In order to register your boat in the state of Kentucky, you will need to provide the following items:
-The completed application for registration and titling
-Proof of ownership for the vessel (bill of sale, builder’s certificate, etc.)
-A valid Kentucky driver’s license or ID card
- Get the boat’s certification of number from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
- The number must be displayed on both sides of the bow of your vessel in block letters that are at least 3 inches high
- Complete a Boat Registration Application form and submit it to a County Clerk’s office in Kentucky
- Include the registration fee, which is $24 for vessels less than 16 feet long, $30 for vessels 16 to 26 feet long, or $48 for vessels 26 feet long or longer
- You will receive registration decals from the county clerk to display on your vessel as proof of registration
- The decals must be renewed every three years when you renew your boat registration

Credit: www.boatsmartexam.com
Do You Need a Title to Register a Boat in Ky?
If you’re thinking of registering a boat in the state of Kentucky, you may be wondering if you need a title for your vessel. The answer is yes, all boats must be titled in order to be registered with the state. This includes both motorized and non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks, and sailboats.
Titling your boat not only proves ownership but also helps deter theft and fraud. The process of titling and registering a boat in Kentucky is fairly simple and can be done entirely online.
To begin, you’ll need to gather some basic information about your boat including the Hull Identification Number (HIN), length, make, model, year of manufacture, and purchase price.
You’ll also need to have a form of payment ready as there is a fee for titling boats in Kentucky. Once you have all this information gathered, you can go ahead and start the online application process which should take no more than 10-15 minutes to complete.
If everything goes smoothly, you’ll receive your new title and registration within 4-6 weeks in the mail.
In some cases additional documentation may be required such as a bill of sale or notarized affidavit from the previous owner if the boat was purchased out-of-state or from a private individual. So long as everything is in order though, there’s no reason why titling and registering your boat in Kentucky should be anything other than a quick and easy process.
Do You Have to Pay Sales Tax on a Boat in Kentucky?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it depends on a number of factors, including the type of boat, the county in which you purchase the boat, and whether or not you plan to use the boat in Kentucky waters. However, we can provide some general information that may be helpful.
In Kentucky, sales tax is imposed on the retail sale of most tangible personal property and certain services.
Tangible personal property includes items like boats, furniture, and clothing. The state sales tax rate is 6%, but local counties have the option to impose an additional sales tax of up to 3%. So, depending on the county in which you purchase your boat, you could end up paying a total of 9% in sales tax.
There are a few exceptions to Kentucky’s sales tax law. One exception is for boats that are used exclusively for racing purposes. Another exception is for boats that are purchased by non-residents and taken out-of-state within 90 days of purchase.
If either of these exceptions applies to you, then you would not have to pay any sales tax on your boat purchase.
If you do have to pay sales tax on your boat purchase in Kentucky, there are a few ways that you can go about it. You can either pay the full amount of sales tax owed at the time of purchase or you can apply for a refundable credit from the Kentucky Department of Revenue (DOR).
To apply for a refundable credit from the DOR, simply fill out form 51A102 and submit it along with proof of payment (e.g., cancelled check) within 90 days after purchasing your boat outside of Kentucky waters.
Do You Have to Register a Boat Trailer in Kentucky?
If you plan on using your boat trailer in Kentucky, you will need to register it with the state. The process is pretty simple and can be done either online or in person. You’ll need to provide some basic information about your trailer, such as the make, model, and year.
You’ll also need to pay a small registration fee. Once your trailer is registered, you’ll be able to use it on any Kentucky lake or river.
Do Boats Have to Be Inspected in Kentucky?
Yes, boats do have to be inspected in Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) is responsible for inspecting all motorized boats that are operated on Kentucky waterways for compliance with state boating laws and regulations. KDFWR also conducts random boat inspections at boat ramps and marinas throughout the state.
Kentucky Boat Registration
Kentucky Boat Registration Online
If you live in Kentucky and want to register your boat, you can do so online through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) website. The process is fairly simple and only takes a few minutes to complete.
First, you’ll need to create an account on the KDFWR website.
Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to log in and begin the registration process. You’ll need to provide some basic information about your boat, including its make, model, length, and year of manufacture. You’ll also need to provide your contact information and payment details.
Once you’ve completed all of the required fields, you’ll be able to submit your application for review. The KDFWR will then issue you a registration number which must be displayed on your boat at all times. With that, you’re all set to enjoy boating in Kentucky!
How to Register a Boat in Kentucky Without a Title
If you have recently purchased a boat and it did not come with a title, or if you are unsure of the vessel’s registration status, you can follow these steps to register your boat in the state of Kentucky.
First, locate the nearest county clerk’s office that handles boat registrations. You will need to provide proof of ownership for the vessel, which can be in the form of a bill of sale, previous registration paperwork, or other documentation.
You will also need to fill out a Vessel Registration Application and submit it along with the required fee.
Next, an inspector from the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will conduct an inspection of your vessel to ensure that it meets all safety requirements. Once everything has been approved, you will be issued a Certificate of Number for your boat which must be displayed on the vessel at all times when operating on Kentucky waterways.
With your Certificate of Number in hand, you are now ready to enjoy boating in Kentucky! Be sure to renew your registration every year and keep your vessel well-maintained so that everyone can safely enjoy our state’s beautiful lakes and rivers.
Kentucky Boat Registration Rules
Assuming you would like a blog post about the requirements to register a boat in Kentucky:
In order to register your boat in the state of Kentucky, you will need to provide the following information and documents:
-The Hull Identification Number (HIN) of your vessel.
This can be found on the stern (rear) of your boat, on the port (left) side.
-The completed application for registration and titling. This form can be obtained from most county clerk offices or online through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website.
-If the vessel is being titled for the first time in Kentucky, you will need to provide a notarized Bill of Sale or other proof of ownership document.
-The appropriate fee for registering and titling your vessel. Fees vary depending on the length of your boat.
Once you have gathered all of the required information and documents, take them to your local county clerk office where they will assist you with completing the registration process.
Kentucky Boat Registration Form
If you’re a Kentucky resident and you own a boat, you must register it with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. You can do this by completing the Boat Registration Form, which is available on the department’s website.
The form requires you to provide information about yourself, your boat, and any outboard motors that are attached to it.
You’ll need to provide your name, address, phone number, and email address. For the boat itself, you’ll need to provide its length, width, make, model, hull identification number (HIN), and registration number. If you have an outboard motor attached to your boat, you’ll need to provide its make, model, serial number, and horsepower.
Once you’ve completed the form and gathered all of the required information, you can mail it to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources at 1 Sportsman’s Lane Frankfort KY 40601 or submit it online via the department’s website. There is a fee for registering your boat in Kentucky; however, if you renew your registration before it expires (which is every three years), there is no additional fee.
Conclusion
In order to register a boat in Kentucky, you will need to bring the following items to your local county clerk’s office: -The completed application for boat registration and titling -A bill of sale or other documentation that proves you own the vessel
Leave a Reply