Register a Boat in Pennsylvania

PENNSYLVANIA BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

When you educate yourself on current boating laws and regulations, you are taking the first step to help protect yourself, your family, other boaters and state waterways. Pennsylvania has its own set of boating rules and regulations that are put into effect for safety and conservation purposes. Have your valid boat registration paperwork on board, and check current boating laws for the area or waterway where you plan to boat.

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

PENNSYLVANIA BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

• Any vessel powered by gasoline, diesel or electric motor must be register in Pennsylvania.
• When a registration card is issued it must be carried on the boat as proof of registration. It is valid for and renewed every 2 years. Registrations expire March 31 of the second year.
• Registering your vessel in Pennsylvania allows you to boat in all other states and Canada.