Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Arizona, all motorboats, including rafts, sailboats, and canoes with motors on arizona waters. There are 3 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorboats, including rafts, sailboats, and canoes with motors on Arizona waters
Exempt from registration:
- Watercraft used solely as lifeboats
- Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard
- Non-residents with valid home-state registration for up to 90 days per year
Registration Fees & Costs
Arizona boat registration fees range from $20.00 to $66.00 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 5.6% sales tax, and title fees are $0.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 0–12 ft (annual, resident) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| 12 ft 1 in – 16 ft (annual, resident) | $22.00 | $22.00 |
| 16 ft 1 in – 20 ft (annual, resident) | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| 20 ft 1 in – 26 ft (annual, resident) | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| 26 ft 1 in – 39 ft (annual, resident) | $39.00 | $39.00 |
| 39 ft 1 in – 64 ft (annual, resident) | $44.00 | $44.00 |
| 64 ft 1 in + (annual, resident) | $66.00 | $66.00 |
Sales Tax Rate: 5.6%
Title Fee: $0.00
How to Register Your Boat in Arizona
To register a boat in Arizona, you must apply within Before operating on public waters of purchase through the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 1 year (12 months).
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) portal
- In Person: At your local Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Required Documents
- Completed registration application form
- Bill of Sale or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- Valid photo identification
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) verification
Title & Title Transfer
Arizona does not require a separate boat title — registration serves as proof of ownership. The title application fee is $0.00, and transfers cost $0.00.
Title required: No — Arizona is a registration-only state and does not title boats
Title application fee: $0.00
Title transfer fee: $0.00
Required Documents for Title Transfer
- Bill of Sale
- Previous registration certificate
- Valid photo ID
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Registration Renewal
Validity period: 1 year (12 months)
Renewal is available through the same channels as initial registration — online (if available), in person, or by mail. Be sure to renew before your registration expires to avoid late fees.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Arizona does not require a boater safety course for boat operators.
Required: No
Who must complete it: Arizona does not mandate boater education; however, AZGFD and NASBLA strongly recommend completing a boater safety course
Accepted courses: AZGFD boater safety courses, NASBLA-approved online providers
Course cost: Varies by provider
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: AZ 1234 AB
Minimum font height: 3 inches minimum
Font style: Block letters, contrasting color to hull
Placement: Both sides of bow, forward half
Sticker placement: Within 6 inches of registration number
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Arizona Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $20.00 | 1 year (12 months) | No | 5.6% |
| California | $36.00 | 2 years | No | 7.25% |
| Colorado | $60.25 | 1 year (January 1 – December 31) | No | 2.9% |
| Nevada | $20.00 | 1 year (expires December 31) | Yes | 6.85% |
| New Mexico | $60.00 | 3 years | Yes | 5% |
| Utah | $45.50 | 1 year (annual renewal) | Yes | 6.1% |
Arizona Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Arizona?
Does Arizona require boat titles?
Is boater education required in Arizona?
What is the NBSIF fee for non-residents?
Can non-residents operate boats in Arizona without registering?
How long is boat registration valid in Arizona?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Arizona? Visit the official Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) website or use our tools to estimate costs.
Related Resources
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and verified for 2026, registration requirements and fees may change. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) at 602-942-3000 for the most current information.