Two boats parked at 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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Attention: Residents and non-residents who primarily use your boats in the state of Colorado
Regulation exists to protect consumers from unqualified and dishonest practitioners. While this is an important function of the government, it's also important that regulations do not create unnecessary "barriers to entry," where people may need certification, registration or hard-to-obtain licensing to enter an occupation or profession.
Get Involved by Providing Public Comment
Through regulatory reviews, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies exists to keep the system in balance. Public input and participation is vital to help identify problems and solutions to regulatory issues.
The Colorado Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform is currently conducting a sunset review of the Vessels Registration Program. An analysis is performed to determine if the Vessels program is necessary and should be continued, modified or repealed. To provide input on this review, under the Sunset Review section, click on the "Water Vessel Registration" blue button to provide comments no later than October 15, 2025.
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.
Colorado Residents
Colorado Residents
Colorado residents are required to register their boats with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and must provide acceptable proof of ownership. Residents registering for the first time must register by mail or in person at an office.
What You'll Need
-
A completed Boat Registration Form
-
A copy of proof of ownership
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.
IMPORTANT: Updated Boat Information Required Before You Can Renew
Colorado boat owners must verify a vessel’s information before renewing their boat registration, ensuring compliance with updated U.S. Coast Guard requirements. Please contact the Registrations Unit at 303-791-1954 to verify this information if you are unable to process your renewal online.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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.
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 StampDisplaying 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.
- 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.
Resident and Nonresident Fees
Fee |
Description |
Duration |
Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Less than 20 feet in length |
Resident |
1 year |
$35.25 |
|
20 feet to less than 30 feet |
Resident |
1 year |
$45.25 |
|
30 feet or greater |
Resident |
1 Year |
$75.25 |
|
Aquatic Nuisance Species Stamp |
Resident |
1 year |
$25.00 |
|
Aquatic Nuisance Species Stamp |
Nonresident |
1 year |
$50.00 |