Which Boats Require Registration?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Louisiana, you must have a Certificate of Number (registration) and validation decals to operate a motorboat or sailboat legally on public waters. The only exceptions are:

• A sailboat 12 feet or less in length
• A sailboard
• A motorboat/sailboat documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), unless it is a recreational-use vessel
• A motorboat/sailboat with valid registration in another state or country and on the waters of Louisiana for 90 or fewer consecutive days