Last verified: May 25, 2026
Any motorized or sail-powered vessel operated on Arkansas public waters must be registered through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). This guide covers the full process.
Who Must Register
Arkansas law requires registration for any boat propelled by a motor (including trolling motors) or sail when operated on public waters. That includes bass boats, pontoons, personal watercraft, and sailboats of any size.
Your vessel is exempt if it:
- Has no motor or sail (canoes, kayaks, rowboats under paddle power only)
- Is registered in another state and will be in Arkansas for 90 or fewer consecutive days
- Is documented by the U.S. Coast Guard
Registration Deadline
You must apply for registration within 30 days of the date of purchase.
What You Need to Register
Bring the following to a state revenue office:
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) verification: a legible pencil rubbing or printed photograph of the HIN on the vessel (required since January 1, 2017)
- Proof of ownership: bill of sale from the last registered owner, or a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) if the boat is new
- County assessor documentation: proof that the boat has been assessed for the current tax year
- Personal property tax receipt: proof that taxes due by October 10 have been paid
- Liability insurance (if applicable): required for all personal watercraft and motorboats exceeding 50 horsepower, with at least $50,000 of liability coverage per occurrence from an Arkansas-authorized insurer
Registration Fees
Arkansas boat registration is valid for 3 years. Fees are based on vessel length:
| Vessel Length | 3-Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Less than 16 feet | $7.50 |
| 16 to less than 26 feet | $15.00 |
| 26 to less than 40 feet | $51.00 |
| 40 feet and over | $105.00 |
A replacement registration costs $1.00.
How to Display Your Registration Number
Once registered, you must display your AR number on the vessel:
- Painted, decaled, or otherwise permanently affixed to the forward half of each side of the hull
- At least 3 inches tall in bold block letters
- Color must contrast with the hull background
- Reads left to right on both sides
- Formatted with spaces or hyphens between sections (for example: AR 3717 ZW or AR-3717-ZW)
- Validation decals placed 3 inches aft of and in line with the number
- No other numbers may appear on either side of the bow
You must also keep your certificate of number on board and available for inspection whenever the boat is in operation.
How to Renew
Renewals can be completed by mail or at any state revenue office. You will need:
- Your renewal notice or current registration certificate
- Current year county assessor assessment
- Proof of personal property tax payment
- Liability insurance documentation (if applicable)
Fees are the same as initial registration. If renewing by mail, send your documents to:
Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle P.O. Box 3153, Little Rock, AR 72203-3153
Submit materials no later than 15 days before your expiration date.
Sales Tax
Arkansas does not collect sales tax on casual sales (individual to individual) for boats. Sales tax on dealer purchases is collected at the state revenue office.
Questions?
For additional help, call the DFA Motor Vehicle office at (501) 682-4692.
BoatForms helps Arkansas boat owners complete their registration paperwork accurately before submitting to the DFA.