Wisconsin boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Wisconsin. 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 and
trailers.
|
Boat Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 615,335 boats registered in Wisconsin. This state
ranks 5th in nationwide boat registrations. |
|
Boat Numbering |
The boat
registration number prefix for Wisconsin is "WS". |
|
Registration Agency |
Department of Natural Resources |
|
Registration Requirements |
All boats are subject to registration except sailboats 12 feet and under without a motor,
and manually propelled boats not equipped with a motor or
sail. Coast guard documented vessels are subject to registration
unless used for commercial fishing. |
|
Title Requirements |
Titles are
issued to all registered boats over 15' in Wisconsin except for those which
are Coast Guard documented. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
Wisconsin
does not have provisions for bonded boat titles or conditional
boat registrations when there is insufficient proof of
ownership. |
|
Boat Registration Records |
Boat
registration records are maintained in Wisconsin since
approximately 1975. Detailed information on how to obtain verbal
and written reports can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Tax Requirements |
Sales tax
applies to boat transactions in Wisconsin. |
|
Loan Perfection |
Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on the state title records. On
Coast Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be
recorded on the vessel's abstract of title. A UCC financing
statement must be filed if the boat is neither titled or
documented. |
|
Ownership Designations |
Joint
ownership is designated on Wisconsin boat registration records
as "and" or "or". |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may register a boat in Wisconsin if this is the state of
principal usage. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
The sale,
transfer, abandonment, or destruction of a Wisconsin registered
boat must be reported to the Department of Natural resources
within 15 days. |
|
Hull Inspections |
The boat must
be inspected by a Wisconsin law enforcement official if
there is a discrepancy with the hull identification number. |
|
Outboard Motors |
Wisconsin
does not title or register outboard motors. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Boat trailer
registration and titling are required for those weighing over
3,000 lbs. They are optional for those weighing less. |
|
Notary Requirements |
Wisconsin notaries are
commissioned for 4 years, must post a $500 bond, and must use an
embossed or inked stamp seal. |
|
Dealer Licensing |
Licensing is
required for boat dealers in Wisconsin. |
| Visitation
Period |
A visitation
period of 60 days is allowed for boats that are registered in another state,
Coast Guard documented, or registered in a foreign country. |
