Quick answer
In Arizona, registration is required for: All motorboats, including rafts, sailboats, and canoes with motors on Arizona waters. Registration is handled by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), is valid for 1 year (12 months), and fees are summarized as Resident annual fees listed from $20 to $66; nonresident infrastructure fee may apply; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) · Source status: Manual verify · Last checked in site data: August 10, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Arizona, registration is required for: 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 can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as Resident annual fees listed from $20 to $66; nonresident infrastructure fee may apply. Sales/use tax: 5.6% state transaction privilege/use tax base before local rates and exemptions. Title fee information: No separate boat title fee listed.
| 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 |
Arizona resident registration fees are listed by vessel length. Nonresidents who must register in Arizona may owe a separate Nonresident Boating Safety Infrastructure Fee, so confirm the current amount with AZGFD.
Sales Tax: 5.6% state transaction privilege/use tax base before local rates and exemptions
Title Fee: No separate boat title fee listed
How to Register Your Boat in Arizona
To register a boat in Arizona, follow the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) process and complete registration before operating on public waters. Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 1 year (12 months).
Registration can be completed:
- Online services: Use the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) portal for services the agency lists online; original documents may still be required for title or ownership transactions.
- In Person: At your local Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Documents to Check Before Filing
- Completed state registration application form, if the official agency requires one
- Ownership evidence such as a bill of sale, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), title, or prior registration
- Valid photo identification when required by the filing office
- Tax or fee payment documentation where applicable
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) details or inspection when requested by the official agency
Arizona Boat Title & Title Transfer
Arizona does not list a separate boat title requirement in current state data; use the official registration and ownership documents the agency requests. No separate boat title fee listed. No separate boat title-transfer fee listed.
Title required: No — Arizona is a registration-only state and does not title boats
Title application fee: No separate boat title fee listed
Title transfer fee: No separate boat title-transfer fee listed
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership 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.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Arizona
If you are selling a boat in Arizona, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). If you are buying, do not rely on the seller's word alone: match the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the paperwork to the boat and confirm whether liens or title defects exist before paying.
| Transfer item | What to prepare in AZ |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. Because no separate boat title is listed in current state data, keep the prior registration and sale documents requested by the agency. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | No separate boat title is required in the current state data. |
| Tax | 5.6% state transaction privilege/use tax base before local rates and exemptions. |
For buyer and seller paperwork, use the boat bill of sale template, check how to look for liens, and compare boat title transfer fees by state.
Arizona Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 1 year (12 months)
Arizona boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current AZ state data. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
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: Three inches in front of "AZ" on both sides of the forward half of the watercraft
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% state transaction privilege/use tax base before local rates and exemptions |
| California | $36.00 | 2 years | Yes | 7.25% statewide base plus applicable local district tax/use tax |
| Colorado | $61.25 | 1 year (January 1 – December 31) | No | 2.9% state sales/use tax base before local rates and exemptions |
| Nevada | $20.00 | 1 year (annual renewal; renewal opens December 1) | Yes | Sales/use tax proof is required when applicable; NDOW states occasional sales are not required |
| New Mexico | $60.00 | 3 years | Yes | 5% boat excise tax may apply when a boat required to be registered is titled; confirm value, exemptions, and filing details with MVD |
| Utah | Varies | 1 year (annual renewal) | Yes | Sales/use tax varies by registration locality |
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.