Register a Boat in New Hampshire

Find out if you need a New Hampshire boat license or boating education certificate in order to legally operate a recreational vessel in New Hampshire. You can earn your boating education certificate by taking a state-approved boating safety course. When you register your boat and learn about boat operation safety, you are doing your part to promote the responsible use of state waters.

NEW HAMPSHIRE BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Need help learning about boat operation safety practices and state boating laws? Sign up for a boating education class in your local area or online. Once you have passed your boating safety exam, you will receive your New Hampshire boat license or boating education certificate. Boating safety courses will help you understand the navigation rules of the road, safety equipment requirements and special regulatory zones.

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

NEW HAMPSHIRE BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

  • Any vessels operated on the public waters of New Hampshire, including tidal and coastal waters and all inland waters, must be registered.
  • Once your boat is registered, you will be issued a registration certificate along with a decal.
  • All vessels operating on the public waters of New Hampshire must have valid boat registration paperwork and display proper hull identification numbers. Registration fees will also be due at the time of application and are based on the size of your vessel.

NH BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

New Hampshire has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe.

NH BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

NH BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles site.

MANDATORY BOATING EDUCATION REGISTER YOUR BOAT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE