How to Register Your Boat in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has beautiful lakes, rivers and a slice of the Atlantic Ocean, making the state a haven for boat owners. If you’ve recently purchased a boat, you’re probably eager to get out on the water and start making memories! However, you need to register your boat with the state before exploring the gorgeous waterways and having a blast with friends and family.

Use this guide to become more familiar with boating registration requirements in New Hampshire and some key considerations to ensure you are hitting the water legally.

Understanding New Hampshire Boat Registration Requirements

New Hampshire mandates registration for all boats operating in public waters, including inland, tidal and coastal waterways. To register your boat in New Hampshire, you must provide the following documentation:

• Proof of ownership: When initially registering your boat, you’ll need to include paperwork with your signature and an authorized signature from the person, business or entity you purchased from.
• Completed boat registration application: New boat owners must fill out and submit the New Hampshire Boat Registration Application.
• Your current driver’s license: You must have a valid, updated driver’s license or nondriver identification present. 
• Adequate boat registration fees: Boat owners must also fully cover all necessary fees for their particular vessel at the time of registration. 
• Verification of Vessel Identification: Homemade vessels or those without an assigned 12-digital hull identification number (HIN) require a completed Verification of Vessel Identification form. 

In addition to registration, boats must display a bow number. The bow number is issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and you must display it on your vessel whenever you operate it in the water.

According to the provisions of RSA 270-E:4, the following vessels are exempt from registration in New Hampshire:

• Vessels that have already been registered in another state or country and are temporarily using New Hampshire waters for no more than 30 consecutive days
• Sailboats that are shorter than 12 feet long
• Canoes and rowboats powered by sail, paddles, oars or other human power
• Vessels that are operated or owned by the United States Government

Out-of-State Visitor Requirements

If you’re from a different state and your boat is operated 51% or more of the time in New Hampshire, it must be registered with New Hampshire.

As of 2019, out-of-state visitors with boats with propelling machinery not registered in New Hampshire must purchase a New Hampshire aquatic invasive species decal from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) and display it on their vessel whenever operating in the state’s public waters. 

Coast Guard Registration

If your boat is over 26 feet long, you must register it with New Hampshire and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for legal operation. Proper Coast Guard paperwork will also enable you to sail across state lines in the water without the potential for fines or citations. 

The Importance of Boat Registration

Proper boat registration in New Hampshire is essential for these key reasons:

• Legal operation: Proper boat registration is necessary to lawfully operate a motorized boat in New Hampshire’s public waterways. Unregistered vessels can result in citations, fines and criminal charges in serious cases. 
• Safety and security: Registration is part of the state’s efforts to keep boaters and those in the water safer and more secure. It’s also a protective measure to fight potential fraud and theft.
• Official recognition: The registration process helps New Hampshire identify vessels and their owners to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations. 
• State revenue: The fees you pay for your boat registration are a source of revenue for the state. New Hampshire uses the earnings generated from boat registration to sustain natural resources and promote responsible boating. 
• Insurance purposes: Insurance companies require you to register your boat before offering your coverage.

Steps to Register Your Boat in New Hampshire

Follow these steps for boat registration in New Hampshire:

1. Gather the Necessary Documentation

Begin by ensuring you have all the necessary documentation and information to successfully register your boat. You’ll want to locate or get a replacement for any missing paperwork early in this process so you can start having fun on the water.

You can find the Boat Registration Application form online or request a copy of it from any authorized boat registration agent within the state. You’ll need to know the basics about your boat, including its length, make, model, horsepower and hull material.

2. Contact the DMV Boat Registration Office

If you have any questions about the process or a specific document, you can contact the New Hampshire DMV Boat Registration Office for assistance. They’ll offer guidance and help you determine if you’ve successfully gathered all the necessary information for registration.

Ask them about the registration fee for your specific boat type. You’ll need to pay this amount in full, so double-checking with an official is best to ensure you are ready. 

3. Submit Your Application and Pay Your Fees

Submit your completed application and fees to the New Hampshire DMV. You can take your documentation and money to an eligible Drop Box location or to an authorized boat agent. You can also send your registration application via mail to the Concord DMV for processing. 

If you’re taking your paperwork to a Drop Box location, you’ll need to go to the box closest to your residence and provide a photocopy of your government-issued ID. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a check for your fees, include a phone number so the DMV can contact you for credit card payment. 

4. Wait for Approval

After submitting your registration application, you may have to wait a few weeks for the state to process the documents and accept your payment. Stay vigilant for any letters or phone calls from the DMV in case they need additional information or have an issue with your application. 

5. Display Your Registration Numbers and Decals on Your Boat

Once the DMV approves your application, they will send you a registration certificate, a decal and a unique bow number. You must clearly display your current registration decal and a bow number on your boat when operating in New Hampshire waters. 

If your registration decal falls off or gets destroyed, you must request a replacement from the Concord DMV and pay $3.

Key Considerations for Registering Your Boat

Here are some key factors to consider when registering a boat in New Hampshire. 

Boating Licenses

In addition to registering your boat, anyone operating a water vessel must also complete state-approved boating education before getting out on the water. 

