Quick answer
In Georgia, registration is required for: All mechanically propelled vessels and sailboats over 12 feet in length on public waters. Registration is handled by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division, is valid for 3 years, and costs $45.00 to $220.00 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Georgia, registration is required for: All mechanically propelled vessels and sailboats over 12 feet in length on public waters. There are 4 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All mechanically propelled vessels and sailboats over 12 feet in length on public waters
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized vessels (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rubber rafts)
- Sailboats less than 12 feet without mechanical propulsion
- Vessels registered in another state used in Georgia for 60 or fewer consecutive days
- Vessels operated exclusively on private ponds or lakes
Registration Fees & Costs
Georgia boat registration fees range from $45.00 to $220.00 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 4% sales tax, and title fees are $18.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Boats < 16 ft | $35.00 | $45.00 |
| Boats 16–25 ft | $70.00 | $80.00 |
| Boats 26–39 ft | $140.00 | $150.00 |
| Boats 40+ ft | $210.00 | $220.00 |
Sales Tax Rate: 4%
Title Fee: $18.00
How to Register Your Boat in Georgia
To register a boat in Georgia, you must apply within Within 30 days of purchase of purchase through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division. Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 3 years.
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division portal
- In Person: At your local Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division 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
Georgia Boat Title & Title Transfer
Georgia requires a boat title for all motorized vessels and sailboats requiring registration. The title application fee is $18.00, and transfers cost $18.00.
Title required: Yes — All motorized vessels and sailboats requiring registration
Title application fee: $18.00
Title transfer fee: $18.00
Required Documents for Title Transfer
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title or registration (used vessels)
- Bill of Sale
- Proof of paid sales tax
- Valid photo ID
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Georgia
If you are selling a boat in Georgia, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division. 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 GA |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. Sign the existing title exactly as the owner name appears. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | Required for all motorized vessels and sailboats requiring registration; title transfer fee is $18.00. |
| Tax | 4% sales or use tax may apply. |
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.
Georgia Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 3 years
Georgia boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current GA 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
Georgia requires a boater safety course. Operators born on or after January 1, 1998, must complete an approved boating education course. The minimum age to operate a vessel is 12.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Operators born on or after January 1, 1998, must complete an approved boating education course
Accepted courses: Georgia DNR approved courses, Boat Ed, BoatUS Foundation
Course cost: Free (BoatUS) or paid providers
Minimum age to operate: 12 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: GA 1234 AB
Minimum font height: 3 inches minimum
Font style: Block letters, contrasting color to hull
Placement: Both sides of bow, forward half, reading left to right
Sticker placement: Each side of bow, before the prefix letters of registration number
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Georgia Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $45.00 | 3 years | Yes | 4% |
| Alabama | $25.00 | 1 year (October 1 – September 30) | Yes | 4% |
| Florida | $11.25 | 1 or 2 years | Yes | 6% |
| North Carolina | $34.00 | 1 year or 3 years | Yes | 4.75% |
| South Carolina | $10.00 | 1 year (renewed with county property taxes) | Yes | 5% |
| Tennessee | $15.86 | 1, 2, or 3 years | No | 7% |
Georgia Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Georgia?
Do I need a boating license in Georgia?
Can I register my boat online in Georgia?
Do non-residents need to register boats in Georgia?
How long is boat registration valid in Georgia?
Do I need a title for my boat in Georgia?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Georgia? Visit the official Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division 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 Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division at 770-918-6400 for the most current information.