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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

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

Register a Boat in Pennsylvania

Boating is a great way to enjoy the outdoors as a family. A boat trip can be an opportunity to learn about nature and waterway navigation while giving the entire family a break from computers and cell phones. Before you take your first trip, be sure you have your Pennsylvania boat registration and are knowledgeable on state boating laws.

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.

PA BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

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

PA 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

PA BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission site.

BOAT REGISTRATION RENEWAL