Which Boats Require Registration?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In New Hampshire, you must have a Certificate of Registration and validation decals to operate a vessel legally on public waters. This includes motorboats of any size (including those with electric motors) and sailboats or sailboards 12 feet in length or longer. The only exceptions are:

• Sailboats and sailboards under 12 feet in length
• Other small, non-motorized vessels, such as canoes and kayaks
• Vessels registered in other states using New Hampshire waters for 30 or fewer consecutive days
• Vessels owned or operated by the U.S. government