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Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Register and Title a Powered Boat

    Pennsylvania Boat Registrations are valid for up to 2 years and allow boat operations nationwide and in Canada. Boats are required to be registered in the state where they are primarily used. A valid registration card must be carried on the boat and expires on the date indicated on the decal. 

    New Powered Boat Registration
    Renew Boat Registration

    Some Registered Boats must be Titled

    Determine if your boat must be titled or if you want to voluntarily title your boat. 

    Title a Boat

    Instructions to Register a New Powered Boat

    Complete the Application for Pennsylvania Boat Registration and/or Boat Title (REV-336) and gather the required documentation.

    If the boat was never registered or titled in PA, acceptable proof of ownership includes (ONE of) the following:

    • Title or Registration from another state
    • Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) - required for all new boats
    • Also required:
      • Bill of sale or invoice with names and addresses of the seller and purchaser and the legal owner, if different from seller
      • The location, date of sale, description of the boat, and hull identification number (HIN) for boats built after 1972, or other serial number for boats built in 1972 or before

    If the boat was previously registered and/or titled acceptable proof of ownership (ONE of the below): 

    • If the boat was titled, a properly signed title is required
    • If the boat was registered only ONE of the below:
      • Registration card, signed by last registered owner
      • Bill of sale, signed by the last registered owner

    Note: A bill of sale or registration card/title, signed by the last registered owner, may be substituted for the seller's information in Section F and the seller's signature in Section J of the application. 

    Additional documentation may be required in certain circumstances. For more information, contact a Commission Office, visit an authorized issuing agent, or call 866-BoatReg (866-262-8734).

    Finding the Hull Identification Number (HIN) 

    Find the HIN on or near the transom (rear) on the upper starboard (right) side above the waterline. If the boat was manufactured before October 31, 1972, a serial number is acceptable. Homemade boats with the required documentation will be issued a HIN unless it is a Kit boat with an HIN. 

    Displaying Registration

    Make sure to appropriately place registration decals on your boat.

    Numbers and letters must:

    • Be painted or permanently attached to each side of the boat's forward half.
    • Read from left to right.
    • Be bold, block letters and numbers, at least 3 inches high, and be contrasting color to the background.
    • Be separated by a dash or space equal to the width of any letter or number except "I" or "1."

    The validation decal must be displayed within 6 inches of the number (before or following) on the same level. 

    Note: The Commission does not supply the actual letters and numbers.  Owners are responsible for purchasing and displaying the registration number. 

    graphic showing where the registration sticker and numbers are placed on a boat

    Register an Unpowered Boat

    Register an Unpowered Boat

    Register an Abandoned Boat

    Register an Abandoned Boat

    Transfer your current registration to your new Boat

    Did you know you can transfer the registration from your old boat to your new one?

    It's easy. 

    For each boat gather:

    • PA Registration Number (current one)
    • Title Number
    • Hull Identification Number (HIN)
    • Make, Model, Year, and length of boat
    Registration Transfer Application