Other Facts About Registering and Titling Your Vessel

Here are some additional facts about registering your vessel.

• Every vessel, except for those propelled by a motor less than 10 horsepower, must be titled.
• The Certificate of Number and registration stickers are valid for one year. Registration may be renewed at any time within 90 days preceding expiration.
• Owners of vessels who have applied for registration may operate the vessel if they have a valid temporary certificate of number on board the vessel.
• Owners must register their vessels and have proof of liability insurance before they may obtain a mooring permit for a Hawaii DLNR facility.
• Owners of trailered vessels must pay an annual fee for a boat ramp permit decal at the time of registration or renewal. This decal is required before a vessel trailer may be operated at a state ramp. The boat ramp permit decal must be affixed to each side of the forward end of the boat trailer’s tongue.
• The owner of a numbered vessel must notify the Hawaii DLNR within seven days if:
  • He or she changes address or telephone number.
  • The vessel is destroyed, abandoned, or sold.
• Vessels registered in another state may operate on Hawaii waters for 60 consecutive days before Hawaii registration is required.
• If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Number or sticker, you must apply to the Hawaii DLNR for a duplicate within seven days and submit a processing fee.
• Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the USCG. Call the USCG at 1-800-799-8362 for more information.