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How to Catch Fish How to Tie Fishing Knots Fishing Gear and Tackle How to Fish with Lures How to Fish with Live Bait Fishing Safety Fishing Tips When to Fish Types of Fishing Fishing Terms Fishing and Conservation View All

When to Saltwater Fish Saltwater Bait and Lures Saltwater Fishing Tackle Types of Saltwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing Gear Saltwater Fish Species Saltwater Fishing FAQ View All

Best Freshwater Fishing When to Freshwater Fish Freshwater Bait and Lures Learn About Freshwater Fish Species Best Freshwater Fishing Gear Freshwater Fishing FAQ View All

Fly Fishing Basics Fly Fishing Flies Fly Fishing Gear Fly Casting View All

Ice Fishing Basics Ice Fishing Gear Ice Fishing Techniques View All

Boating Basics How to Boat Boating and Water Safety Choose Your Boat Use our Boat Explorer Tool Get on the Water View All

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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

Register a Boat in Alabama

Get your AL boat license (or registration) and experience boating in the deep south by taking the family out on one of the many lakes, reservoirs or rivers. Just remember, before you take to the waterways for the first time, you will need to know all of the Alabama boating rules and regulations.

ALABAMA BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all who use Alabama’s waterways, recreational boaters need to follow the state’s boating laws. Learn more about vessel capacity, navigation rules, what to do if caught in foul weather, personal floatation device (PFD) requirements and which VHF channels to use.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION
When you apply for your boat registration, you will have to pay a registration fee. The amount of the registration fee depends on the length of the boat you are registering. Registration fees are collected to help contribute to the maintenance and conservation of state waterways.

ALABAMA BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

You need to register all mechanically propelled vessels, sailboats, and boats for hire in the state.
All vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard are required to register with the state.
You must register your new boat within 72 hours. If you buy a used boat that is currently registered with the state, you must make an application for transfer within 15 days.

AL BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

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

AL BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

RESPONSIBLE BOATING STARTS WITH YOU

Learn how to take care of your crew and your boat, while also taking care of our valuable water resources.

BOATING AND WATER SAFETY

BOATING SAFETY COURSES

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

AL BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources site.

BOAT OPERATOR CERTIFICATION & LICENSE

RENEW YOUR BOAT REGISTRATION ONLINE