Arkansas Vessel Registration: What Boaters Need to Know Before Launching

Dreaming of exploring Arkansas’s lakes, rivers, or famous fishing holes? Before you fire up your boat’s engine or set out on your kayak, it’s important to make sure your vessel is properly registered. Arkansas’s vessel registration process isn’t complicated, but missing a step can leave you facing fines—or worse, a ruined day on the water. Here’s your friendly, straightforward guide to registering your boat in the Natural State.

Who Needs to Register a Vessel in Arkansas?

Most boats used on Arkansas’s public waters must be registered with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). Here’s the breakdown:

Required: All motorboats, sailboats, and boats powered by a trolling motor (gas, diesel, or electric), and personal watercraft like jet skis.
Not Required: Canoes, kayaks, or rowboats without any kind of motor, and vessels used exclusively on private ponds/lakes.
Out-of-State Visitors: Boats registered in another state can use Arkansas waters for up to 90 consecutive days without Arkansas registration.

How to Register Your Boat in Arkansas

Gather Your Documents:
- Proof of ownership (bill of sale, manufacturer’s statement of origin, or previous registration/title)
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) for vessels made after 1972
- Completed application (available online or at AGFC offices)
- Payment for the registration fee (see below for rates)
Submit Your Application:
- Apply in person at a local AGFC office or by mail (address listed on the AGFC website).
Pay Registration Fees:
- Fees are based on boat length (see next section).
Get Your Registration Card and Decals:
- Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Number and decals. Keep the certificate on board whenever you operate the vessel.

Arkansas Boat Registration Fees (2024)

Less than 16 feet: $7.50 per year
16 to <24 feet: $15 per year
24 to <28 feet: $51 per year
28 feet and longer: $105 per year

Registration is valid for three years. You can register for one, two, or three years at a time (fees are prorated).

Renewals, Transfers, and Changes

Renewals: Required every three years and can be done online, by mail, or in person at AGFC offices.
Transfers: If you buy a used boat, registration must be transferred to your name within 30 days of purchase.
Lost Certificate or Decals: Contact AGFC for replacements.
Address Changes: Notify AGFC within 30 days if you move.

Where and How to Display Registration Numbers and Decals

Your Arkansas registration number (AR followed by four numbers and two letters) must be painted or permanently affixed to both sides of the forward half of the boat, in block letters at least three inches high. The decal should be placed within six inches of the number, toward the stern.

Special Notes and Exemptions

Homemade Boats: Must have a Hull Identification Number assigned by AGFC before registration.
U.S. Coast Guard Documented Vessels: Still need to be registered in Arkansas if principally operated here.
Commercial Vessels: Additional rules may apply—contact AGFC for details.

Penalties for Operating Without Registration

Using an unregistered (or expired) vessel can mean fines, tickets, or even being prohibited from launching at certain ramps. Registration also helps protect your ownership rights and aids in the recovery of lost or stolen boats.

Selling or Buying a Boat in Arkansas

Complete a Bill of Sale: Include all key details (HIN, make, model, year, length, buyer/seller names and signatures, price).
Transfer Registration: The buyer must transfer registration into their name within 30 days.
Clear Any Liens: Resolve any outstanding loans or liens before completing the sale.

Tips for Smooth Registration

Double-check all paperwork before submitting—missing info can cause delays.
Renew early to avoid expired decals, especially before peak boating season.
Keep your certificate on board whenever using your boat.
For unique cases (homemade or rebuilt boats, boats with missing HINs), call AGFC for guidance.

Helpful Resources

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission – Official site for registration forms, office locations, and detailed FAQs.
Arkansas Boating Safety Courses – Recommended for new and young boaters.

Final Thoughts: Arkansas Boating Starts with Registration

Registering your vessel keeps you legal, protects your investment, and ensures everyone on the water is accounted for. With your paperwork sorted, you’re ready to enjoy Arkansas’s incredible lakes and rivers—just don’t forget your sunscreen and life jacket!