Boating

Title or Register Your Boat

You must register with LDWF all motorized vessels/watercraft, including sailboats 12 feet or longer, used in Louisiana waters. You must also register non-motorized houseboats. 

You must title a boat or outboard motor (25 horsepower or more) that is financed or currently titled in another state when you’re registering it in Louisiana, a homemade boat, or a boat that has an incorrect hull identification number.

Please note that a representative from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is at LDWF Headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge every Monday from 8 am to 3:30 pm to assist with boat trailer registrations. Customers will be able to register their boats and trailers at one location without having to go to both agencies.

How do I register my boat?

For motorized boats, complete a Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application and submit it, along with original documentation demonstrating boat ownership (for both new and used boats), any other documents required for the special cases listed below, and a check, cashier’s check, or money order for applicable fees.

For non-motorized houseboats, you must also complete and submit an Affidavit of Ownership of a Non-Motorized Houseboat and pictures of the houseboat.

Apply either in person at LDWF Headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge during normal business hours, 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, or by mail to: LDWF Attn: Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application PO Box 14796 Baton Rouge, LA 70898.

Once we receive and process your application, required documents, and payment, we will issue you a registration certificate, which states the number assigned to your boat, and two decals. You must keep your registration certificate onboard the vessel at all times. We suggest keeping it in a waterproof container in a safe but easily accessible place. You must paint or attach the number to your boat and attach the decals, both according to LDWF requirements.

If you have not received your registration certificate and decals within 45 days of applying, please call 225.765.2898.

How much does registration cost?

Registration fees are based on the length of your boat; additional fees may apply.

Inspection fees ($25) are also required for boats with no Hull Identification Number. See above.

How do I renew my boat registration?

Boat registrations are valid for three years from the date they are issued. The expiration date is printed on your registration certificate. You must renew your boat registration within 60 days of the expiration date; you will receive a renewal notice in the mail. If you do not renew in time, your boat registration will be canceled.

Complete and submit a Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application. Your renewal application must include your current registration number.

Apply:

Renewal fees are the same as registration fees (see above).

How do I change my address on my boat registration?

You must notify LDWF in writing of any change in the mailing address of the owner of a boat registered in Louisiana within 15 days of the change. Simply send a copy of your new driver’s license along with the written request to change your address either by fax to 225.763.5421 or 225.763.5466 or by mail to: LDWF Attn: Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application PO Box 14796 Baton Rouge, LA 70898

How do I transfer ownership of my boat?

When you sell your boat, you must notify LDWF within 15 days of the date of sale. The original numbers issued to that boat will be transferred to the new owner. Complete and submit a Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application, including a current Louisiana registration number, along with original documentation demonstrating boat ownership. You must also submit a Bill of Sale of Boat/Motor that includes the registration number, Hull Identification Number, make and model year of the boat, and signatures of the seller and purchaser along with your application. In addition:

Apply either in person at LDWF Headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge during normal business hours, 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, or by mail to: LDWF Attn: Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application PO Box 14796 Baton Rouge, LA 70898.

The transfer fee is $5, (in addition to the registration fee). 

How do I title my boat and/or motor?

Complete and submit a Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application, along with original  documentation demonstrating boat ownership (for both new and used boats) and any other documents required for special cases listed below.

Apply either in person at LDWF Headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge during normal business hours, 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, or by mail to: LDWF Attn: Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application PO Box 14796 Baton Rouge, LA 70898.

If you have not received your title documents within 45 days of applying, please call 225.765.2898.

How do I get a replacement or duplicate certificate, decals, or title?

If a registration certificate is lost or destroyed, you must notify LDWF within 15 days, describing the circumstances.

To get duplicate documents, complete and submit a Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application. In addition:

Apply either in person at LDWF Headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge during normal business hours, 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, or by mail to: LDWF Attn: Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application PO Box 14796 Baton Rouge, LA 70898.

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