Vessel Registration

A Vessel/HIN Inspection is necessary when boat owners do not have documents to show ownership of a boat, if a HIN is required and not present, if there are questions about the HIN that cannot be resolved, or for other reasons specified on a case by case basis.

Vessel/HIN Inspection Requirements

• Customers must have initiated the registration process (paid for a registration) before a Vessel/HIN Inspection will be performed.
• Vessel/HIN Inspections are conducted at locations statewide on a varying schedule. Trailerable boats must be brought to the inspection location by the customer. Inspections will not be performed if customers have not paid for a registration in advance of the inspection.
• BOAT OWNERS (not a friend or other family member) should bring all documents and correspondence to the inspection location that relate to the boat, boat purchase, or registration process that may be helpful during the Vessel/HIN Inspection to support registration.
• The current inspection schedules are located here:
  • June 2013 Inspections [1]
  • July 2013 Inspections [2]
     
• For large boats moored at marinas that cannot be trailered, customers should call the office that handles the county where the boat is located to arrange for a Vessel/HIN Inspection. Search a  list of DNR Law Enforcement Offices by county here [3].

Although boats manufactured before November 1, 1972 are not required to have a HIN, DNR will assign and place a HIN on an older vessel if brought to Vessel/HIN inspection site. Having a HIN will make your registration more secure, your vessel less susceptible to theft, and easier to recover if it were stolen.