Boat Registration And Boat Titling

Vessel Registration is needed to operate a motorized vessel on the public waters of North Carolina.

Other Information

Duration of License

1-3 Year

Authority

GS 75A 15A AC 10F .0101-.0301

Exam: No Exam
License Type: Stand-Alone License

Fees

Application
$0.00
New License
$0.00
Renewal
$0.00
Reciprocity:
$0.00
Miscellaneous:
$0.00

Other Requirements

Proof Of Ownership Required

Exemptions

Vessels that are unused and kept on dry land do not need registration in North Carolina. Rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and rafts moved only by oars, paddles, or the current do not need registration in North Carolina. A vessel used only on a private pond does not need registration in North Carolina. Ship's lifeboats or dinghies do not need to be registered if they are used only for emergency lifeboat purposes. However, if they are motorized and used for non-emergency purposes, they do require registration.

Licensing Authority

NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Customer Support Section
Licensing
1751 Varsity Dr
Raleigh, NC 27606-2576
888-248-6834

Please check with your local City, County or Municipality for area specific license requirements they may have.