New Hampshire mandates all persons 16 years of age or older operating a motorboat over 25 horsepower to take boating education and obtain a boating education certificate from one of the following organizations:

• State agencies with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approval
• United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
• United States Power Squadrons

Boaters can also obtain a commercial boating license from the United States Coast Guard or the state of New Hampshire.

Fees and Costs 

Registration costs depend on your boat’s length and the year it was made. The following are approximate fees, though these may vary:

• Above 45.1 feet: $92
• 30.1 feet to 45 feet: $72
• 21.1 feet to 30 feet: $52
• 16.1 feet to 21 feet: $34
• Less than or equal to 16 feet: $24

To confirm the exact amount you’re supposed to pay, you should call the Boat Registration Office. In addition to these registration fees, you must pay $9.50 for state lake preservation and restoration, a $5 fee to use public water, $1 for the fish and game search and rescue fund, and an additional $2 if you plan to use coastal waters. 

If you register through an authorized agent, you will also have to pay the required agent fee. For example, the Gilmanton Town Clerks’s office is an authorized agent for the state and requires boat owners to pay a $5 agent fee and other boat registration fees. 

Boat Registration Renewal 

You’ll need to renew your New Hampshire boating registration annually. Boat registrations expire on Diciembre 31 each year. The DMV sends renewal notices each Diciembre to ensure you stay on top of these requirements. This document includes the amount you owe for renewal fees. You can fill out and return the renewal notice with a check by mailing it to the Concord DMV or taking it to a Drop Box, certified marina or authorized boat agent. 

If you lose or do not receive a renewal notice, you can submit your previous registration certificate and a signed Boat Registration Application. 

Docking Your Boat in New Hampshire

If you’re lucky enough to be a boat owner with a waterfront property in New Hampshire, you need a durable and reliable docking solution to keep your vessel secure. Installing a high-quality dock will enhance your time on the water and ensure you protect your investment. Explore the key solutions to consider below:

Muelles para barcos

A great boat dock can transform your boating experience. A floating dock from EZ Dock gives improved water accessibility by rising and falling with the water. You can have peace of mind knowing your boat is safely moored at your property and your next water adventure is just a walk away. 

Our docks are weather-resistant and don’t splinter or rot like traditional options. You can work with our team to customize your configuration to suit your unique property and lifestyle. 

Elevadores de barcos

Enhance your dock further with a boat lift that enables you to store your boat in an elevated position. These solutions keep your boat out of the water, preventing algae growth and corrosion. 

The boat lifts from EZ Dock help you avoid unwanted damage, especially during inclement weather. Your boat won’t rock into the dock’s edge, which can cause scuffs, scraping and other damage. It will sit safely in the lift and offer unparalleled — and dry — access to your boat.

Puertos para barcos

Boat ports are another excellent feature to add to your dock. A drive-on EZ BoatPort® keeps your boat completely out of the water for dry docking. They make getting on and off your boat easier than ever with their stable, low-maintenance design. 

You can add an EZ BoatPort® to your dock and enhance your time on the water. We have drive-on floating dock solutions available to suit various boat sizes and weights.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Docking Solution for Your Boat

Not sure where to start when selecting a docking solution for your New Hampshire property? Below are key considerations for investing in the right option for you:

• Boat type and size: Your boat’s model and size will directly impact which dock configuration, boat port or lift is best for you. When you work with EZ Dock, our experts will help you find a system that works with the specific size and shape of your boat, ensuring safe and secure use. If you have additional watercraft like kayaks, we have systems to accommodate those, too.
• Water conditions: Consider the water conditions, tides, waves and currents at your property. Areas prone to severe weather may experience notable water fluctuations. The floating docks from EZ Dock move with the water levels and are incredibly durable, making them the perfect solution for handling strong winds or storms. Our floating docks can withstand harsh conditions without peeling, warping or chipping. 
• Environmental impact: Traditional docks made from treated wood or filled with foam can be dangerous to the local environment and ecosystems. EZ Dock uses non-toxic, safe material for all floating docks and components. We dedicate ourselves to creating long-lasting products that are gentle on the planet. They’re also recyclable at approved facilities, helping to decrease your carbon footprint and reduce waste.
• Maintenance needs: Consider maintenance needs when selecting your docking solution. Traditional options require a lot of upkeep, like repainting and replacing rotten or splintered planks. EZ-dock solutions are low-maintenance and highly durable, saving your time, money and energy. And you never have to worry about getting a splinter, dealing with crumbling rotten wood or waiting for your dock’s paint to dry. 
• Future expansion and upgrades: When selecting configurations and components for your dock, anticipate your future needs. With EZ Dock, adding to your setup or upgrading your dock with new features is simple. Want to purchase another boat? Or include a boat port for visitors who traveling by the water? EZ Dock makes it painless to add new dock sections and make your property more functional. 

Maximize Boat Ownership With EZ Dock

EZ Dock helps you make the most of boat ownership and waterfront living with our floating dock, boat port and boat lift solutions. Our products are highly durable and help you forgo the heavy maintenance and repair needs of traditional dock options. 

We also offer customized solutions tailored to your unique property and shoreline. We help you enjoy more time on the water with products that improve accessibility and stability. Boat ownership is a breeze with EZ Dock, and you can feel good knowing your boat is secure. 

Ready to kickstart water adventures? Request a quote from EZ Dock today!