Alabama boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Alabama. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and other resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of general
purpose boat and trailer registration forms on our Forms
page.
Please visit our
State page for additional
articles and information about registering or titling boats, trailers,
and outboard motors.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the appropriate state agency.
|
Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 272,000 boats registered in the State of Alabama. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The boat
registration number prefix for the State of Alabama is "AL". |
|
Title Requirements |
Alabama is a
registration only state and does not issue boat titles. |
|
Registration Requirements |
Registration
is required on all boats with mechanical propulsion. Coast
Guard documented vessels, except those with commercial
endorsements, are also subject to registration. |
|
Tax Requirements |
Sales tax
applies to new boat
sales and transfers. |
|
Loan Perfection |
A security
interest on a non-documented boat is perfected with a UCC
financing statement. If the vessel is Coast Guard documented, a
preferred vessel mortgage must be recorded with the National
Vessel Documentation Center. |
|
Registration Agency |
Boat
registrations are administered by the Alabama Marine Police
Division. |
|
Registration Records |
Boat
registration records are maintained indefinitely by the State of
Alabama. Detailed information on how to
obtain verbal and written reports can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Ownership Designations |
Joint
ownership terms are are not defined on boat recordings in Alabama. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may apply for a registration if the boat is located within the
State of Alabama. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
Ownership
transfers, abandonments, destructions, and thefts must be
reported to the Marine Police Division within 15 days. |
|
Hull Inspections |
The boat must
be inspected by a law enforcement official if there is a
discrepancy in the hull identification number. |
|
Outboard motors |
Titling and registration
is not required for outboard motors. However they can be
optionally listed on a boat registration application. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Titling and
registration are not required for boat trailers in Alabama. |
|
Notary Regulations |
Alabama
notaries must affix their seal on notarized forms. |
|
Boat Dealers |
Alabama does
not require professional licensing for boat dealers and brokers. |
| Visitation
Period |
Boats that
are Coast Guard documented or registered in another state are
allowed
a visitation period of 90 days. |
