats), a valid photo ID, and payment for fees. If the boat was previously registered, bring the existing registration or title.
2
Register Your Boat
Submit your registration application online, by mail, or in person at a North Dakota Game and Fish Department office or authorized license dealer.
Register online →
3
Pay Registration Fees
Base fees start at $35.00. Annual flat base fee; increases for vessels over 16 ft Registration is valid for 1 year(s).
4
Display Your Registration Numbers
Paint or attach your registration numbers on both sides of the bow in block letters at least 3 inches high. The validation sticker goes adjacent to the number. Numbers must contrast with the hull color.
Exemptions
What Boats Don't Need to Be Registered?
Not all watercraft require registration in North Dakota. The following are typically exempt:
Non-motorized vessels, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and vessels used exclusively on private waters.
Always verify exemptions with North Dakota Game and Fish Department — rules can change and exceptions may apply.
Safety Education
Take the Official North Dakota Boater Ed Course
North Dakota Boater Education Requirements
Boater Education is Required
Required for operators born after December 31, 2002; most recently adopted birth-year cutoff in the nation.
Required for operators born after December 31, 2002; most recently adopted birth-year cutoff in the nation.
Online and in-person courses available
Course covers navigation rules, safety equipment, emergency procedures, and North Dakota regulations
Important Notes
North Dakota-Specific Requirements
North Dakota requires AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) compliance before launching on state waters.
Source: North Dakota Game and Fish Department (gf.nd.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with the agency before registering.