If a vessel registered in another state is brought into North Carolina for more than 90 consecutive days, the registration must be transferred to North Carolina.

If a boat owner chooses to title a vessel, it must be registered as well.

Registration cards are issued by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission in Raleigh. A registration card is $10 for a one-year registration or $25 for a three-year registration. Call (800) 628-3773 or visit www.ncwildlife.org

Registration Not Required For...

Vessels that are unused and kept on dry land.

Rowboats, canoes and rafts moved only by oars, paddles or the current.

A vessel used only on a private pond.

Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Ships’ lifeboats or dinghies if they are used only for emergency lifeboat purposes.

If they are motorized and used for non-emergency purposes, however, they require registration.

Marine Vessel Titles

Vessel titling is an optional record-keeping system that provides ownership protection to vessel owners. It also protects the interests of financial institutions or individuals that provide loans on vessels. Lenders often require that a vessel be titled as a condition for granting a loan. An original title costs $20, and a transfer title or duplicate costs $10.

Although many vessel transactions are conducted by mail, boaters can conduct them with more than 400 Wildlife Service agents statewide or by visiting the NCWRC office at 322 Chapanoke Road, Raleigh.

To obtain information on the location of the nearest Wildlife Service agent,
call (800) 628-3773