If you plan on taking your boat out on the water in Nevada, it is important you properly register the watercraft with the state. Not only is it required for all motorboats, but it also serves as a necessary contribution to the state. Non-motorized sailboats, canoes, kayaks, or any other non-motorized vessels do not require registration. Here is how to register your boat in Nevada:
New or Untitled Watercraft
You will need to present the following items when registering new or untitled watercraft:
- Proof of Ownership
- Original bill of sale or subsequent bills of sale
- Sales Tax
- Proof that a sales tax has been paid. Not required on an occasional sale.
- MSO (Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO)
- If the original MSO is not available or the boat is coming from a non-title state, you will need to bring it to a Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) office for official inspection. Inspections are not made in Carson City
- If the HIN number on the MSO is handwritten, you will also need to bring the vehicle to an NDOW office for inspection.
- Previous State Record/ Registration
- The previous state registration or certified copy of the state record must be provided if coming from a non-title state.
- Social Security Number
- Fees
- Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted.
This transaction cannot be completed by mail or online, please visit your local NDOW office.
Renewing your Vessel Registration
On December 1st, the registration renewal period for the next year will open. Registration renewals can be completed in person at your local NDOW office or online at ndowlicensing.com
To renew your boat online, log into your account and navigate to the “vessels” area. From there you will see all vessels registered in your name, with a renew option.
When renewing you will have the choice of 3 options:
- Registration Only
- Registration With Motorized AIS Decal
- Registration With Non-Motorized Decal
An AIS Decal is required to operate a boat on Nevada waters. Purchasing with your registration renewal allows you to purchase both items in a single transaction.
Auto-Renew:
- If the last time you registered your boat you opted in for auto renew, your vessel registration will automatically renew on January 1st . If you renew early you will not be charged a second time for an auto renewal.
- You can manage your auto renewal preferences on your boat at any time through the “Autorenewals section” of your account.
- If you have sold your boat or moved out of state, you must notify NDOW so that the status of your boat can be updated and auto renew turned off.
Out-of-State Titled Watercraft
You will need to present the following items when registering an out-of-state titled watercraft:
- Certificate of Ownership (Title)
- Present the title to an NDOW office, a watercraft inspection may be necessary.
- Sales Tax
- Proof that a sales tax has been paid if applicable. Not required on an occasional sale
- Social Security Number
- Fees
- Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted.
This transaction cannot be completed through the mail or online, please visit your local NDOW office. Vehicles previously registered in other states must be registered in Nevada within 60 days of being brought into the state.
Nevada Titled Watercraft
- Nevada Certificate of Ownership (Title)
- Present the title to an NDOW office
- Sales Tax
- Proof that a sales tax has been paid if applicable. Not required on occasional sale.
- Social Security Number
- Fees
- Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted.
This transaction may be completed through the mail, contact your local NDOW office for more information. Titles cannot be processed online.
Boaters who were born on or after January 1, 1983, are required to complete an NDOW-approved boater education course before operating a boat on interstate waters. This only applies to operators using a motorboat with a motor exceeding 15 horsepower.