How To Register Inflatable Boat

man paddling an inflatable boat on a lake on a cloudy day — Could this inflatable boat need registering? Information technology'southward possible.

To me, the idea of registering my inflatable angling gunkhole initially seemed a fleck silly. I mean, it easily fits into the trunk of my car and was pretty cheap, to brainstorm with. Would I need a registration?

So, do you take to register an inflatable boat or kayak? It varies state past state, only some states require registrations for inflatable boats, even those non propelled by mechanically-powered trolling motors. Your state'south DMV will likely handle questions on registrations, merely the DNR may have additional requirements when navigating state-endemic waters.\

Determining whether or not you need to register your inflatable boat or kayak with your state can be a complicated thing. Each state may accept different rules and requirements, and various aspects of your inflatable gunkhole may exist of import.

How can I tell if I need to register my inflatable boat or kayak?

Before we brainstorm to discuss the state-specific rules for inflatable boat or kayak registration, it'due south important to understand how most states determine whether your inflatable needs a registration. Earlier going any further, know the following pieces of information:

The length of your inflatable boat or kayak
Whether y'all utilise mechanical propellers (including electric trolling moors)
If you lot plan on using your inflatable boat or kayak on DNR owned lands

Obviously, information technology varies land-by-state, but this data will normally be enough for you to make up one's mind whether y'all need to register your inflatable kayak or gunkhole. Nigh states consider inflatable boats exempt to boat registration rules if they do not use mechanical propellers such as electrical trolling motors.

inflatable boat with two inflatable seats on a boat landing of a lake — Annotation that this inflatable boat is equipped for mounting a trolling motor to the stern. If I had a trolling motor mounted it may well change the legal status of this inflatable boat.

One caveat to be aware of is that even though the DMV of a state may not require the registration of an inflatable gunkhole, it'southward nevertheless possible that the DNR may require registration when the inflatable gunkhole is used on state-owned lands such as country parks. So always exist sure to check that the waters yous bring your inflatable boat to don't have site-specific regulations that may require y'all to register your inflatable boat.

Which states crave registration of inflatable boats non mechanically propelled?

Here's a list of states that currently require the registration of inflatable kayaks or boats:

Washington, DC

Residents of the capital city aren't in luck, every bit Washington DC requires the registration of all vessels of any length, whether or not they are manually powered or mechanically propelled. The vast bulk of inflatable boats and kayaks will probably be registered at in that location lowest tier; as the gunkhole length, brackets begin at 16 ft long and above. You tin check out more information nearly registering a boat in Washington DC by using this link.

Massachusetts

In the country of Massachusetts inflatable boats that do not utilize mechanical means of propulsion aren't required to officially register. However, any inflatable boat that uses an electric trolling motor is going to be required to register every bit all boats powered past motors that operate on public waterways in the state of Massachusetts demand registration.

Ohio

Sorry, Buckeye state residents. At that place are very few exemptions to the inflatable boat regulations in the state of Ohio. As of 2018, Ohio only doesn't crave the registration of paddleboards, kiteboards, and abdomen boats. Everything else will require registration and the cost of that registration may vary based on the boat length or the propelling machinery.

Minnesota

If yous have an inflatable gunkhole that uses any kind of motorized propeller, information technology will demand registration in the state of Minnesota. The only time your inflatable boat or kayak will not require registration in Minnesota is if it never uses mechanical propellers and it is nether 10 ft in length. Everything else will need to exist registered in Minnesota.

Delaware

For the residents of Delaware, all inflatable boats or kayaks will need to be registered with the country. Unlike some other states, Delaware doesn't offering an exemption for manually propelled boats. Their class has specific sections for boats with vinyl or rubber hull material and inflatable vessels, and then in that location'south no getting out of this one.

Iowa

If you plan on using a trolling motor on your inflatable boat or kayak in Iowa, yous'll need to register information technology with the state. Regarding inflatable boats and kayaks that won't use motors, Iowa actually splits out the registration exemptions by inflatable boats and inflatable kayaks. For inflatable kayaks, you lot'll only demand to register with the state of Iowa if it is greater than 13 anxiety in length. For inflatable boats, any gunkhole that is longer than 7 feet long will need to be registered. This means that almost inflatable boats are likely going to crave registration in Iowa, every bit most are longer than 7 feet.

States with recently changed laws regarding inflatable boats

Illinois

It'south important to notation that Illinois used to crave the registration of all inflatable boats, but that is no longer the example. Equally of June 1st, 2018, the country of Illinois no longer requires non-powered watercraft to exist registered with the DMV. This change came about from the Boat Registration and Prophylactic Deed, which aimed to simplify the Illinois boat registration laws. Notation that whatsoever inflatable kayaks or boats that plan on using electric motors will still require registration with the state.

How to annals an inflatable boat or kayak

Alright, then now that we've gone through the states that may require an inflatable boat or kayak to be registered, how would you annals it? Like everything else, this is going to be dependent on which state you lot live in, only it volition most always be run through the DMV for your state. You'll likely need to know the following things about your inflatable boat or kayak:

The vessel length
Proof of buy (if new)
Brand and model of boat
Blazon of motor used (manually powered vs. electric trolling motor)

Nigh states will let you to submit the information either electronically or through the mail, but it's possible that y'all might have to visit the DMV to complete the registration of your inflatable boat or kayak. Information technology varies from state to state, but some states will allow for boat registrations for up to 3 years in length, so at least y'all'll save some paperwork with that.

picture of an inflatable boat and an inflatable kayak on a boat landing for a lake — Either of these inflatable watercraft may require registration with your state.

The registration fees usually aren't too expensive although that is definitely a matter of stance. I remember it would exist understandable to be a piddling annoyed at paying $20 a year to register an inflatable boat that might take cost but $150 new, tops.

Contact the DMV or DNR when in doubt

If you have any questions or uncertainties nigh whether you will need to annals your inflatable boat or kayak, information technology would be a great thought to contact your DMV regardless. They'll know more about the regulations and will be able to walk you through the entire process.

view from a distance of a small public lake in illinois — Always know who manages the lake yous're on. This small lake is managed by my county, so I would need to know their rules earlier considering annihilation.

If you conceptualize that y'all'll be boating on country lands such equally land parks or state-managed fish and game lands, it would be very beneficial for you to understand how your local DNR views inflatable boats and kayaks. Information technology'south possible that you might need to register information technology if yous plan on kayaking or fishing those waters.

Note: The above is a summary of country laws and may or may not be the most electric current or up to date source on the matter. Always cheque with your local authorities to ensure your compliance with all laws and regulations. This mail should non exist taken every bit legal advice.