A Federal Regulation went into effect May 1, 1995, which requires operators of all boats to have at least one wearable life jacket or personal flotation device, for each person aboard. Under the new regulation a throwable PFD will no longer qualify as a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet. PFD requirements remain unchanged on boats 16 feet and over.

Section 59-21-31 of the Mississippi Code, prohibits the removal or alteration of awarded numbers or identification numbers affixed to vessels, boats, outboard motors, and trailers has been amended.  Additional language added to this section provides that no person may buy, sell, or possess a vessel, boat, outboard motor, or trailer on which any awarded number or identification number has been removed or altered.

Due to the increase in marine theft, a closer look is being taken at applications for boat registration when received.  Applications for boat registration with required information missing or information which appears to be incorrect, will be sent back to the applicant along with a boat inspection form to be completed by a conservation officer.  The application should then be resubmitted along with the completed boat inspection form.  All home-made boats will be inspected prior to registration.

The Alcohol Boating Safety Act makes it unlawful to operate a watercraft on the public waters of the State of Mississippi while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any other substance which has impaired the person's ability to operate a watercraft.

  • As a condition of operating a watercraft on the public waters of this state, the person operating the watercraft is deemed to have given consent to testing for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of his blood.
  • "Watercraft" is defined as any motorized vessel with a motor of twenty-five horsepower or greater used for transportation on public waters, and any personal watercraft (jet skis).
  • "Public waters" is defined as all public waters over which the State of Mississippi has jurisdiction.
  • Penalties for conviction under this law are:
    1. First conviction - Fine no less than $250.00 nor more than $1,000.00, or imprisonment in jail for not more than 24 hours or both.  Violator must complete a boating safety course.
    2. Second conviction (within a five-year period) - Fine no less than $600.00 nor more than $1,000.00; and imprisonment not less than 48 consecutive hours nor more than one year or community service work for not less than ten days nor more than one year.  Court shall order violator not to operate a watercraft for one year.
    3. Third conviction (within a five-year period) - Fine no less than $800.00 nor more than $1,000.00; and imprisonment not less than thirty days nor more than one year.  Court shall order violator not to operate a watercraft for two years.
    4. Conviction of a fourth or subsequent violation (within a five-year period) is a FELONY OFFENSE.  Fine no less than $2,000.00 nor more than $5,000.00; and imprisonment in the state penitentiary for not less than ninety days nor more than five years.  Court shall order violator not to operate a watercraft for three years.

Effective July 1, 1997, any person born after June 30, 1980 must complete a Boating Safety Course to operate a boat.  Persons under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a person 21 or older on board the boat in order to operate the boat.

For persons who wish to learn more about Mississippi Boating Basics and the legal and safe practices for boat operators, a six hour instructor taught course is available for groups.  The Mississippi Boating Basics home-study course is available for persons who are unable to attend an instructor taught course.  Most insurance companies honor these courses by offering reductions in insurance premiums on completion.

Effective July l, l998, Mississippi will offer the option for titling boats and motors.  This is not a mandatory requirement; however, a more complete record will be obtained for boat owners.  A ten dollar fee will be charged for original applications, duplicates, or transfers.

For more information related to BOATING  and Boating Safety Classes, call (601)-432-2180 or write to: BOATING ENFORCEMENT, P. O. Box 451, Jackson, MS 39205-0451.
 

Boating Registration

Mississippi law requires all sailboats and every undocumented vessel equipped with propulsion machinery, whether or not such machinery is the principal source of propulsion, using the territorial and navigable waters of the State of Mississippi to be registered and numbered for identification.  No person may operate or give permission for the operation of any boat powered by machinery unless it is registered and numbered in accordance with the law.  The owner of any vessel required to be numbered has ten (10) days from the date for acquisition to register the boat.
Online Boat Registration

Fees for the award of certificates of number for original, transfer, renewals, livery, dealer and duplicate shall be as follows:

  • Less than 16 feet $10.20
  • 16 feet but less than 26 feet  $25.20
  • 26 feet but less than 40 feet $47.70
  • 40 feet and over $47.70
  • Dealer Number $40.20
  • Duplicate $7.70

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register my boat?

