Quick answer
In Mississippi, registration is required for: All undocumented motorized vessels and sailboats operating on Mississippi territorial and navigable waters. Registration is handled by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), is valid for 3 years, and fees are summarized as $10.99 to $48.49; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) · Source status: Verified · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Mississippi, registration is required for: All undocumented motorized vessels and sailboats operating on Mississippi territorial and navigable waters. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All undocumented motorized vessels and sailboats operating on Mississippi territorial and navigable waters
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized vessels (excluding sailboats)
- Vessels registered in another state temporarily in Mississippi
Registration Fees & Costs
Mississippi boat registration fees can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as $10.99 to $48.49. Sales/use tax: 7% state sales/use tax base when due; proof-of-tax, local tax, or exemption documents may be required depending on the purchase. Title fee information: $12.70 optional boat title fee after registration, before duplicate or document-specific charges.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Boats < 16 ft | $10.99 | $10.99 |
| Boats 16–25 ft | $25.99 | $25.99 |
| Boats 26–39 ft | $48.49 | $48.49 |
| Boats 40+ ft | $48.49 | $48.49 |
Sales Tax: 7% state sales/use tax base when due; proof-of-tax, local tax, or exemption documents may be required depending on the purchase
Title Fee: $12.70 optional boat title fee after registration, before duplicate or document-specific charges
How to Register Your Boat in Mississippi
To register a boat in Mississippi, follow the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) process and complete registration before operating on public waters. Go Outdoors Mississippi supports online boat registration tasks; title, tax, or ownership-sensitive filings may still require document review. Registration is valid for 3 years.
Registration can be completed:
- Online services: Use the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) portal for services the agency lists online; original documents may still be required for title or ownership transactions.
- In Person: At your local Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) 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
Mississippi Boat Title & Title Transfer
Mississippi does not list a separate boat title requirement in current state data; use the official registration and ownership documents the agency requests. $12.70 optional boat title fee after registration, before duplicate or document-specific charges. No separate boat title-transfer fee listed.
Title required: No — Optional — boat must be registered before it can be titled
Title application fee: $12.70 optional boat title fee after registration, before duplicate or document-specific charges
Title transfer fee: No separate boat title-transfer fee listed
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership Transfer
- Proof of registration
- Previous title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Bill of Sale
- Valid photo ID
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Mississippi
If you are selling a boat in Mississippi, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). 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 MS |
|---|---|
| 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 | 7% state sales/use tax base when due; proof-of-tax, local tax, or exemption documents may be required depending on the purchase. |
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.
Mississippi Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 3 years
Mississippi boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Go Outdoors Mississippi supports online boat registration tasks; title, tax, or ownership-sensitive filings may still require document review. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Mississippi requires a boater safety course. Anyone born after June 30, 1980, must complete an MDWFP-approved boater education course. The minimum age to operate a vessel is 12.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Anyone born after June 30, 1980, must complete an MDWFP-approved boater education course
Accepted courses: MDWFP free in-person courses, Boat Ed, BoatUS Foundation
Course cost: Free (MDWFP in-person) or paid online providers
Minimum age to operate: 12 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: MS 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 MDWFP registration materials
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Mississippi Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Alabama | $25.00 | 1 year (October 1 – September 30) | Yes | 4% state sales tax; local tax and county charges may also apply |
| 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 |
| Louisiana | $36.00 | 3 years | Yes | Louisiana state sales/use tax base plus local tax or R-1331 proof rules when due |
| Tennessee | $15.86 | 1, 2, or 3 years | No | Tennessee sales/use tax may apply; county clerk, local tax, and single-article rules can affect the final amount |
Mississippi Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Mississippi?
Do I need a title for my boat in Mississippi?
Is a boating safety course required in Mississippi?
How long is boat registration valid in Mississippi?
Can non-residents operate boats in Mississippi?
What sales tax applies to boat purchases in Mississippi?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Mississippi? Visit the official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) 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 Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) at 601-432-2400 for the most current information.