PWC & Jet Ski Registration -
All 50 States
All 50 states require personal watercraft (PWC) and jet ski registration, typically processed through the same agency as motorboat registration. Find your state's fees, age restrictions, boater education requirements, and official links.
PWC & Jet Ski Registration Explained
Unlike kayaks and canoes, personal watercraft (PWC) - commonly known as jet skis, wave runners, and sea-doos - are required to be registered in all 50 US states. This is because PWC are powered vessels subject to the same federal and state navigation laws as motorboats. Registration is administered through the same state agency that handles motorboat registration, typically the state DMV, DNR, or wildlife agency.
PWC registration fees are generally in line with small motorboat fees, typically ranging from $15 to $75 for a 1 to 3 year period. You will receive a registration number and validation sticker that must be displayed on the hull. Keep your registration certificate on board or readily accessible while operating on public waters.
Most states also have minimum age requirements for operating a PWC - typically 16 years old or older. Many states additionally require operators to complete an approved boater education course. These rules exist because PWC are among the most accident-prone vessel types on the water, and the combination of high speed, maneuverability, and inexperienced operators accounts for a disproportionate share of boating accidents and fatalities nationwide.