Follow these steps to ensure that you’re legally registered to operate a boat in North Carolina. 

Boating is simply a part of life in North Carolina, from the waves of the Outer Banks to the glittering surfaces of the Tar Heel State’s lakes. With over 5,000 miles of waterways, there’s barely a day in North Carolina that you won’t want to spend on the water. When it comes to setting out on your boat, canoe or jet ski, there’s tons of fun to be had… as long as you’re legally set to do so.

In North Carolina, there are strict regulations around boat registration and titling, so we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the Tar Heel State’s requirements with the BOATsmart! guide to all things registration and titling. Happy boating!

How Do I Know If My Boat Needs to Be Registered? 

In North Carolina, boaters are required to register any motorized vessel with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The following boats must be registered:

  • Any motorized vessel, including jet skis
  • Any vessels documented by the US Coast Guard that remain in North Carolina for over 90 consecutive days
  • Any sailboat longer than 14 feet at the load waterline
  • Any vessel registered in another state that remains in North Carolina for over 90 consecutive days
  • Any vessel already titled

What Boats Are Exempt From Boat Registration in North Carolina?

The following boats are exempt from registration in North Carolina:

  • Vessels that are unused and kept on dry land
  • Boats only moved by the current or by oars (rowboats, canoes, kayaks, rafts)
  • Vessels only used on a private pond
  • Non-motorized lifeboats and dinghies used for emergency purposes
  • Vessels currently registered in another state and belonging to active duty military stationed in North Carolina

How Do I Know If My Boat Needs to Be Titled? 

The following boats need to be titled in North Carolina:

  • Any motorized vessel, jet ski or sailboat over 14 feet long must be titled
  • Any vessel with an active lien

How Do I Register My Boat in the State of North Carolina?

In the State of North Carolina, you can register your boat by mail or in person at a Local Wildlife Agent. You’ll need:

  • Completed VL-1 form
  • Proof of ownership (a notarized, original Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin or a bill of sale)
  • The correct fee

How Do I Title My Boat in the State of North Carolina?

To title your boat in North Carolina, you’ll go through the same process as registering your boat. You can title your boat in person or by mail, and you’ll need:

If you are obtaining a replacement title, you’ll need to fill out the Vessel Title Request Form.

How Much Does Boat Registration and Titling Cost in the State of North Carolina?

The cost of registering and titling your boat in North Carolina depends on your term of registration. You can choose between a one or three year registration term, and the fees are as follows:

1-Year Fee3-Year Fee
Registration for a vessel less than 26 ft in length with title.
Titling is required for vessels 14 ft or longer, personal watercraft (i.e. jet ski), or vessels that have a lien. The $30 titling fee is included in the price shown.		$70*$130*
Registration for a vessel 26 ft or greater in length with title.
Titling is required for vessels 14 ft or longer or vessels that have a lien. The $30 titling fee is included in the price shown.		$90*$190*
Registration for a vessel less than 14 ft in length without title.
Titling is NOT required for vessels less than 14 ft, excluding personal watercraft (i.e. jet ski).		$35*$95*
Registration for a U.S. Coast Guard documented vessel less than 26 ft in length without title.
Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard may not be titled. Application must be accompanied by a copy of the Certificate of Documentation.		$35*$95*
Registration for a U.S. Coast Guard documented vessel 26 ft or greater in length without title.
Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard may not be titled. Application must be accompanied by a copy of the Certificate of Documentation.		$55*$155*
Dealer Registration (complete sections 1, 5, and sign reverse side).
Titling is not an option. Dealer registrations are the same fee regardless of vessel length and are to be used for vessel demonstration purposes only. Must be processed at NCWRC Headquarters by mail or in person.		$55*$155*
Permanent Registration (for government entities only).
Titling is not an option. Volunteer emergency services may apply for a permanent registration for a vessel that is primarily used for search and rescue. Must be processed at NCWRC Headquarters by mail or in person.		No chargeNo charge

*Price includes administrative surcharge as mandated by NCGS 75A-5.2(c).

How Do I Transfer Boat Ownership to My New Boat?

To transfer, register and title your new boat in North Carolina, it all depends on your method of purchase. If you purchased your boat from an individual, you’ll need:

  • Completed VL-1 form
  • The original North Carolina title properly assigned and notarized with the seller’s name (if purchasing an out of state boat, ensure that the original out of state title is filled out appropriately)
  • The appropriate fee

If you’re purchasing a non-titled boat from an individual, you’ll need:

  • Completed VL-1 form
  • Notarized bill of sale (if you’re purchasing from out of state, you’ll need a copy of the out-of-state registration card)
  • The appropriate fee

If you’re purchasing a boat (titled or non-titled) from a dealership, you’ll need:

  • Completed VL-1 form
  • Dealer’s bill of sale
  • Original North Carolina title (or original out-of-state title/registration card)
  • The appropriate fee

Will I Need to Take a Boater Safety Education Course?

In North Carolina, every boater born on or after January 1, 1988, is required to complete a boater safety education course and obtain a boating safety ID card. With BOATsmart!, you can take a boating safety course that’s actually fun. 

Our course is 100% narrated and animated, and is packed with all of the info you need to know to pass your boating safety test. Plus, it only takes North Carolina boaters an average of three hours to get certified… and there’s nothing better or easier than that! 

We’d recommend our boater safety course to every boater, no matter how old you might be. The way we see it, there’s nothing more important than boating safety out on the water.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Boat Registration in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, you’ll need to display your registration numbers clearly on both sides of your boat. The numbers need to be read from left to right in a contrasting color, and must be printed in block lettering at least three inches high.

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In North Carolina, most boats need to be registered and titled with the state. When you follow the laws and complete a boating safety education course with BOATsmart!, you’ll be prepared and ready for as many days in the sun as your boat allows. Have fun, and stay safe!

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