Boat

Boat Registration

Alabama registers all mechanically propelled vessels, sailboats, and boats for hire. All Houston County boat owners may register, renew or transfer ownership at our office. If you are not a resident of Alabama, registration can be accomplished at the Marine Police Division office in Montgomery, Alabama. All dealers and livery (rental) must register with the Marine Police Division.

As of January 1, 2024, Act #2022-144 took effect requiring owners of certain vessels to obtain a certificate of title.  

Those vessels manufactured on or after January 1, 2024 and being 18 – 26 feet in length.  Owners with vessels more than 26 feet in length may voluntarily apply for a certificate of title. 

The documents necessary to title/register the above vessels are as follows: 

Bill of Sale; Original Manufacturers Statement or Certificate of Origin for the vessel; any supporting documentation as needed.  If two owners and names are joined with AND or &, both owners must be present with identification and sign the title application. 

Bill of Sale for Watercraft

Alabama law changed the boat fees beginning September 1, 2007. The four (4) boat classes and new fees are as follows:

• Class I - Less than 16 ft. $ 30.00 fee
• Class II - 16 ft. less than 26 ft $ 35.00 fee
• Class III - 26 ft. less than 40 ft $ 85.00 fee
• Class IV - 40 ft. and above $110.00 fee

A duplicate decal or boat certificate may be issued for a lost or destroyed item. The fee is $5.00 plus $5.00 county fees.

A transfer fee of $ 5.00 plus $5.00 county fees applies to vessels with a current year registration but needs to be transferred into a new owner's name. If the vessel has no current registration, then the transfer fee plus the correct class fee above will be collected. Sales and use tax applies to the purchase price of boats at the same local rates as applies to vehicles. (Boat Sales Tax Schedule)

State of Alabama

• Inside City Limits: 2.00

Houston County

• Inside City Limits: 0.50

Ashford

• Inside City Limits: 1.00
• Inside Police Jurisdiction: 0.50

Columbia

• Inside City Limits: 1.00
• Inside Police Jurisdiction: 0.50

Cottonwood

• Inside City Limits: 0.50
• Inside Police Jurisdiction: 0.25

Cowarts

• Inside City Limits: 0.50

Dothan

• Inside City Limits: 0.75

Gordon

• Inside City Limits: 4.00
• Inside Police Jurisdiction: 2.00

Kinsey

• Inside City Limits: 1.50
• Inside Police Jurisdiction: 0.75

Taylor

• Inside City Limits: 1.00
• Inside Police Jurisdiction: 0.50

Webb

• Inside City Limits: 1.00
• Inside Police Jurisdiction: 0.50

• When you purchase a boat from an individual, the seller should provide the purchaser the last registration certificate of the boat and a bill of sale.
• When you purchase a used boat from a dealer, please provide the bill of sale and the most recent registration for the boat.
• When you purchase a new boat from a dealer, please provide the bill of sale and the manufacturers statement of origin.

There is a 72 hour grace period for the registration of a new boat. When the boat has a current decal you have 10 days to register the boat in your name. There is no grace period for a used boat. If you buy a used boat with an expired registration, you must currently register the boat before it is used in Alabama waters.

If your vessel is brought into Houston County from another state, then no transfer fee is applied. A new Alabama registration number will be issued. Please present your last state registration certificate when registering in this county and the title to the boat if transferring from a titling state.

Renewal Schedule

The Alabama boat registration system is on a staggered basis similar to vehicle registration.  The first letter of an individual's last name determines the month of renewal. State law does not allow for prorating of the class fees above on a monthly basis.

Boat Operator Vessel License

Who Must Be Certified

All Alabama residents 12 years of age and older who operates a motorized vessel on Alabama waters. If the vessel license is acquired after January 1, 2002, and the operator is under 14 years of age, then a person 21 years old or older with a valid operator's license must be on board and in a position to take immediate physical control of the vessel if necessary.

Proof of Age
All minor must furnish to the state drivers license examiner a certified copy of their birth certificate and social security card.

How to obtain a Boat Operators Certification

How To Obtain Boat Operators Certification

1. Applicant may apply and be tested as necessary at the Department of Public Safety Driver's License Examining Office across the State. 
   State DPS Office Location
2. Make application and pay fee.
   A one time fee of $5.00 (five dollars) cash is charged by the driver's license examining officer as an application fee.
3.  Answer medical questions.
4. Successfully complete written/oral exam, or show proof of exemption.
   Boat Operator's Handbook
5. Pay license fee.
   • If you are a non-resident or non-licensed driver, the cost is $41.25 for the initial driver's license.
   • If the applicant is requesting changes on his non-expiring driver's license, the duplicate fee is $36.25.

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 or Alabama Marine Police Division approved boating course (Alabama Boating Basics Course or (Alabama Boating Education Online Exam).
   • Any boat operator who was 40 or older on April 28, 1994.

Boating course certificates or motorboat operator's license must be submitted to the Driver's License Examiner at the time of making application.

The operator license must be in possession at time of vessel operation. Additional Information concerning 'Rules Of the Road' related to operating a boat in Alabama waters can be obtained by contacting the office below: Alabama Marine Police Division, 64 N Union St., Montgomery, Alabama 36130; 334-242-3673

For boating information related to rules, regulations and enforcement, you may wish to contact the Alabama Marine Police at (334) 676-6005, or visit www.outdooralabama.com for Federal Boating Laws, visit the U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety website at: www.uscagboating.org.