Boat Registration

Boat Registration Requirements:

  1. If it is a new boat, a bill of sale is needed. No title is required in the State of Alabama.

  2. If it is a used boat, a bill of sale and the last boat registration certificate is required. No title is required in the State of Alabama.

  3. State, County, and/or Municipal sales tax may be due when registered. Sales and Use tax is due based on the sales price of the vessel. If you did not pay sales tax at the time of purchase, tax must be paid at the time of registration in your home county. To download a bill of sale form, please click here .

  4. Registration cost: $20.00 (less than 16ft), $25.00(16ft and less than 26ft), $75.00(26ft and less than 40ft), and $100.00(40ft and UP). Please click here to view the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources memorandum.

  5. If the vessel is used and already has Alabama registration numbers, there will be a $5.00 transfer fee in addition to the registration cost and any sales and use tax due.

Please call for additional information:

Judge of Probate's Office Russell County (334) 298-7979

NOTE: Visit our Forms page to download a Boat Registration Application or Boat Sales and Use Affidavit. Click Here to go there now.

Every person age 12 and older, who operates a motorized vessel on state waterways must obtain an operators certification on or before April 28, 1999. All applicants must present a certification certificate issued by the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources in Montgomery or take a written exam at their local driver examination office.

* Under age 14, Vessel Learner License only. Must be accompanied by a Vessel Licensed driver that is 21 years old or older.

Any one 40 years old or older as of April 28, 1994, is required to be certified but do not have to pass an examination. They can bring in their valid drivers license and have the vessel class added to their license at the State Trooper's office.

Proof of Age:

All minors must furnish to the drivers license examiner a certified copy of their birth certificate or a certified statement from the superintendent of the school which the person attends containing name, date of birth, and address. Please contact the Department of Public Safety Driver's License Examiner to verify all requirements.

Cost of Certification:

A fee of $5.00 (five dollars) cash will be charged as an application fee in addition to the fee for renewal or a replacement license .

How to Obtain Boat Operator's Certification:

Applicant must go to Department of Public Safety Driver's License Examining Office in any county. If needed, study manuals will be available in this office.

For Vessel License information, please call: (334) 298-1953 to speak to a Department of Public Safety Driver's License Examiner.

Exemptions From Examination Requirements:

  1. Holder of a valid United States Coast Guard Motorboat Operator's License.

  2. Person submitting a valid certificate of successful completion of:

    • United States Power Squadron Boating Course

    • United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Course

    • Any State of Alabama Marine Police Division approved boating course (Alabama BoatingBasic Course or Alabama Boating Basic Home Study Course)

    • Any boat operator who was 40 or older on April 28, 1994

NOTE: The operator must be in possession of a driver license with a “V” endorsement at time of vessel operation. Additional Information can be obtained by contacting the office below.

NOTE: The operator certification must be in possession at time of vessel operation. Additional Information can be obtained by contacting the office below.

Alabama Marine Police Division,

Operator Certification

64 N Union St.

Montgomery, Alabama 36130

334-242-3673

www.dcnr.state.al.us