Alaska Vessel Registration: Your Complete Guide to Boating Legally in the Last Frontier

If you’re dreaming of cruising the wild rivers, lakes, or coastal waters of Alaska, there’s something you need before you even turn the key: proper vessel registration. The rules for registering your boat in Alaska might seem a bit daunting—especially if you’re new to boating or new to the state—but with a little guidance, the process is more straightforward than you might expect. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about vessel registration in Alaska, so you can focus on what really matters: getting out there and enjoying the adventure.

Why Register Your Vessel in Alaska?

Sure, it can feel like just another bit of paperwork, but vessel registration is about a lot more than compliance. Registration helps authorities identify vessels, protect ownership rights, and even recover stolen boats. It also funds crucial services—like search and rescue, waterway maintenance, and environmental protection—that keep Alaska’s waters safe and enjoyable for everyone. And, of course, it’s the law!

Who Needs to Register a Vessel in Alaska?

Not every floating thing needs a registration sticker, but most powered boats and many non-powered vessels do. Here’s a breakdown:

Required to Register: Any vessel powered by any kind of motor (gas, diesel, electric, or steam) must be registered if used on Alaska’s public waters. This includes fishing boats, sailboats with motors, canoes and kayaks with small engines, jet boats, personal watercraft (like Jet Skis and Sea-Doos), and even homemade boats with motors.
Not Required to Register: Canoes, kayaks, or rowboats without a motor; government-owned vessels; lifeboats used only for emergencies; vessels registered in another state using Alaska’s waters for less than 90 consecutive days; and documented vessels registered with the U.S. Coast Guard (see below for a big exception!).

Documented Vessels vs. State-Registered Vessels

Some larger boats (especially those used for commercial fishing, charter, or long-distance ocean travel) are “documented” at the federal level through the U.S. Coast Guard. If your vessel is documented, you are not required to register it with the state. However, Alaska law does require documented vessels to obtain an Alaska “validation decal” if they are primarily used in Alaska. This is a key detail many boaters overlook!

Validation Decal: Even if your vessel is documented, you must display an Alaska-issued decal, which shows that you’ve paid state fees and that your boat is legal to operate in state waters. You can get this decal through the same process as state registration, but without being assigned an “AK” number.

Where and How to Register Your Vessel

Vessel registration in Alaska is managed by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It can be done in person at a DMV office, by mail, or (for renewals) online. Here’s the step-by-step:

Gather Your Paperwork:
- Proof of Ownership: Bill of sale, manufacturer’s statement of origin (MSO), previous registration or title, or U.S. Coast Guard documentation.
- Completed Application: Use the official form, available at DMV offices or online.
- Hull Identification Number (HIN): All vessels built after 1972 must have a HIN. If yours doesn’t, the DMV will guide you through getting one assigned.
Visit the DMV or Mail Your Documents:
- Take your documents to a local DMV office, or mail them to the main DMV address listed on their website. In-person is usually fastest if you want same-day processing.
Pay the Registration Fee:
- Fees are based on the length and type of vessel. See below for a breakdown.
Get Your Certificate and Decals:
- The DMV will issue a Certificate of Number and a set of registration decals (or a validation decal for documented boats). You must display these correctly on your vessel before operating it on Alaska waters.

How Much Does Vessel Registration Cost in Alaska?

As of 2024, Alaska has a two-year registration period, and the fees are:

Vessels under 24 feet: $24 (for two years)
Vessels 24 feet or longer: $48 (for two years)
Duplicate Certificate: $5
Validation Decal (for documented vessels): $24 (for two years)

There are additional fees for late renewals or special transactions. Always check the official DMV site for the most up-to-date pricing.

How to Display Your Registration Numbers and Decals

Proper display is important—an improperly marked vessel can get you ticketed. Here’s what’s required:

Your “AK” registration number must be painted or permanently attached to both sides of the forward half of the hull, in block letters at least three inches high and in a color contrasting with the background.
The validation decal must be placed within six inches of the registration number, toward the stern.
For documented vessels, only the validation decal is required—no “AK” number.

When to Register or Update Your Vessel Registration

New Boats: Must be registered within 30 days of purchase.
Used Boats: If you buy a previously registered vessel, you have 15 days to transfer the registration.
Renewals: Every two years before your registration expires. Renewals can be done online, by mail, or in person.
Change of Address: Notify the DMV within 30 days if you move.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Certificates: Request a duplicate from the DMV.

Special Situations and Exceptions

Non-motorized Vessels: Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats without motors do not need to be registered. But the moment you attach an engine (even a tiny electric trolling motor), registration is required.

Temporary Use: If your vessel is registered in another state, you can use it in Alaska for up to 90 consecutive days without needing to re-register. After that, Alaska registration is required.

Commercial vs. Recreational Use: The same registration process applies to both, but commercial boats may also need to comply with additional federal and state requirements (like Coast Guard inspections and special insurance).

What If You Don’t Register?

Operating an unregistered vessel that requires registration is a violation of Alaska law. You may be subject to fines, your vessel could be impounded, and you could even lose your boating privileges. Registration also helps protect you as an owner—if your boat is stolen or involved in an accident, proper documentation is essential.

What About Boat Titles in Alaska?

Unlike many states, Alaska does not issue boat titles. Proof of ownership is shown by your registration and bill of sale. Make sure you keep your records—especially if you plan to sell or transfer your boat in the future.

Transferring Ownership of a Vessel

Complete a Bill of Sale: Both the buyer and seller should fill this out, including vessel description, HIN, and sale price.
Sign Over the Certificate: The seller should sign the Certificate of Number over to the buyer.
Buyer Registers the Boat: The buyer has 15 days to apply for a new registration in their name.

The DMV may require additional documentation if the vessel is homemade, rebuilt, or has changed hands multiple times.

Tips for Hassle-Free Registration

Check the DMV website for required documents and the latest forms before you visit or mail your application.
If your vessel is missing a HIN, contact the DMV for instructions—they’ll help you assign one.
Keep your registration and proof of ownership on board at all times—it’s required by law.
If you’re buying a used boat, double-check that all previous fees have been paid and there are no outstanding issues.
Renew early to avoid late fees or registration lapses, especially before summer boating season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to register a paddleboard?

A: No. Only vessels with motors (even small electric ones) must be registered.
Q: What if my vessel is used only on private waters?

A: State registration is not required for vessels used solely on private, non-navigable waters.
Q: Can I transfer my out-of-state registration to Alaska?

A: Yes. Bring your out-of-state documents to the DMV and apply within 30 days of moving to Alaska.
Q: How long does it take to get registered?

A: In-person registration is usually same day. Mail-in can take a few weeks, so plan ahead.

Resources and Where to Get Help

Alaska DMV Boat Registration Page – Forms, fee schedules, and detailed instructions.
Alaska Boating Laws and Safety Courses – A must for safe boating.
U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Documentation Center – For federal documentation questions.

Final Thoughts: Alaska’s Waters Await—Just Register First!

Registering your vessel is a small but essential part of being a responsible boater in Alaska. The state’s waterways are legendary, but they’re also wild—so knowing you’re legal and protected gives you peace of mind when you head out for adventure, fishing, or family fun. Take a little time now to get your paperwork in order, and you’ll spend the rest of the season focused on the real prize: experiencing the magic of Alaska from the water.