Quick answer
In Mississippi, registration is required for: All sailboats and motorized vessels 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 costs $10.99 to $48.49 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Mississippi, registration is required for: All sailboats and motorized vessels operating on Mississippi territorial and navigable waters. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All sailboats and motorized vessels 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 range from $10.99 to $48.49 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 7% sales tax, and title fees are $12.70.
| 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 Rate: 7%
Title Fee: $12.70
How to Register Your Boat in Mississippi
To register a boat in Mississippi, you must apply within Before operating on public waters of purchase through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 3 years.
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) portal
- In Person: At your local Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) 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
Mississippi Boat Title & Title Transfer
Mississippi does not require a separate boat title — registration serves as proof of ownership. The title application fee is $12.70, and transfers cost $12.70.
Title required: No — Optional — boat must be registered before it can be titled
Title application fee: $12.70
Title transfer fee: $12.70
Required Documents for Title 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 this is a registration-only state, keep a clear ownership chain with prior registration and sale documents. |
| 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% 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.
Mississippi Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 3 years
Mississippi boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current MS 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
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: Within 6 inches of registration number
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Mississippi Compares to Neighboring States
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.