All vessels propelled by motor or sail, including boats powered by electric trolling motors, are required to be registered in the state of Arkansas.

Arkansas' Boat Registration Process

Boat owners must apply for registration within 30 days of the date of purchase. If your boat must be registered, it must also have a certificate of title. A title is your proof of ownership in case the vessel is lost, damaged or stolen. Boat titles and registrations may be applied for at any state revenue office. Click here for a list of State Revenue Office locations and hours of operation.

Requirements

• Proof of ownership – current title, registration or bill of sale.
• Proof showing that the boat has been assessed or listed for assessment for the current year.
• Proof that personal property taxes due by the previous October 10th have been paid.
• Proof of liability insurance for all personal watercraft and motorboats powered by engines of more than 50 horsepower. The policy must provide a minimum of $50,000 liability coverage.

Exceptions

• Canoes, rowboats, kayaks and other manually propelled watercraft
• Vessels that are registered in another state and are operated on Arkansas waters for 90 consecutive days or less
• Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard

Boat Classifications

Your boat's classification is determined by its length and type of propulsion. The class will determine applicable laws, required equipment and the registration fees you will pay upon initial registration and at renewal.

To find your boat's length, measure the straight line distance from the foremost part of the boat (bow) to the rearmost part of the boat (stern), excluding any protruding attachments. Your measurement must be exact.

Registration Fees:

The above costs do not include property taxes, or any other applicable charges.

Once a proper application is submitted with the required payment, you will receive a Certificate of Registration and two (2) decals in the mail. The Certificate of Registration must be carried on board when boat is in use. The registration number and validation decals must be affixed to the boat. See below for placement instructions.

Numbering Your Vessel

Once your boat has been assigned a registration number and decals, you must display them on your boat correctly. The registration number must be displayed on each side of the bow, read from left to right and in a position to be distinctly visible. The letters and numbers must be of a plain BLOCK design, at least three (3) inches tall and of a color that contrasts to the color of the hull. There must be a letter size space or hyphen between letter and number groups:
Correct: AR 1234 YZ or AR-1234-YZ or AR 123 XYZ or AR-123-XYZ
Incorrect: AR1234YZ

Validation decals are to be placed on both sides of the bow, three inches before or after, toward the stern (rear), and in line with the registration number. This means the decal is placed 3” before the registration number on the starboard (right) side and 3” after the registration number on the port (left) side.

Upon renewal every three years, old registration decals are to be removed and the current ones applied in their place.

Home-Built Vessels

Before you can register your homemade boat, you must first apply for a Hull Identification Number (HIN) with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).

Owners of homemade vessels who do not have an HIN may request an inspection by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Enforcement Division by calling 501-223-6379. Upon favorable inspection, your vessel will receive an official State-Assigned HIN. The number must be affixed to the transom of the boat. Be sure to keep the HIN with other important papers in a safe place, not on the boat.

How to Renew Your Boat Registration

Arkansas boat registrations must be renewed every three years. You will receive a reminder by mail approximately 30 days before your deadline. You can renew your boat registration by mail or in person at any state revenue office. Renewal fees are the same as the initial registration fees. (See above)

Requirements

• Renewal notice or current registration certificate.
• Proof showing that the boat has been assessed or listed for assessment for the current year.
• Proof that personal property taxes due by the previous October 10th have been paid.
• Proof of liability insurance for all personal watercraft and motorboats powered by engines of more than 50 horsepower. The policy must provide a minimum of $50,000 liability coverage.

Renew By Mail

To renew by mail send the required items no later than 15 days prior to expiration date with a check or money order payable to the Department of Finance and Administration in the amount of the correct registration fees to:


Department of Finance and Administration
Office of Motor Vehicle
P O Box 3153
Little Rock, AR 72203-3153

Renew In Person

You may renew your boat registration in person by taking the required items and your checkbook to any State Revenue Office. Click here for a list of State Revenue Office locations and hours of operation.

Replace Lost Registration

To replace a lost registration, follow the same procedure as applying for the registration. Download this form, complete it and mail it in with $1.00.

Replace Lost Title

To replace a lost title, the process is more complicated. Please click here and follow the instructions which apply to your situation.

Reporting Changes

Address changes must be reported within 15 days of move.

When ownership changes or whenever a vessel is destroyed or abandoned, the owner shall, within 30 days, give notice to AGFC to terminate the registration. The owner is also responsible for removing the registration numbers and validation decals from the vessel.