Which Boats Require Registration?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In South Dakota, you must have a South Dakota Certificate of Number (registration card) and validation decals to operate a vessel on public waters legally. Exceptions to the registration requirement include:

• Vessels 12 feet or less in length without a motor of any kind
• Vessels properly registered in another state and using South Dakota waters for less than 60 consecutive days within one calendar year¹
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and using South Dakota waters for less than 60 consecutive days within one calendar year¹