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Register/Title a Boat in PA
Registered boats
Registering or titling a boat is similar to registering or titling a car. Both registrations and titles are issued by the PA Fish & Boat Commission.

Visit our boat registration/titling Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to find out if your boat needs to be registered or titled, this page also lists fees based on the size of the boat (question 5) and much more information.

NEW REGISTRATIONS
Validation decalOption A -- mail an application form
The 1st step is to complete an Application for PA Boat Registration/Title. Send the completed application and necessary supporting documents, with payment, to the Commission. Once processed the Commission will send a registration and/or title, along with validation decals.

Option B -- get temporary registration and stickers
Temporary decalTemporary registrations and temporary decals (T-stickers) are issued at Commission region offices and by authorized issuing agents. This allows the boat to be used while the permanent registration is being processed. The application form becomes the temporary registration and T-stickers are issued.

RENEWALS
Boat registrations are renewed on a 2-year cycle and expire on March 31 of the 2nd year. The Commission will send a renewal card to the registered owner of the boat before expiration. We offer two ways to complete renewals:

Option A -- by mail
Complete the renewal card and return with payment.

Option B -- renew online with a credit card
Visit The Outdoor Shop, the Commission's secure e-commerce site....GO!

Note -- Titles are not renewed, a title only needs to be purchased once.

UN-POWERED BOAT PERMITS
Use permit - click for illustration of where to place on your boatUnpowered boats used at Commission lakes or access areas, PA state parks or PA state forests must be:
  • properly registered, or
  • display an official and valid Commission use permit, or
  • display an official and valid watercraft launch or mooring permit issued by DCNR.

The Outdoor Shop logoPermits are available:

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Featured topics
The Outdoor Shop logo
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bulletBoating safety & education
Frequently asked questions
bulletPA boat registrations and titles
bulletFAQ index
Related topics
bulletPA Boating Handbook
bulletApplication for PA Boat Registration/Title (REV-336)
bulletIssuing agents of temporary decals
bulletUse permit agents
bulletBoat registration & titling forms
bulletAgent handbook
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bulletRegistration sales report
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