Where Can I Register My Boat In Nh

First Time Registration Of A New Or New To You Boat

You must provide proof of ownership to register a boat in any of the following forms:

Your boat must have a Hull Identification Number . Any boats manufactured after 1972 with a short or no HIN, homemade boats, and boats that do not have a compliant HIN must be inspected only by a NH marine patrol officer or a NH law enforcement officer. You may print a Verification of Vessel Identification RDMV690 for the officer to complete.

To transfer a registration to another boat:

• The primary owner of the old boat and the primary owner of the new boat must be the same.
• You must have the original current registration for the boat you are transferring from. Copies will not be accepted. This gets surrendered at the time of the transfer.
• You must have the proper proof of ownership for the new boat.

To renew your boat registration, you must have one of the following:

• The previous boat registration, OR
• The mail-in renewal notice mailed to you by the State.

Renewals may be done in person by the owners family members. No permission form is needed.

• Online boat registration renewals are not permitted by the State at this time.
• We can accept $100 bills ONLY if it is part of the exact amount due. We do not keep sufficient change to break a $100 bill for DMV and Tax Payment transactions.

Renewing Your New Hampshire Boat Registration

If you are wondering how to renew a boat registration in New Hampshire, note that all NH registrations expire on December 31 of every year, regardless of when you first obtained the registration. Therefore, it is recommended that you obtain your initial registration early in the year so that you are not paying a full year of fees for just a few months of registration.

You can obtain a boat registration renewal in New Hampshire by completing and returning the renewal notice along with a check payment for the renewal fee. You can deliver this in person at any DMV office, authorized boat agent or certified marina, or submit it by mail to the Hazen Drive address provided above.

Does Nh Require Boat Insurance To Register A Boat

New Hampshire does not have a requirement for boat owners to insure their boats as part of the registration process. Surprisingly, only two states require boat insurance, even though all 50 states require motorist to have automobile insurance.

Just because you arent required to have insurance, doesnt mean you dont need it. Like your home, a boat is a major investment, and you should have some type of protection for it. Depending on the type of boat you have and the level of coverage you get, boating insurance isnt very expensive especially given how expensive a boating accident can be. We have a comprehensive article about boating insurance.

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Getting A Boat License In New Hampshire

Operators of watercraft must apply for a boating education card by following a few important steps. These steps include:

After the steps mentioned above have been successfully completed, a certificate card will be provided to the student. The exact method for receiving the permanent card will vary depending on the course taken, although the Boating Education Classroom Course and most online options will automatically mail the certificate to the student at the address provided during registration.

Also, most programs will provide students with a temporary certificate that can be used until the official certificate arrives. For example, the New Hampshire Classroom Course provides students with a temporary card that is valid for 45 days.

New Hampshire Boating Rules And Regulations

There many strict boating laws that everyone must abide by in order to stay safe and avoid serious consequences. These rules include a minimum age for boat operation, requirements for necessary boating equipment and more. As a few examples, New Hampshire boating regulations include that:

• No child 12 years of age or under can operate or be transported on a vessel upon the public waters of the state without a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device.
• No one younger than 16 years of age shall operate a motorized vessel with more than 25 horsepower on the public waters of the state unless accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older who holds a valid education certificate.
• No one can operate a powerboat upon any state waters in a negligent or careless way or so that the lives and safety of the public are endangered.
• No one can operate or sell any marine engines that are capable of being operated in a manner which exceeds the noise levels specified for that type of vessel.

In addition to the boating rules listed above, there are many more laws that must be abided by when operating watercraft in New Hampshire. To learn more about those rules and laws, you can enroll in a safety course.

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Registering Your New Hampshire Boat Trailer

You’ll have to register your trailer if it is 15 years old or newer. You’ll also have to title the trailer if it weighs over 3,000 pounds and was manufactured later than 1999. The trailer registration process starts at your local town clerk’s office. Bring identification and proof of residency and call ahead to find out the charges.

If you have your trailer title, present the certificate of title or a copy of your title application for registration. If your trailer is exempt from titling, present a bill of sale, proof of the Vehicle Identification Number, or a copy of an earlier New Hampshire registration.

You can usually process the entire registration transaction at the same office. If you need to title the trailer, you may have to file a title application with the DMV.

