Which Boats Require Registration?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. You must have a Georgia Certificate of Boat Registration and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on public waters in Georgia. The only exceptions are:

• Sailboats under 12 feet in length
• Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and rubber rafts that have no mechanical propulsion (i.e., boats that are paddled, poled, rowed, or windblown)
• Vessels operated exclusively on private ponds or lakes
• Vessels registered in other states and using Georgia waters for 60 days or less