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Two boats at Rifle Gap State Park's boat dock.

Two boats at Rifle Gap State Park's boat dock.

Registrations

Register a Boat

Any boat with a motor or sail operated in Colorado on any public waters must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.​​​ ​​​​​​​​​Registration and registration renewals are required annually and are valid from January 1 through December 31 each year.

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    Search and Rescue Surcharge

    Beginning January 1, 2026, the Search and Rescue Surcharge on all associated products, including registrations, will increase to $1.25. Due to this increase, the 2026 Boat Registration Renewal Postcard Reminders have been delayed. Postcards will be shipped to all boats with a recently expired registration on January 1, 2026. Renewals at the current prices will continue to be available until this change.

    ANS

    Stop the Spread

    Aquatic Nuisance Species Stamp

    Motorboats and sailboats must have an Aquatic Nuisance Species Stamp before launching in Colorado. Boat owners are required to purchase the stamp and operators must retain proof of purchase (electronic or printed receipt) on his or her person, the motorboat or sailboat and when operating the vessel. 

    Learn more about Aquatic Nuisance Species

    Colorado Residents

      First Time Registration

      Colorado Residents

      Colorado residents are required to regist​er their boats with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and must provide acce​pt​​able proof of ownership. Residents registering for the first time must register by mail or in person at an office.


      What You'll Need

      Register By Mail

      Mail a completed Boat Registration form, copy of proof of ownership and payment for the registration fee​ to:

      Colorado Parks and Wildlife-Registration Unit
      13787 S Highway 85
      Littleton, CO 80125

      Register At an Office

      You may also register your boat at Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices. Bring a completed boat registration form, copy of proof of ownership and payment for the registration fee with you to the office. Visit the Contact Us page for a list of office locations, or call the Registration Unit at 303-791-1954 for a location near you.

      Find an Office
      Renew an Existing Registration

      Frequently Asked Questions

        What do I do if the boat was sold?

        If the boat has been sold/moved out of state, please contact the Registrations Unit at 303-791-1954 to have the vessel marked accordingly and prevent future notifications.

        Renew an Existing Registration

        Registration renewal cards are mailed to currently registered owners each November. Registration renewals can be done 45 days prior to the registration expiration date (Dec. 31).

        Renew Your Registration Online

        Online registration renewal for vehicles and vessels is now available to people who already have their vehicle registrations added to their CPWShop.com accounts. You must have your registration number to renew online or please call 303-791-1954 to get your information.​

        How to Purchase an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp

        How to Purchase an Aquatic Nuisance​​ Stamp

        Colorado residents will purchase the ANS stamp at the time of registration. ​If you register/renew your vessel online or via a registration renewal postcard, the cost of the ANS stamp appears as part of your total amount due. You do NOT need to manually add another $25 to your payment for the ANS stamp.​ Residents with motorboats or sailboats documented by the U.S. Coast Guard or otherwise exempt from in-state registration can purchase the ANS stamp online at cpwshop.com​, or at any CPW office or sales location.​

        Nonresidents

        Vessels from other states may be operated in Colorado for up to 60 days with a current registration from the owner's state. Canoes, kayaks, and other craft that do not require registration must be legibly marked with the name and address of the owner.

        boat

        Purchase an Aquatic Nuisance Species Stamp

        Non-residents can purchase their Aquatic Nuisance Species stamp online at cpwshop.com​, or at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office or sales location.

        Purchase the Stamp

        Lost or Stolen Registration

        If your registration card or decals have been lost, stolen or destroyed, you will have to purchase a duplicate registration. Duplicate registrations can be purchased online, over the phone at (800) 244-5613 or in person at a CPW location. If purchased in person at a CPW location, you will not receive your registration card and decals immediately. CPW staff will provide you with a new temporary registration and your registration card and decals will be mailed to your address on file.

        Displaying Proof of Registration on the Boat

        The Colorado Registration Number assigned to your boat must be painted or attached to each side of the bow on the forward half of the vessel. If there are no such sides, a corresponding location on both sides of the foredeck is acceptable.

        The registration number must: 

        • Read from left to right in block characters of good proportion.
        • Be a minimum of 3" in height (excluding border or trim).
        • Be of a color that contrasts with the color of the background,
        • ALL letters and numbers are to be maintained in a manner so to be clearly visible and legible at all times.
        • The yearly decals needs to be placed to the left of the Registration number on both sides of the boat.​
        • No other number shall be carried on the bow of the vessel. If another state’s registration number is displayed, you must remove it and display the Colorado registration number.

        Proper placement for decal - Left

        Proper placement for decal - Right

        New Boats

        Purchasing a Boat

        ​When you purchase a boat, you may use your Bill of Sale as a temporary registration for 30 days. If purchasing a boat from a private party, have the seller provide you with a Bill of Sale to serve as your proof of ownership. 

          An acceptable bill of sale includes:
          • Both the seller and buyer’s printed names and signatures
          • The boat hull identification number (if any),
          • The boat make, model and year (if known) and
          • The date of the sale.

          An acceptable private party to private party Bill of Sale template​ can be downloaded for your use. The Bill of Sale must be carried on the boat while operating until the registration decals and card get to you in the mail.

          Registration Fees​

          The annual registration fees are determined by the length of the boat. These are flat administrative transaction fees - they cannot be prorated for a partial year's registration and will not be subject to refund if the boat is sold or stolen. Both registrations and permits are non refundable and non transferable.

          Resident and Nonresident Fees

          Less than 20 feet in length

          Resident

          January 1 to December 31

          $35.25

          20 feet to less than 30 feet

          Resident

          January 1 to December 31

          $45.25

          30 feet or greater

          Resident

          January 1 to December 31

          $75.25

          Aquatic Nuisance Species Stamp

          Resident

          January 1 to December 31

          $25.00

          Aquatic Nuisance Species Stamp

          Nonresident

          January 1 to December 31

          $50.00