Boating in Alabama
Registration, titles, boater education and taxes, from Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Marine Patrol (registration); Alabama Dept of Revenue (titles, new since 2024) and other official sources.
| Registering agency | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Marine Patrol (registration); Alabama Dept of Revenue (titles, new since 2024) |
| Registration fees | <16 ft $20; 16-<26 $25; 26-<40 $75; 40+ $100; transfer/replacement/duplicate $5; title application $20 (+$5 agent fee) |
| Renewal | annual |
| Title | yes for vessels built after 2023-12-31 or with Alabama as state of principal use on or after 2024-01-01; under 18 ft only if 75 hp or more |
| Boater education | all operators of motorized vessels need a vessel operator license/certification (V endorsement); nonresidents need home-state certification (from 2024-10-01); minimum 12; 12-13 need licensed adult 21+ aboard; 14+ may operate alone |
| Sales/use tax | 2% state on motorboats (incl. casual sales) + county/city; cap: none found |
| Property tax | yes |
| Forms | Official forms |
Sources
Checked 2026-10-24. Rules change; confirm with the agency.
Places in Alabama
Registration, titling and documentation guide · Boater education by state