How to Register a Vessel

1. MAIL: Vessel Registration Application
2. PHONE: 1-800-366-2661

There are four types of vessel registrations:

• Original Registration: The vessel has never been registered in Georgia with the Department of Natural Resources. The vessel may be new or used.
• Renewal Registration: Renewal of a current registration that will expire within 60 days or renewal of an expired boat registration, where the registration number and name of the boat owner have not changed since last registered.
• Transfer Registration: Change of ownership for a boat without purchasing an additional registration period. The existing Georgia number is transferred to the new owner’s name, and the remaining registration period transfers to the new owner. A transfer occurs when the registration on the boat is current and has more than 60 days left until the new expiration date. The new expiration date is the last day of the new owner's month of birth within the calendar year of expiration.
• Transfer/Renewal Registration: Change of ownership for a boat that includes purchasing an additional registration period. The registration has either expired or will expire within 60 days or less of the new expiration date. The new expiration data is the last day of the new owner's month of birth within the calendar year of expiration. The existing Georgia number (if still available) is transferred to the new owner’s name and the new owner purchases an additional registration period.

An Original Registration, Transfer Registration, and Transfer/Renewal Registration can be done by MAIL or TELEPHONE. Renewal Registrations may be done by MAIL, TELEPHONE, or ONLINE.

Customers should be sure to update address, email address, and other information.

In all instances except renewals, customers will complete a signed boat registration application.

By MAIL: Customers will return the completed application and required registration documents along with payment to the address listed on the application. Customers may retain a copy of the mailed application and proof of payment, and use these copies for 30 days as a temporary registration until the boat decal and registration are received. These must be carried on the boat while in use. The date on the application and check starts the 30 day period. Renewal Registrations - customers are mailed a renewal registration notice once when they have 60 days or less remaining on their boat registration. Customers may mail the printed form back with payment,

BY TELEPHONE (1-800-366-2661): The Call Center operator will gather information from the customer based on the completed registration application or renewal notice, and enter credit card payment. The Call Center operator will inform the customer which documents are necessary to complete the application; request the customer mail, email, or fax the application and necessary supporting documents to the Call Center; and give the customer an authorization number that is a temporary registration good for 30 days. This number must be carried on the boat while in use.

ONLINE (Renewal Registrations Only): Customers may log into their online account and renew with a credit card. The printed receipt and temporary authorization number are issued by the system and are good for 30 days until the new registration is received.