For all motorized boats, you have the option to register your boat online (Click Here) or complete the boat registration application, attach any necessary documents, sign and mail the paperwork to MDWFP Headquarters (MDWFP Boat Registration, 1505 Eastover Dr. Jackson, MS 39211). Acceptable payment methods are check, cashier’s check, money order, and cash if mail your boat registration into the MDWFP Headquarters location. You can get a Boat Registration Application form from:

  • Any local tax collector’s office
  • Most places where boats are sold or serviced
  • MDWFP Regional Office
  • MDWFP Headquarters in Jackson
  • Online 

If you purchased your boat new / used from dealer, you must:

  • Provide a copy of the sales invoice
  • If the boat was purchased at an out of state dealer, proof of payment of Mississippi sales tax must be included. (Mississippi sales tax can be paid at your local tax collector’s office)

If you purchased your boat from an individual who previously registered/titled the boat in Mississippi, you must:

  • Submit proof of previous registration
  • Submit the original boat/motor title(s) (if the boat was titled in the previous owner’s name)
  • Submit a witnessed or notarized bill of sale

If you purchased your boat from an individual who previously registered/titled the boat in another state, you must:

  • Submit proof of previous registration
  • Submit a copy of the boat title (if the boat was titled in the previous owner’s name)
  • Submit a witnessed or notarized bill of sale

**The boat registration application requires a Hull Identification Number

This number should contain 12-digits if the boat was manufactured after November, 1972. Boat manufactured prior to 1972 will have a serial number. If your boat does not have a 12 digit Hull Identification Number or an incorrect Hull Identification Number, your boat must be inspected by an MDWFP officer. You must complete a MDWFP Boat Inspection Form (Click Here) and reach out to a Regional Office nearest you or the Jackson Office.

  • North Regional Office, Location: 457 CR 36 Enid, MS 38927 (Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 Enid, MS 38927 (662-563-6222)
  • Central Regional Office, Turcotte Lab, 506 Hwy 43 S, Canton, MS 39046, (601-859-3421)
  • South Regional Office, 1201 N. Clark Ave. Magnolia, MS 39652, (601-783-2911)
  • MDWFP Headquarters, 1505 Eastover Dr. Jackson, MS 39211, (601-432-2055)

Once we receive and process your boat registration application, required documents, and payment, we will issue you a boat registration card, which states the registration number assigned to your boat, and two decals. The emblem should be displayed within six (6) inches of the number. Registration numbers issued by MDWFP are the boat’s permanent identification. The same registration number will be used as identification if the boat is transferred to a new owner. You must keep your boat registration card onboard of the vessel when in operation.

How do I renew my boat registration?

Once a boat is registered, a notice to renew your boat registration will be mailed to the boat’s owner by MDWFP 60 days before the expiration date. For convenience and faster service, you may renew your boat registration:

  • Wherever hunting and fishing license are sold
  • By calling 1-800-5GO-HUNT (1-800-546-4868); which is available 24 hours a day
  • Online (Click Here)
  • Mail: MDWFP Boat Registration, 1505 Eastover Dr. Jackson, MS 39211

You should notify MDWFP Boat Registration of any address changes.

How do I get a duplicate boat registration card?

If your boat registration is current and your boat registration card or boat decals are lost, stolen, or you simply need an additional card, you may purchase a duplicate:

  • A location where hunting and fishing license are sold.
  • By calling 1-800-5GO-HUNT (1-800-546-4868); which is available 24 hours a day
  • Online (Click Here)
  • MDWFP Headquarters

You should notify MDWFP Boat Registration of any address changes.

How long is my boat registration good for?

Boat Registrations valid for three consecutive years, beginning the day the boat is registered. The expiration date is printed on your boat registration card. You have 60 days prior to the boat expiration date to renew your boat registration. You may receive a shorter length of time your boat registration is valid if your boat registration is not renewed on time, when the boat expires.

How do I get a boat and/or motor title?

