It's the Law: Before Going Out

All operators are required to obey laws that regulate your vessel's registration and operation.

Registering Your Vessel

You must have an Arizona Certificate of Number (registration number) and registration decals to operate, moor, or anchor your vessel legally on the waterways of Arizona. The only exceptions are:

• Non-motorized vessels
• Vessels used solely as lifeboats
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard
• Vessels with valid registration in another state or country that are on the waters of Arizona for 90 or fewer consecutive days

The Certificate of Number (registration card) must be on board and available for inspection by a law enforcement officer whenever the vessel is operated.

The registration number and registration decals must be displayed as follows.

• Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the bow.
• Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow.
• Number must be in at least 3"-high BLOCK letters.
• Number's color must contrast sharply with it's background.
• Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen: AZ 3717 ZW or AZ-3717-ZW.
• No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
• Decals must be affixed to both sides of the vessel within three inches in front of the AZ of the registration number.

If your vessel requires registration, it is illegal to operate it or allow others to operate your vessel unless it is registered and numbered as described above.

Where to Register

Applications for new boats, transfers of ownership, and duplicate registrations can be processed through the mail or at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office. Please call 602-942-3000 if sending your application through the mail to ensure that the proper evidence and fees are submitted.

How to Renew

• In person at any Arizona Game and Fish Dept. office
• By mail
• Online at azgfd.gov/watercraft
• By calling toll-free at 1-866-462-0433

For the latest information on vessel fees and registration questions, contact any Arizona Game and Fish Department office or call 602-942-3000.

Proof of Ownership Required to Register

To register a vessel, you must provide as evidence of ownership a complete bill of sale, a signed Arizona Certificate of Number, a court decree, or an original Certificate of Origin. If the vessel was registered in another state, you must provide the original title or registration (if a non-title state).

• If a bill of sale is presented, it must include:
  • Buyer's name and seller's name and signature
  • Manufacturer's name
  • HIN (vessels manufactured after 1972)
  • Previous registration number (if applicable)
  • Purchase price
  • Sales tax paid if purchased from a dealer or at an auction. A business purchasing a vessel for rental or resale must complete a tax exemption form. Call the AZGFD (602-942-3000) for questions regarding sales or use tax.
• If previously registered in Arizona, the Certificate of Number must be signed by the previous owner and the new owner must complete the application on back.
• If registered in another state, the original title or registration must be submitted with the back side completed.

Other Facts About Vessel Registration

• Arizona is a non-title state.
• Vessel registration is staggered, similar to motor vehicle registration. The color and date on the registration decals indicate when the registration expires.
• The application for transfer of ownership must be made within 15 days of purchase.
• If you change your address, you must notify the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) within 15 days either in writing or online at: www.azgfd.gov/watercraft.
• If you purchase a numbered vessel or if your watercraft is sold, stolen, lost, destroyed, or abandoned, you must report it to the AZGFD within 15 days.
• If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Number or decal, you must apply to the AZGFD for a duplicate.
• Vessels registered in another state or country may operate on Arizona waters for 90 consecutive days before Arizona registration and numbering are required.
• Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard. Call the USCG at 1-800-799-8362 for more information.

Vessel Registration Fees

An annual registration fee is required for each motorized vessel, including those with electric motors. The fees are as follows.