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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

Select a state to find fishing and boating information:

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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.

IL BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

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

IL 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

IL BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

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

BOAT REGISTRATION & INFORMATION