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

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

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

Fly Fishing Basics Fly Fishing Gear Fly Fishing Flies 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 Illinois

Boating is a great way to spend time outdoors in the fresh air while being surrounded by the soothing sounds of the waves. It’s easy to find an Illinois waterway in your area and start enjoying the benefits of boating. You can find links to access boaters license forms, renew your license and learn Illinois boat laws in this section.

ILLINOIS BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Before you take your boat out for the first time, make sure you know the specific boat laws and regulations that apply in your state. Learn about the laws that pertain to operator age, personal flotation devices, emergency equipment and more.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

Once you apply for your Illinois boat registration (or boaters license), you will receive a registration number that must be displayed on your vessel. Keep in mind that you will need to pay a registration fee when you submit your application. Boat registration fees are important because they contribute to sustaining our natural resources and educating the public about the safe use of state waterways.

ILLINOIS BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Vessels registrations expire every 3 years on June 30th.
Processing time of applications may take up to 12 weeks from the date your payment has been made.
Boating rules and regulations should be followed at all times for the safety of everyone on the water. The laws for each state may vary, so read the current Illinois boat laws here.