References

Which Boats Require Registration

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In New Hampshire, you must have a Certificate of Registration and validation decals to operate a vessel legally on public waters. This includes motorboats of any size and sailboats or sailboards 12 feet in length or longer. The only exceptions are:

• Sailboats and sailboards under 12 feet in length
• Other small, non-motorized vessels, such as canoes and kayaks
• Vessels registered in other states using New Hampshire waters for 30 or fewer consecutive days
• Vessels owned or operated by the U.S. government

• Unit 4 of 6

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Can I Register My Boat Online In Nh

Registration > Boat Registrations > Authorized Boat Agents Online Town Locations may process new, renewal, and transfer registrations, as well as replacement registrations and decals on privately-owned boats only.

You may ask, Do I need a boat license in NH?

New Hampshire has a mandatory boating education law. Everyone 16 years of age and older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters must have a boating education certificate. A boating certificate issued by another State agency and NASBLA approved.

Nh Vessels You Must Register

In New Hampshire, you’re required to register:

• All motorized vessels, regardless of size.
• Sailboats and sailboards 12 ft or longer.

You DO NOT need to register:

• Sailboat and sailboards less than 12 ft in length.
• Non-motorized kayaks and canoes.
• Any U.S. government vessel.
• Any vessel registered in another state operating on New Hampshire waters for 30 consecutive days or less.

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Boat Registration Numbers And Stickers

A boat registration number is its license plate and is comprised of letters and numbers that must be displayed on the hull, near the bow, on the front third of the boat on both sides. The letters and numbers must be read from left to right and may have a minimum size . The numbers can also be painted on. A registration sticker or decal proves that your boat registration is valid for that year. The length of validity varies by state but can be from one to three years.

New Hampshire Boater Registrations

A New Hampshire boat registration is required for most types of vessels operating on the states waters. While boating laws and regulations are managed by the New Hampshire Department of Safety , boat registrations are processed through the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, or DMV. To learn how to register a boat in NH and familiarize yourself with the states renewal and replacement policies, review the sections detailed below.

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New Hampshire Boating License Fees

The cost of getting your boat education card varies depending on the program you enroll in. You may be able to enroll in a course that is provided for at low-cost or that is free of charge. However, most classes charge approximately $40 to $45 total. To discover what you must pay, contact the program directly to inquire about their fees.

New Hampshire Boater License

A New Hampshire online boating license or one obtained in person is what some people call the document that is actually a boating education certificate. Although the terms boater license and boating certificate are used interchangeably, only the certificate is required in NH in order to legally operate a boat in the state.

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I Just Moved To Bradford New Hampshire How Do I Register My Vehicle

• If you have a 2000 model year or newer AND the original out-of-state title in hand, you will need to bring the title, your out of state registration and proof of residency. DMV requires all 2000 and newer vehicles to be titled, this is a one time $27.00 fee. If you have a 1999 model year or older we will need to see proof to verify the VIN but are not required to title the vehicle.
• If you have a lienholder bring all lienholder information from when the original lien was set up . We will need the address for your title is being held, this may be different from the address you make payments. The State of NH will contact your lienholder for the title. You will also need to bring your out-of-state registration and proof of Bradford residency.

What types of plates can I get?

Standard Passenger Plates

Moose Plates $30 additional yearly cost Moose Plates Q & A

Vanity Plates $40 additional yearly cost

State Park Plates $85 additional yearly cost NH Sate Park Q & A

Can I get Antique Plates?

The DMV has requirements that must be met to get Antique Plates.

The Town Clerks office will process the Town portion and then you will have to go to a DMV location to process the State portion.

Can I get a title for my Antique Vehicle?

We cannot guarantee that an antique title can be produced.

Registering Your Boat With The New Hampshire Dmv

All motor-operated boats operated on public waters in New Hampshire must be registered with the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles. This includes any boat with an inboard or outboard motor, excluding sailboats under 12 feet. Boats owned by the U.S. government and those just passing through are exempt.

You’ll want to start your registration process by filling in a DMV boat registration form, called DSMV form 157A. You’ll also need proof of ownership, like a bill of sale in your name and your picture identification.

If your boat doesn’t have a 12-digit hull identification number, you must also obtain a DSMV form called Verification of Vessel Identification. It has to be completed and signed by a New Hampshire law enforcement officer under penalty of perjury.

Expect to pay a registration fee. The fee depends on the length, age and type of boat. Check both RSA 270-E:5 Vessel Registration Fees, and RSA 72-A:3 Boat Fees to figure out the fee for your boat. Or, you can call the DMV and ask about boat registration fees.

Once you collect these documents, you can register the boat in person at certain DMV offices in New Hampshire. Check the DMV website for a list of those accepting boat registration. You can also register your boat at an authorized boat agent. These are often town clerks, but see the list in the DMV website. Alternatively you can mail the documents to the Concord DMV at: NH Dept. of Safety, DMV Boat Registrations, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305.

