How to Register a Boat in Mississippi: Registration Guide

Owning a boat brings countless opportunities to explore rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, but before heading out, you must handle the legal process of boat registration. Understanding how to register a boat in Mississippi is crucial for compliance and for enjoying smooth boating experiences. This guide explains the process in detail, including fees, paperwork, and where to apply.

Why Boat Registration Matters in Mississippi

Registering a boat ensures compliance with state laws, helps identify vessels, and supports boating safety initiatives. In the state of Mississippi, every vessel powered by a motor must be properly registered and numbered. Without a valid registration number, you cannot legally operate on public waters.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) oversees this process. Through its Jackson headquarters and regional offices, the department of wildlife ensures that all vessels are documented. This allows law enforcement and the tax collector’s offices to track ownership, enforce safety regulations, and verify fees.

Step 1: Determine If You Need Boat Registration

Not all vessels require boat registration. Paddle-powered craft such as canoes or kayaks typically do not. However, if your vessel has a motor, even a small trolling engine, you must register it. Boats are sold and transferred daily across the state, so knowing the rules prevents confusion.

You must also complete boat registration when:

Purchasing a new vessel from a dealer.
Buying a used boat from a private person.
Transferring ownership after a sale.
Moving a registered boat into Mississippi from another state.

Failure to comply within 10 days of the date of purchase may result in penalties.

Step 2: Collect the Required Documents

Before visiting the Mississippi Department or your local county tax collector, gather the necessary paperwork. The documents required may vary based on whether the vessel is new or used.

For a new boat:

Manufacturer’s statement of origin.
Bill of sale showing the date of purchase.
Proof of taxes paid, often verified by the county tax collector.

For a used vessel:

Title or current registration card from the seller.
Bill of sale signed by the buyer and seller.
Proof that the vessel has been registered and numbered previously.

If the boat was sold or serviced by a dealer, they may provide additional documentation.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can complete the application in one of two ways:

In person at a local county tax collector’s office.
This option is common for residents who want immediate processing. The tax collector will verify the paperwork and issue a temporary certificate.
By mail or online through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
The MDWFP allows vessel owners to apply by mailing completed forms to Jackson or by submitting an application through the MDWFP online portal.

When applying, you must include the registration fee, supporting documents, and the completed application form.

Step 4: Receive Your Registration Number and Decals

Once processed, you will be issued a unique registration number. This number must be displayed on each side of the vessel’s bow.

Guidelines for displaying the registration number include:

Numbers must be block-style, at least three inches tall.
The color must contrast with the background.
Spaces or hyphens should separate the letter and number groups.

You will also receive decals showing the expiration year. These decals must be placed within six inches of the registration number. Without them, the vessel is not legally recognized as registered.

Fees for Boat Registration in Mississippi

Fees are determined by the vessel’s length:

Less than 16 feet: $10.20
16 feet to 26 feet: $25.20
26 feet to 40 feet: $47.70
More than 40 feet: $47.70

Additional processing or county tax fees may apply. Renewal fees are typically the same as new applications.

Renewal Process for Boat Registration

Boat registration is valid for three years. To remain compliant, you must renew before the expiration date. The Mississippi Department mails reminders, but vessel owners are responsible for ensuring timely renewals.

Renewals may be completed:

At a county tax collector’s office.
Online through the MDWFP system.
By mailing payment and renewal notice to Jackson.

Operating with an expired registration number is prohibited.

Registration Numbers and Documentation

A proper registration number is the foundation of legal vessel ownership. The Mississippi Department emphasizes that every registered and numbered vessel must display its digits clearly.

Keep the certificate of boat registration on board at all times. Officers may request it during inspections, and failure to present proof may result in penalties.

Registration numbers serve more than identification. They also support safety, allowing authorities to locate boats during emergencies. Having correct registration numbers ensures rescue efforts are more efficient.

Transferring Ownership of a Registered Boat

When selling or buying a vessel, ownership transfer requires action. Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale, which includes the name, make, length, and registration number of the boat.

The new owner must file for a new certificate of registration within 10 days. If the buyer fails to do so, the boat in Mississippi may be considered improperly registered.

Dealers handling boats are sold or serviced often submit these forms for their customers. However, private transactions require careful attention to avoid delays.

Special Cases and Exceptions

Out-of-State Vessels

If you bring a vessel from another state, you must register it with the Mississippi Department within six months. During that time, you may legally operate under the previous state’s registration numbers.

Commercial Vessels

Commercial operators must meet additional requirements, including inspections and licensing. Contact the department of wildlife for details.

Boating Safety Considerations

Boat registration is more than paperwork. It ties into boating safety by helping the department enforce laws, track vessels, and ensure accountability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to renew before the expiration date.
Incorrectly displaying registration numbers.
Not notifying the Mississippi Department when a vessel is transferred.
Operating without carrying the certificate of boat registration on board.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures you can legally operate and avoid costly fines.

Conclusion

Knowing how to register a boat in Mississippi is essential for every vessel owner. From submitting the application to properly displaying registration numbers, each step ensures compliance with state laws. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks works closely with county tax collectors to make the process straightforward.

Whether your vessel is new, transferred, or brought in from another state, proper boat registration keeps you in good standing with regulations. By completing these steps, you can legally operate, focus on boating safety, and enjoy the waterways of the state of Mississippi.

How to Register a Boat in Mississippi: Step-by-Step Registration Guide