Boat Registration & Renewal

For all motorized boats, you must complete a boat registration application, attach any necessary documents, sign and mail the paperwork to MDWFP Headquarters (MDWFP Boat Registration, 1505 Eastover Dr. Jackson, MS 39211). Acceptable payment methods are check, cashier’s check, money order when mailed. You can pick up a Boat Registration Application form from:

• Any local tax collector’s office
• Most places where boats are sold or serviced
• Any MDWFP Regional Office
• MDWFP Headquarters in Jackson
• To download and print, click here. 

If you purchased your boat new / used from dealer, you must:

• Provide a copy of the sales invoice
• If the boat was purchased at an out of state dealer, provide proof of payment of Mississippi sales tax. (Mississippi sales tax can be paid at your local tax collector’s office)

If you purchased your boat from an individual who previously registered/titled the boat in Mississippi, you must:

• Submit proof of previous registration
• Submit the original boat/motor title(s) 
• Submit a witnessed or notarized bill of sale

If you purchased your boat from an individual who previously registered/titled the boat in another state, you must:

• Submit proof of previous registration
• Submit a copy of the boat title (if the boat was titled in the previous owner’s name)
• Submit a witnessed or notarized bill of sale

**The boat registration application requires a Hull Identification Number

This number should contain 12-digits if the boat was manufactured after November, 1972. Boat manufactured prior to 1972 will have a serial number. If your boat does not have a 12 digit Hull Identification Number or an incorrect Hull Identification Number, your boat must be inspected by an MDWFP officer. You must complete a MDWFP Boat Inspection Form (Click Here) and reach out to a Regional Office nearest you or the Jackson Office.

• North Region Enid Office, Location: 457 CR 36 Enid, MS 38927 (Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 Enid, MS 38927 (662-563-6222)
• North Region Tupelo Office, Location: 242 County Road 995, Tupelo, MS 38804, (662-840-5172)
• Central Regional Office, Turcotte Lab, 506 Hwy 43 S, Canton, MS 39046, (601-859-3421)
• South Regional Office, 1201 N. Clark Ave. Magnolia, MS 39652, (601-783-2911)
• MDWFP Headquarters, 1505 Eastover Dr. Jackson, MS 39211, (601-432-2055)

Once we receive and process your boat registration application, required documents, and payment, you will be issued a boat registration card, which states the registration number assigned to your boat, and two decals. The decals should be displayed within six (6) inches of the registration number. Registration numbers issued by MDWFP are the boat’s permanent identification. The same registration number will be used as identification if the boat is transferred to a new owner. You must keep your boat registration card onboard of the vessel when in operation.

Once a boat is registered, a notice to renew your boat registration will be mailed to the boat’s owner by MDWFP 60 days before the expiration date. For convenience and faster service, you may renew your boat registration:

• In-Person: wherever hunting and fishing license are sold
• By Phone: 1-800-5GO-HUNT
• By Mail: MDWFP Boat Registration, 1505 Eastover Dr. Jackson, MS 39211
• Can download application from "Additional Resources" above. 

You should notify MDWFP's Boat Registration Office of any address changes.

If your boat registration is current and your boat registration card or boat decals are lost, stolen, or you simply need an additional card, you may purchase a duplicate:

• By Phone: 1-800-5GO-HUNT
• By Mail: MDWFP Boat Registration, 1505 Eastover Dr. Jackson, MS 39211

You should notify MDWFP Boat Registration of any address changes.

Boat Registrations are valid for three consecutive years, beginning the day the boat is registered. The expiration date is printed on your boat registration card. You have 60 days prior to the boat expiration date to renew your boat registration. 

If you have recently purchased a vessel, you have 10 days from the date of purchase to complete the registration process under the new owner's name.

Boat and motor titling is OPTIONAL in Mississippi. The boat must be registered before being titled. You must complete a boat and/or motor title application, sign, and have the application(s) notarized. Title applications are only processed at the MDWFP Headquarters. You can complete this process via mail or in person. Mail the title application(s) to MDWFP Headquarters (MDWFP Title Department, 1505 Eastover Dr. Jackson, MS 39211). Acceptable payment methods are check, cashier’s check, money order, and cash when mailing your title application(s). 

You can pick up a boat and/or motor title application form from: 

1. All MDWFP Regional Offices
2. MDWFP Headquarters in Jackson
3. Online

If requesting a duplicate boat and/or motor title, you must furnish information concerning the original title and the circumstances of its loss, theft, mutilation or destruction. You must complete a boat and/or motor title application, sign, have the application notarized, and attach your statement as to why a duplicate is needed. You can obtain and duplicate boat and/or motor title at the MDWFP Headquarters ONLY.

• MDWFP Title Department, 1505 Eastover Dr. Jackson, MS 39211

You can get a boat and/or motor title application from: 

1. All MDWFP Regional Offices
2. MDWFP Headquarters in Jackson
3. Online

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks does not title boat trailers. Your boat trailer can be titled at your local county tax collector’s office.

During the processing of your boat registration at MDWFP Headquarters, your boat will be assigned a number to be displayed on your boat. This number consist of both alphabetical and numerical numbers (Ex: MI-1234-AB). This number will be on the boat registration card that is mailed to the owner of the boat. When MDWFP issues a registration number, the number is permanently assigned to that boat and remains as identification. The same registration number will be used as identification if the boat is transferred to a new owner. You must keep your boat registration card onboard of the vessel when in operation.

Your registration number consists of three parts:

1. Symbol “MI,” which designates Mississippi
2. Numerical group, having a maximum of four digits
3. Alphabetical group, having a maximum of two letters.

Each part shall be separated by hyphens or equivalent spaces.

Your registration number shall be painted on or attached to each side of the bow of the corresponding vessel. The numbers shall be placed on each side of the forward half of the vessel in such position as to provide clear legibility for identification. The numbers shall read from left to right and shall be in block characters of good proportion, not less than three inches (3”) in height. The numbers shall be of a color which will contrast with the color of the background and so maintained as to be clearly visible and legible, i.e., dark numbers on a light background, or light numbers on a dark background. No other numbers shall be carried on the bow of such vessel. The decals should be displayed within six (6”) inches of the numbers.

When you sell your boat, you are required to inform MDWFP Headquarters by calling the Boat Registration Office at 601-432-2055.

You must provide the new owner a copy of the current registration. The new owner must complete a boat registration application and provide the appropriate documents to transfer the registration. The original registration numbers issued to that boat will be transferred to the new owner.

If a registered boat is stolen, lost, or abandoned, the owner should first report it to the local authorities having jurisdiction. Then it should be reported to Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks' Boat Registration Office by contacting 601-432-2055.

If you have misplaced or lost your boater education card, you can conveniently purchase a duplicate card and download your temporary card online. The fee for a duplicate card is $3.00.

Learn more by clicking here.