Title or Register Your Boat

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
• If you purchased your boat used and do not have a complete chain of ownership from the last registered owner of the boat, you may be required to obtain a court order to register your boat. Please call 225.765.2898 for more information.
• Affidavit/Court Order
• If you purchased your boat from an individual who previously registered/titled the boat in another state, you must submit:
• Title and registration 
• Bill of Sale of Boat/Motor
• If you acquired your boat from a dealer in another state and it was previously titled or registered, you must submit:
• 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
• If you’re registering your out-of-state boat for the first time in Louisiana, you may be required to submit a completed Tax Payment Certification Form (R-1331) from the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Call 225.765.2898 for more information.
• If your boat does not have a Hull Identification Number (homemade boats) or has an incorrect Hull Identification Number and you’re applying for registration for the first time, your boat must be inspected by LDWF and must be titled in addition to being registered. You must submit an Application for a Boat Inspection along with your completed registration application and provide receipts for building materials indicating taxes paid (for homemade boats) at the time of inspection. LDWF will send you a letter with information to call and make an appointment for your inspection. 
• You must register all U.S. Coast Guard documented boats used recreationally in Louisiana waters. Your application must include a completed original Tax Payment Certification Form (R-1331) from the Louisiana Department of Revenue and a copy of your U.S. Coast Guard documentation (in the applicant’s name).

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.

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.

Apply:

• 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.

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.