No, North Dakota does not title watercraft.

Yes. The ND - _ _ _ - _ _ registration numbers stay the same when ownership is transferred.

We have a 3-year registration cycle. All watercraft expire at the same time. If you register or renew within the 3-year period, the fees are prorated.

The decals are numbered and are nontransferable. You receive a new decal number that coordinates with your registration.

You can buy them, make them, or custom order them. However; regulations state the numbers and letters must be in contrasting color to the hull in plain vertical block letters at least 3 inches in height excluding any border, trim, outlining or shading, and must be maintained in a legible condition so that it is clearly visible in daylight.

No, each watercraft may be registered to one individual or business.

No. your watercraft must be registered in the state where it is principally used.

Yes. Watercraft propelled by any kind of motor must be registered.

No. However, it is common to register them for the purpose of taking them to other states or obtaining ownership documentation.

No.

No.

Yes. A Utility trailer license issued from the ND Department of Transportation.

Renewals: The ND Watercraft Registration number and a credit or debit card. We can also direct debit from checking or savings accounts.

New Registrations: Purchase Invoice, Title, or Registration signed by the previous owner, and online payment.

Yes.

Yes.

You may change your address while registering or renewing online, or you may update the profile on your account.

Yes. You will need to contact our Licensing Department at 701-328-6335. Initial registration cards need to be destroyed once the updated card arrives.

You will receive a receipt that includes your 10-day temporary registration. A confirmation email will be sent to the email you have on record. The watercraft in question will be listed as a pending or current on your account page.

Renewals are mailed typically by the next business day.

New Registrations are reviewed for processing. You can expect to receive your registration in 7-10 business days.

Replacement decals can be purchased online for $10. You need to login to your My account page and click renew watercraft. You will then see the option to purchase replacements. You will receive a new registration card and decals by mail. Destroy your original registration card once the new card is received.

1. Sign the back of your registration card & provide a bill of sale listing the boat, motor and trailer with your name, address, signature, and date.
   • If you are selling to someone out of North Dakota, they need to check the regulations of the state they intend on registering it in.
2. Change of ownership needs be reported to the department within 15 days.
3. Decals are nontransferable.

1. Register the watercraft online with the required documentation and payment.
   1. Purchasing from a Business: Purchase Invoice and proof of Taxes Paid Receipt or Tax-Exempt Document.
   2. Purchasing from an Individual: Registration Card or Title.
      • Recommend also getting a Bill of sale indicating the boat, motor and trailer with the names, addresses, signatures, and dates of both parties.
2. Registration Numbers:
   1. ND Watercraft Registration numbers stay with the watercraft as long as it’s registered in North Dakota, however you will need to remove the previous owner’s decals. Your new decals will need to be applied to a clean, dry surface.
   2. New Watercraft are issued a new ND registration. It is the owner’s responsibility to display the registration number on either side of the bow.
3. Registration Cards and Decals are mailed to the watercraft owner.
4. Apply decals and carry the registration card aboard the watercraft.

Watercraft purchased from an individual not in the business of buying and selling watercraft is considered a casual sale and is not subject to state and local sales tax.

Yes.

Office of State Tax Commissioner:
600 E Boulevard Avenue Dept 127
Bismarck, ND 58505-0599
701-328-1241
https://apps.nd.gov/tax/tap/_/#1