Arizona boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Arizona. 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.
|
Boat
Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 145,000 boats registered in Arizona. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The boat
registration number prefix for Arizona is "AZ". |
|
Registration Agency |
Arizona Game
and Fish Department, Watercraft Division. |
|
Registration Requirements |
Arizona
requires
registration for all motorized boats. Non-motorized boats
and Coast
Guard documented vessels are exempt from registration. |
|
Title Requirements |
Arizona does
not issue boat titles, this is a registration only state. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
Arizona does
not have bonding provisions for registering a boat without
sufficient proof of ownership. Such transactions are handled
on a case-by-case basis by the Watercraft Division. |
|
Abandoned Boats |
Arizona has
provisions for registering abandoned boats in the possession of
a towing company. Boats abandoned on private property are
handled on a case-by-case basis. |
|
State Tax Requirements |
Boats are exempt from
use tax when purchased from an individual. Sales or use tax is
due if purchased from a dealer or broker. These rules apply
regardless of the state in which the vessel is purchased. |
|
Loan Perfection |
A security
interest on a non-documented boat in Arizona 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. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may apply for a registration if the boat is located within the
State of Alabama. |
|
Registration Records |
Arizona boat
registration records are maintained indefinitely. Detailed
information on how to obtain verbal and written reports can be
found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Co-owner designations. |
Co-owners are
designated on Arizona boat registration certificates by one of
the following: "and" - "or" - "and / or". |
|
Hull Inspection |
The boat must
be inspected by an Arizona law enforcement official if there is a
discrepancy in the hull identification number. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
You should
file a report with the Arizona Fish and Game within 15 days of
relinquishing ownership. |
|
Outboard Motors |
Arizona does
not issue titles or registrations for outboard motors. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Titles and
registrations are required for boat trailers in Arizona. |
|
Notary Regulations |
A notary seal
is required
on all documents acknowledged by an Arizona notary. |
| Visitation
Period |
Boats that
are Coast Guard documented or registered in another state are
allowed
a visitation period of 90 days. |
