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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Registration vs. Launch Permit

    Unpowered boats have two options for use on Pennsylvania waterways. 

    Register Your Unpowered Boat
    Buy a Launch Permit

    Unpowered boats like kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), as well as rowboats and sailboats (without motors) must have a boat registration, PFBC launch permit, or a DCNR State Parks launch permit to use PFBC lakes and access areas or Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests access areas. An unpowered boat may have either a registration or a launch permit but is not required to have both.

    Use the chart below to consider whether a registration or a launch permit is right for you. 

    Register Your Unpowered Boat Next Year
    For These Benefits:

    Benefits

    Unpowered Boat Registration
    (2 Years)

    Launch "Use" Permit
    (1-Year or 2-Year Options)

    Cost$22.00$22.00
    Renewal Reminders Sent                                                                                                    YESNO
    Recognized by Other States                                                                                               YESNO
    Increases Federal Funding for Pennyslvania Boating Programs*                              YESNO
    Contact Information for Boat Stored in the Commission's Database                       YESNO

    *Cost does not include any applicable agent/transaction fees.
    **Federal Funds allocated to Pennsylvania for boating programs are calculated with number of registered boaters.