Alabama boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Alabama. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and other
resources are obtainable by downloading our
boat Registration kit
for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of standard
boat, trailer, and outboard motor titling or registration forms on our
forms
page.
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 265,526 boats registered in Alabama. This state
ranks 16th among nationwide boat registrations. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The boat registration number prefix for the State of Alabama is
"AL". |
|
Registration Agency |
Boat
registrations are administered by the Alabama Marine Police
Division. |
|
Registration Requirements |
Alabama registers all
mechanically propelled vessels, sailboats, and boat for hire.
Exceptions are : (1) A vessel operating under valid temporary
certificate of number. (2) A vessel already covered by a number
in full force and effect which has been awarded to it pursuant
to federal law or a federally applied numbering system of
another state, provided, that such vessel shall not have been
within this state for a period in excess of 90 consecutive days.
(3) A vessel under registry from a country other than the U.S.
temporarily using the waters of this state. (4) A vessel owned
by the U. S., or a state, county or municipality. (5) A
ship's lifeboat. (6) A vessel not propelled by
machinery, except sailboats and boats for hire (rental).
Vessels documented with the U. S. Coast Guard as
commercial are not required to be registered with the state.
Vessels documented as pleasure are required to register,
however, they do not have to display the Alabama registration
number on the bow. The current year decal should be placed in a
conspicuous location on the vessel and the certificate shall be
on board when in operation.
Instructions,
forms, and contact information for registering a boat can be
found in our
boat registration kit for this state. |
|
Title Requirements |
Alabama is a registration only state and does not issue boat
titles. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
Alabama does not have provisions for bonded boat titles or
conditional boat registrations where sufficient proof of
ownership is not otherwise available. Under these circumstances,
ownership will need to be established through an award from a
court of proper jurisdiction. |
|
Abandoned Boats |
Alabama does not have special provisions for registering
abandoned boats. However, the state does have regulations for
dealing with derelict boats or vessels. Additional information
on derelict or abandoned boats can be found in our
boat registration kit for this state. |
|
Registration Records |
Boat
registration records are maintained indefinitely by the State of
Alabama. Detailed information on how to obtain verbal and
printed boat records from Alabama can be found in our
boat registration kit for this state. |
|
Tax Requirements |
Sales tax applies to new boat sales and transfers. |
|
Loan Perfection |
Security
interests on non-documented boats in Alabama are perfected with
a UCC recording. If the vessel is Coast Guard documented, a
preferred vessel mortgage must be recorded with the National
Vessel Documentation Center. |
|
Lien Records |
Liens and
security interests on boats located in Alabama are filed with
the Secretary of State as Uniform Commercial Code recordings. If
the vessel is Coast Guard documented, these will be recorded on
its abstract of title. Information on how to conduct lien
research in Alabama can be found in our
boat registration kit for this state. |
|
Ownership Designations |
Joint
ownership terms are not defined on boat recordings in Alabama. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may apply for a registration if the boat is located within the
State of Alabama. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
Transfer,
abandonment, theft, or destruction of an Alabama registered boat
must be reported to the Marine Police Division within 15 days. |
|
Hull Inspections |
The boat must
be inspected by an Alabama law enforcement official if there is
a discrepancy with the hull identification number. |
|
Outboard motors |
Titling and
registration is not required in Alabama for outboard boat motors. However they
can be optionally listed on a boat registration application. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Titling and
registration are not required for boat trailers in Alabama. |
|
Notary Regulations |
Alabama
notaries must affix their seal on notarized forms. |
|
Boat Dealers |
Alabama does
not require professional licensing for boat dealers and brokers. |
|
Visitation Period |
A
visitation period of 90 days is allowed for boats that are
registered in another state, Coast Guard documented, or
registered in a foreign country. |
