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Boating

Many look forward to spring and summer days to spend time on Maine’s waterways, from quiet ponds and majestic larger lakes to meandering rivers and streams. The key to an enjoyable day on the water, whether on a motor-powered boat, a canoe, kayak, or wind propelled watercraft, is to be safe and prepared. Here are a few reminders to keep you and your passengers safe:

Protect our waters from aquatic invasive species

Maine waters, as well as the fish, wildlife, and recreation they support, are threatened each year by introductions of fish, plants, diseases, and other aquatic invasive species that compete with and displace native natural communities. Do your part by learning how to properly clean and dry your watercraft, motor, trailer and equipment before leaving water access.

Learn more

Registration

Where can I register a boat?

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) Office in Augusta is the central office for boat registrations and registration records. Many Maine municipal tax collectors or town clerks are Recreational Vehicle Agents for MDIFW.

Boat registrations may be renewed online if your town is part of the program. This online service allows you to register your Boat (vessel) with the State of Maine. Following your transaction, you will receive a confirmation page to print for immediate use. Your official registration and stickers will arrive at the shipping address specified within thirty days.

If you are registering a watercraft in a town other than your town of legal residence, you must first pay your excise tax in your town of residence. Be sure you have a receipt that shows the annual excise tax has been paid on your watercraft or your watercraft cannot be registered at another location.

Fees (*Fee includes $1.00 agent fee.)

0-10 Horsepower Motor - $31.00* with lake and river protection sticker 0-10 Horsepower Motor - $16.00* without lake and river protection sticker

11-50 Horsepower Motor - $36.00* with lake and river protection sticker 11-50 Horsepower Motor - $21.00* without lake and river protection sticker

51-115 Horsepower Motor - $42.00* with lake and river protection sticker 51-115 Horsepower Motor - $27.00* without lake and river protection sticker

Over 116 Horsepower Motor - $50.00* with lake and river protection sticker Over 116 Horsepower Motor - $35.00* without lake and river protection sticker

Personal Watercraft - $50.00* with lake and river protection sticker Personal Watercraft - $35.00* without lake and river protection sticker

Duplicate Boat Registration - $1.00 agent fee

Duplicate Boat Registration & Sticker - $2.00

Boat Temporary Transfer - $4.00

Agents may charge a fee of $1.00 for renewals and duplicates, and $2.00 for new registrations, rollovers, or transfers.

Boat excise tax must be paid by a resident to the tax collector of their town before registration. A nonresident, prior to registering a motorboat which is located in Maine more than 75 days during a calendar year, must pay an excise tax to the Maine town where the boat is principally moored, docked or located. If the boat is exempt from tax, a tax exemption form must be completed by the owner and submitted with registration application and registration fee.

Proof of payment of sales tax is required for new registrations (resident and nonresident).

Registrations may be obtained from licensing agents or by mail. For applications and agent information please call (207) 287-8000.

Watercraft registrations are issued for a specific calendar year and are valid through December 31st of the year issued.

Lake and River Protection Sticker required.

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Physical Address: 353 Water Street Augusta, ME 04333-0041

Mailing Address: 41 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0041

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