Boat Registration Renewal--Click Here

Alabama registers all mechanically propelled vessels, sailboats, and boats for hire. All Marion 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 and more than 75 horsepower.  Owners with vessels more than 26 feet in length may voluntarily apply for a certificate of title.  

All boats coming from out of state and all boats never registered must have a picture of the hull id number in order to register. 

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. 

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. $ 25.00 fee
• Class II - 16 ft. less than 26 ft $ 30.00 fee
• Class III - 26 ft. less than 40 ft $ 80.00 fee
• Class IV - 40 ft. and above $105.00 fee

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

A transfer fee of $ 5.00 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)

• 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.