Which Boats Require Registration?

You must have a Maine registration and validation stickers to operate your motorboat legally on public waters in Maine. The only exceptions are:

• Motorboats owned by the United States government, a state, or a state's subdivision that are used for government purposes and identified as government-owned motorboats.
• Motorboats documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
• A ship's lifeboat.
• Motorboats used exclusively for racing purposes and displaying a motorboat number from a racing association.
• Motorboats participating in a department-permitted boating event, such as a regatta, race, boat, or water-ski exhibition.

For motorboats registered in another state or country using Maine internal waters for less than 60 consecutive days, here are the requirements.

• Maine registration and validation stickers are not required.
• A valid Lake and River Protection Sticker is required.