Quick answer
In Louisiana, registration is required for: All motorized vessels, sailboats 12 feet or longer, non-motorized houseboats, and recreational USCG documented boats used on Louisiana waters. Registration is handled by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), is valid for 3 years, and fees are summarized as $36.00 to $99.00; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) · Source status: Verified · Last checked in site data: August 16, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Louisiana, registration is required for: All motorized vessels, sailboats 12 feet or longer, non-motorized houseboats, and recreational USCG documented boats used on Louisiana waters. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorized vessels, sailboats 12 feet or longer, non-motorized houseboats, and recreational USCG documented boats used on Louisiana waters
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized vessels under 12 feet
- Vessels registered in another state temporarily in Louisiana
Registration Fees & Costs
Louisiana boat registration fees can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as $36.00 to $99.00. Sales/use tax: Louisiana state sales/use tax base plus local tax or R-1331 proof rules when due. Title fee information: $15.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Class A (17'11" or less) | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Class I (18'–26') | $57.00 | $57.00 |
| Class II (26'1"–38') | $78.00 | $78.00 |
| Class III (38'1" or greater) | $99.00 | $99.00 |
Sales Tax: Louisiana state sales/use tax base plus local tax or R-1331 proof rules when due
Title Fee: $15.00
How to Register Your Boat in Louisiana
To register a boat in Louisiana, follow the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) process and complete registration within 30 days of purchase. Initial registration and title filings are handled by mail or in person with LDWF documents; use LDWF account services only for tasks the agency lists online. Registration is valid for 3 years.
Registration can be completed:
- In Person: At your local Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) 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
Louisiana Boat Title & Title Transfer
Louisiana title rules: Financed boats or outboard motors (25+ HP), boats titled in another state, homemade boats, and boats with incorrect HIN. Title application fee: $15.00. Title transfer fee: $15.00.
Title required: Yes — Financed boats or outboard motors (25+ HP), boats titled in another state, homemade boats, and boats with incorrect HIN
Title application fee: $15.00
Title transfer fee: $15.00
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership Transfer
- Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (new vessels from dealer)
- Previous title or registration (used vessels)
- Bill of Sale or Invoice
- Proof of Louisiana sales tax paid or Tax Payment Certification Form (R-1331)
- Valid photo ID
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Louisiana
If you are selling a boat in Louisiana, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). 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 LA |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. If a title document or electronic title release is required, sign or release it exactly as the agency instructs. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | Financed boats or outboard motors (25+ HP), boats titled in another state, homemade boats, and boats with incorrect HIN. Title transfer: $15.00. |
| Tax | Louisiana state sales/use tax base plus local tax or R-1331 proof rules when due. |
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.
Louisiana Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 3 years
Louisiana boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Initial registration and title filings are handled by mail or in person with LDWF documents; use LDWF account services only for tasks the agency lists online. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Louisiana requires a boater safety course. Operators born after January 1, 1984, operating motorboats with more than 10 HP or any PWC. The minimum age to operate a vessel is 10.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Operators born after January 1, 1984, operating motorboats with more than 10 HP or any PWC
Accepted courses: LDWF approved courses, Boat Ed, BoatUS Foundation
Course cost: Free (LDWF in-person, BoatUS online) or paid providers
Minimum age to operate: 10 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: LA 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: Display validation decals as directed by LDWF registration materials
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Louisiana Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $36.00 | 3 years | Yes | Louisiana state sales/use tax base plus local tax or R-1331 proof rules when due |
| Arkansas | $7.50 | 3 years | Yes | Sales tax is collected when due; Arkansas does not charge sales tax on casual individual-to-individual boat sales |
| Mississippi | $10.99 | 3 years | No | 7% state sales/use tax base when due; proof-of-tax, local tax, or exemption documents may be required depending on the purchase |
| Texas | $32.00 | 2 years | Yes | 6.25% sales/use tax; TPWD lists an $18,750 cap for vessels and outboard motors purchased in Texas on or after September 1, 2019 |
Louisiana Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Louisiana?
Do I need a title for my boat in Louisiana?
Is a boating safety course required in Louisiana?
How long is boat registration valid in Louisiana?
Can non-residents operate boats in Louisiana?
What vessels must be registered in Louisiana?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Louisiana? Visit the official Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) 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 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) at 225-765-2898 for the most current information.