Delaware law requires the registration of all motorboats, including those powered by electric motors, if Delaware is its state of principal use. All motorboats launched from tidal access areas administered by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife must be registered in Delaware or have a valid Tidal Access Boat Ramp Certificate.

Register Your Boat

There are several ways to register your boat or purchase a Tidal Access Boat Ramp Certificate.

Fill out and return a boat registration application.

Register in person at one of these Delaware boat registration agents.

Keep Your Boat Registration Up to Date

Renew your existing boat registration, change your address, or get duplicate registration cards and decals online.

Please note: Those who have completed their boating registration renewal online may boat and use their printed online receipt as proof of registration until they receive their updated registration sticker in the mail.

Boat Ramp Certificates

Purchase a boat ramp certificate online or in person from one of these Delaware boat registration agents.

Print, complete and mail-in a boat ramp certificate application.

Why Registration is Important

Registration numbers provide identification for the return of stolen or found boats. Registration also helps locating persons involved in boating accidents, identifying vessels requesting assistance, and helps identify vessels violating the law. Registration fees are used to fund resource protection, educational programs, access areas and their maintenance, and fund safety patrols.

When a vessel is in use, the vessel’s registration card must be on board. Boaters stopped by Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police who do not have a valid registration card on board may be issued a ticket. It is the responsibility of the vessel’s operator (not the owner) to be sure the vessel is registered, has all required safety equipment, and that it is being operated in a safe manner.

More Information

A vessel must be registered in its “State of Principal Use.”  That is the state on whose waters the vessel is used or to be used most during a calendar year. Delaware regulations state that if the vessel is to be used, docked, or stowed on the waters of this State for over 60 consecutive days, Delaware is its “State of Principal Use.”

If the boat is titled in another state the original title must be submitted and will be kept. If the boat comes from a registering state then the registration is required with a notarized bill of sale. If the boat is new, the manufacturer’s original certificate of origin (MCO) must be submitted. All paperwork must include the vessel hull identification number. If the boat is currently registered in Delaware, the old registration card is required with a notarized Bill of Sale including a description of the boat. A notarized bill of sale is not needed if both buyer and seller appear in person with picture IDs.

Homemade boats must be registered at the Dover Office (initial registration only). Copies of invoices for materials, builder’s notarized statement with description and a picture of the vessel, and witness notarized statement regarding builder and description of vessel must be provided.

In cases involving a deceased owner, registrants will need a copy of the Death Certificate, short form of the will stating the administrator, and if sold, a notarized bill of sale from the estate.

Related Topics:  boat, boating, fish and wildlife, outdoors and recreation, permitting and regulation, registration