How to Register a Boat in Arizona

Arizona is a beautiful state, known for its stunning landscapes, scenic waterways, and warm weather. If you're planning to enjoy these waterways by boat, you'll need to register your vessel with the state of Arizona. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of registering your boat in Arizona.

Step 1: Gather Required Documentation

Before you can register your boat, you'll need to gather some essential documentation. This varies slightly based on the history of the boat. Here's what you'll need:

If your boat is brand new, you’ll need:

·        A completed application form (also known as a 1532 Form), which can be found here

·        A bill of sale with the name of buyer and seller, hull ID number, length, manufacturer, purchase price and sales tax paid

·        Manufacturer’s statement of origin

·        Registration fees

If your boat is used and was registered in Arizona before, you’ll need:

·        A completed application form (also known as a 1532 Form), which can be found here

·        A bill of sale with the name of buyer and seller, signature of seller, hull ID number, length, manufacturer, and purchase price. If the boat was purchased from a dealer, you will also need a bill of sale showing that sales tax was paid on the boat.

·        Registration fees

·        Transfer fee

If your boat is used and was registered in another state other than Arizona, you’ll need:

·        A completed application form (also known as a 1532 Form), which can be found here

·        Either the original title or registration, depending on if the boat was previously registered in a title-only or registration-only state, signed by the previous owner Original title (if coming from a title state) or original registration (if coming from a registration state), which is signed off by the previous owner(s).

·        A bill of sale. If the boat was purchased from a dealer, you will also need a bill of sale showing that sales tax was paid on the boat.

·        Registration fees

Registration fees vary depending on the length of your boat. The registration fee breakdown is:

Step 2: Complete the Registration Application

Once you have all the necessary documentation and information, it's time to complete the registration application. You can do this by mail or in-person at a local Arizona Game and Fish Department office.

·        By mail: Download the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Boat Registration Form from their website or by following this link, fill it out completely, and mail it with your payment and documentation to the address listed on the form.

·        In-person: Visit a local Arizona Game and Fish Department office and complete the registration application in-person. Be sure to bring all of your documentation and payment with you.

Step 3: Display Your Boat Registration Numbers

Once you've completed the registration process and received your registration certificate and decal, it's time to display your boat registration numbers.

The registration numbers must be displayed on the forward half of each side of the vessel, must be in a color that contrasts with the color of the boat, and must be at least 3 inches tall. The registration decal must be affixed to the boat's port side within 6 inches of the registration number.

Step 4: Renew Your Registration Annually

Boat registration in Arizona is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail before your registration expires, which will include instructions on how to renew your registration. This may be done in person, by mail, or online through the online portal here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, registering your boat in Arizona is a straightforward process that can be completed online, by mail, or in-person. Be sure to gather all the necessary documentation, complete the registration application, display your boat registration numbers correctly, and renew your registration annually. By following these steps, you can enjoy all of Arizona's beautiful waterways with peace of mind knowing that your boat is registered and legal to operate.

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