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New Hampshire Boat Registration Basics

All motorized vessels of any size and all sailboats and sailboards 12 fees or longer must have boat registration stickers before they can be operated in New Hampshire waters. You can complete the registration process at a Department of Motor Vehicles office or most marinas, sports shops and town halls. However, make sure to call the location beforehand to ensure that boat registrations can be completed there.

To complete the registration, you must show proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale document, and a photo ID. You will then be required to pay any applicable registration fees. The exact fees will vary based on the length of the watercraft. Ensure that you have all necessary documents on-hand and adequate payment for the fee before you start the registration process.

Where Do I Register My Boat

A good place to start is right here on Discover Boatingjust visit our Boat Registration page, which allows you to start the registration process online. In most states, you can also register a boat with the Department of Motor Vehicles. In some cases it may be with the Department of Fish and Game, the Department of Licensing, or the Department of Natural Resources . A boat can be officially registered in only one state.

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Requirements For Boater Registration In New Hampshire

The requirements to register a boat in New Hampshire begin with finding out which types of vessels require registration. The vessels owner must complete the registration form numbered DSMV 157A and submit it to the NH DMV.

New Hampshire boat registration instructions state that all motorized vessels must be registered, even those using motors as a secondary mode of propulsion, regardless of length. Sailboats and sailboards longer than 12 must also conform to NH boat registration guidelines to be legally operated on state waters.

When applying for a boat registration make sure to bring the following documents:

• Proof of ownership, usually via a bill of sale or dealers receipt.
• Your NH driver license or state-issued photo ID card.
• Verification of Vessel Identity completed by a law enforcement officer, if your hull identification number needs an inspection.
• Payment for your NH registration fees.

You may present your NH boat registration form and other documents in person at certain DMV offices or at authorized boat agents located throughout the state. If it is more convenient, you may submit your NH boat registration application by mailing to the Concord DMV:

NH Department of SafetyDMV  Boat Registrations23 Hazen Dr.Concord, NH 03305

Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Registrations And Marine Patrol

Where can I register my boat?

There are various locations throughout the State, including some marinas and sport shops, town halls and DVM substations. We recommend calling these businesses to check with them before attempting to register your boat. You can also register your boat Monday through Friday at the Boat Desk in Concord, or at .

How do I obtain a copy of an accident report for which I was involved?

Write a letter requesting a copy of the accident report. The request should include:

• the date and time of the accident,
• the waterway, and
• Please mail the letter to .

Who can register a boat?

Only the person listed on the previous year’s registration or the owner of the boat may register it by providing proof of ownership.

Where can I find a list of restricted bodies of water?

Please use the following link for more information on restricted bodies of water: Restricted Bodies of Water.

How do I get a NH commercial boating license?

Call Marine Patrol Headquarters at to obtain a commercial boat license application and study materials. Complete the application following the instructions. Once completed, mail the application to the Concord DVM Boat Desk. After approximately one week, call to check if the processed application has been received. When it is received at Marine Patrol Headquarters, you will be given a date and time for the commercial boat operators written examination.

What do I need to bring to register my boat?

I lost my registration or decal. What do I do?

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The Town Clerks Office Registers Automobiles Trucks Rvs Boats All Other Watercraft Trailers Motorcycles And Atvs

PLEASE NOTE: There are additional fees to cover the cost of the credit card processing . These fees go directly to our third party processor and are not retained by the town/city. Credit card convenience fees cannot be refunded. If your payment is returned there will be additional penalty fees.

New residents to the state have 60 days to register their vehicle and obtain a NH drivers license.

I am a Bradford resident, what do I need to register my new vehicle?

• DEALERSHIP purchase: If you purchased a vehicle through a NH dealership you will need to bring the title application. If you wish to transfer plates from your old vehicle to your new vehicle you will need to bring the current registration associated with the plates you wish to transfer. The DMV requires a certified registration to be turned in at the time of transfer. We can reprint the registration but it will be an additional $18.00 fee. When transferring plates whomevers name is listed first is considered the owner of the plates and those plates can only be transferred to a vehicle in that persons name. If there are two people listed the plate belongs to the first person listed and cannot be transferred into the second owners name.

If your vehicle has a GVW over 26,000 lbs we can only process the Town portion and you will have to go to a DMV location to finish the process. It will not be a valid registration until you complete the state portion with the DMV.