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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 Fishing Resources 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.

⚠ Before you head to the water check the latest COVID-19 updates. We encourage you to follow CDC recommendations.

Register a Boat in Maryland

Before you make plans to spend the day on the waters of places like Chesapeake Bay or Lake Needwood with your new boat, you will need to apply for your MD boat registration and learn the state boating rules. By registering your boat, you are doing your part to help sustain resources that promote the safe and responsible use of state waterways.

MARYLAND BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Do you know what types of safety equipment you are required to have on your boat in Maryland? Are you certain that you know how to read the buoys and markers that guide boaters along the waterways? Every boater is responsible for knowing these boating rules and laws.

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.

MARYLAND BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

You can apply for your MD boat registration in person or mail your registration form in to one of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Service Centers.
Keep in mind that registration and title fees will need to be submitted along with your boat registration form.
MD boat registration requirements and laws may vary from other states, so check the Maryland boat laws online before you plan your first trip.

MD BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

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

MD 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

MD BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

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

BOAT REGISTRATION & INFORMATION