Arkansas boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Arkansas. 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 respective state agency.
Please
read our
terms of use before proceeding.
|
Registration Statistics |
There are approximately 205,925 boats registered in Arkansas.
This state ranks 23rd among nationwide boat registrations. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The
registration number prefix for Arkansas is "AR". |
|
Registration Agency |
Arkansas
Department of Finance and Administration. |
|
Registration Requirements |
Registration
in Arkansas is required on
all boats propelled by sail or motor, including trolling motors.
Coast Guard documented vessels are exempt from registration.
Registrations renew on a three year cycle. |
|
Title Requirements |
Arkansas is a registration only state
and does not issue boat titles. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
Arkansas does
not issue conditional registrations, but has other provisions for
registering boats without a previous title or registration.
Additional information can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state |
|
Abandoned Boats |
Arkansas does
not have any special provisions for registering abandoned boats. |
|
State Tax Requirements |
Sales tax
applies on
new and used boats sold by a dealer in Arkansas. There is no sales tax on casual
sales between individuals. |
|
Loan perfection. |
A security
interest on a non-documented boat in Arkansas 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. |
|
Boat Records |
Records are
maintained for five years in Arkansas. 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 defined as "and", "or", or "and/or" on
boat recordings in Arkansas. |
|
Bonded Registrations |
Arkansas does
not issue bonded ownership registrations. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may apply for a registration if the boat is located within the
State of Arkansas. |
|
Hull Inspections |
Required if
the boat does not have a hull identification number or if there
is a discrepancy. The
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Boating Division will inspect
boats and can issue state assigned hull numbers. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
You should
notify the Department of Finance and Administration within 15
days of relinquishing ownership. |
|
Outboard Motors |
Arkansas does
not title or register outboard motors. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Boat trailer
registration is required. Titling is optional on trailers
weighing 3,000 lbs. or less. |
|
Notary Regulations |
Arkansas
notaries must affix a rubber stamp
or embossed seal required on all notarized documents. |
|
Visitation Period |
Boats that
are Coast Guard documented or registered in another state are
allowed
a visitation period of 90 days. |
