2016 is a boat registration year and Iowans will be registering about 235,000 boats between Jan. 1 and April 30.
Boat registrations are handled by Iowa’s county recorders. Boat owners should bring their current registration to recorder’s office in the county where the individual resides when they renew.
Nonresidents who register their boat in Iowa will go to the county where the boat is primarily used.
Owners who purchased a boat from a private seller and is registering it in their name should bring the signed registration and to make sure the title is signed over to them, if applicable.
Boat registrations are good for three years. The fees go to support water trails, navigation enforcement, aquatic invasive species, boater education and safety, and the registration system.
For additional information regarding a boat's Hull Identification Number please read our FAQ.