Other Facts About Registering Your Vessel

Here are some additional facts about registering your vessel.

• A Certificate of Registration is valid for three years and expires on December 31 of the third year. Owners of vessels that have been registered previously will be sent a renewal notice prior to the expiration date.
• The owner of a registered vessel must notify the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF), Licensing and Registration Section, within 15 days if:
  • He or she changes address.
  • Ownership of the vessel changes.
  • The vessel is lost, stolen, or recovered.
  • The vessel is destroyed or abandoned.
• The Certificate of Registration is not transferable. If you purchase a boat that was registered by the previous owner, you must apply for a new registration in your name.
• If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Registration or validation stickers, you must apply to the NDGF for a replacement and pay the appropriate fee.
• Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the USCG. Call the USCG at 1-800-799-8362 for more information.
• Registration application forms can be obtained from NDGF’s website.
• Anyone buying a new boat from a dealer or from a private individual must complete the registration online.
• North Dakota does not title boats.