Boat and motor titling is available in Mississippi. The boat must be registered before being titled. You must complete a boat and/or motor title application, sign, and have the application(s) notarized. You can obtain a boat and/or motor title at the MDWFP Headquarters ONLY. Mail the title application(s) to MDWFP Headquarters (MDWFP Title Department, 1505 Eastover Dr. Jackson, MS 39211). Acceptable payment methods are check, cashier’s check, money order, and cash if mailing your title application(s) into the MDWFP Headquarters location. You can get a boat and/or motor title application form from: 

  1. MDWFP Regional Office
  2. MDWFP Headquarters in Jackson
  3. Online (Click Here)
How do I get a duplicate boat and/or motor title?

If requesting a duplicate boat and/or motor title, you must furnish information concerning the original title and the circumstances of its loss, theft, mutilation or destruction. You must complete a boat and/or motor title application, sign, have the application notarized, and attach your statement as to why a duplicate is needed. You can obtain and duplicate boat and/or motor title at the MDWFP Headquarters ONLY.

  • MDWFP Title Department, 1505 Eastover Dr. Jackson, MS 39211

You can get a boat and/or motor title application from: 

  1. MDWFP Regional Office
  2. MDWFP Headquarters in Jackson
  3. Online (Click Here)
Where do I get my trailer titled?

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks do not title boat trailers. Your boat trailer can be titled at your local county tax collector’s office.

How much does a boat registration, renewal and/or duplicate card?

Registration fees are based on the length of your boat. Fees for original boat registration, transfer of ownership, renewal, livery, dealer, duplicate boat registration and inspection are:

LengthFee
Less than 16 feet$10.20
16 feet - 25 feet, 11 inches$25.20
26 feet - 39 feet, 11 inches$47.70
40 feet - over$47.70
Dealer Number$40.20
Duplicate$7.70
Inspection$12.70

To register, transfer, or get a duplicate of your current boat registration (click here).

To renew your boat registration (click here).

What is my boat registration number?

During the processing of your boat registration at MDWFP Headquarters, your boat will be assign a number to be displayed on your boat. This number consist of both alphabetical and numerical numbers (Ex: MI-1234-AB). This number will be on the boat registration card that is mailed to the owner of the boat. When MDWFP issues a registration number, that number is permanently assigned to that boat and remains as identification. The same registration number will be used as identification if the boat is transferred to a new owner. You must keep your boat registration card onboard of the vessel when in operation.

Understanding my registration number?

Your registration number shall be painted on or attached to each side of the bow of the vessel for which it was issued. The numbers shall be placed on each side pf the forward half of the vessel in such position as to provide clear legibility for identification. The numbers shall read from left to right and shall be in block characters of good proportion, not less than three inches (3”) in height. The numbers shall be of a color which will contrast with the color of the background and so maintained as to be clearly visible and legible, i.e., dark numbers on a light background, or light numbers on a dark background. No other numbers shall be carried on the bow of such vessel. The decals should be displayed within six (6”) inches of the numbers.

What is the proper display of my registration number

Your registration number consists of three parts:

  1. Symbol “MI,” which designates Mississippi
  2. Numerical group, having a maximum of four digits
  3. Alphabetical group, having a maximum of two letters.

Each part shall be separated by hyphens or equivalent.

What do I do if I sell my boat?

When you sell your boat, you are required to inform MDWFP Headquarters by:

  • Calling the Boat Registration Department (601-432-2055)
  • Going to MDWFP website and submitting the updated information (Click Here)
    • Select Division: License/Boating Registration
    • Enter your email address
    • Provided the owner and boat information informing the department of the sale of the boat.

You must provide the new owner a copy of the current registration. The new owner must complete a boat registration application and provided the appropriate documents to transfer the registration. The original numbers issued to that boat will be transferred to the new owner.

What do I do if my boat was lost, stolen, or abandoned?

If a numbered boat is stolen, lost, or abandoned, the owner should first report it to the local authorities having jurisdiction. Then it should be reported to Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks by contacting 601-432-2400.