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.

• If you purchased your boat new from a dealer, you must submit:
  • Original Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO)
  • Copy of dealer invoice
  • Proof of Louisiana state and local taxes paid on the invoice OR a completed original Tax Payment Certification Form (R-1331) from the Louisiana Department of Revenue
  • Affidavit/Court Order
  • Title and registration
  • Bill of Sale of Boat/Motor
  • Invoice from the dealer or a Bill of Sale of Boat/Motor
  • Title and/or registration
  • Proof of ownership from the titled/registered owner to the dealer

  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.

  Coast Guard Class	Length	Fee
  Class A	15 feet, 11 inches or less	$36
  Class I	Between 16 feet and 25 feet, 11 inches	$57
  Class II	Between 26 and 39 feet, 11 inches	$78
  Class II	40 feet or longer	$99

  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.

  • In person at LDWF Headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge during normal business hours, 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday
  • Online (you’ll be charged a handling fee in addition to your renewal fee)
  • By mail to:
    LDWF
    Attn: Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application
    PO Box 14796
    Baton Rouge, LA 70898.

  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:

  • If the boat is titled, you must surrender the title.
  • If the owner of the boat is deceased, you must submit the Judgment of Possession awarding the boat to an heir or heirs.
  • If there is no succession, you must submit the Affidavit for Transfer of Decedent's Boat with a copy of the death certificate.
  • If the boat is sold by the heir(s), you must submit a Bill of Sale of Boat/Motor from the heir(s).

  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 your boat was previously titled or the title is held by a lienholder, you must surrender the title when you register the boat. A new title will be issued.
  • If your motor has never been titled, you must submit the following:
    • Original Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) if available. If the MSO is not available, you must submit a picture of the motor serial number.
    • Copy of the invoice, if available.
    • Proof of Louisiana state and local taxes paid on the invoice OR a completed original Tax Payment Certification Form (R-1331) from the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

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

    Boat and Motor Title Type	Fee
    New Title	$26
    New Transfer Title	$26
    Record/Release Lien	$10

    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:

    • If you’re applying for a duplicate certificate, you must include your current registration number on the application.
    • If you’re applying for duplicate decals with a certificate, you must include your current registration number and the reason you need a duplicate.
    • If you’re applying for a duplicate boat or motor title, you must include your current registration number and the reason you need a duplicate.

    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.

    Duplicate Type	Fee
    Duplicate Certificate	$5
    Duplicate Decal (includes certificate)	$10
    Duplicate Boat or Motor Title	$23

    For more information, please call 225.765.2898.

    Boat registrations are valid for three years from the date they're issued. The expiration date is printed on your registration certificate. You must renew your boat registration within 60 days of the expiration date; you'll receive a renewal notice in the mail. If you don't renew in time, your boat registration will be canceled. You can renew your boat registration in person at LDWF Headquarters in Baton Rouge, by mail, or online.