Alabama Boat Registration Overview
All you should know about boat registration and titles in Alabama.
Registration Agency
Alabama boat registrations and titles are administered by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) which is headquartered in Montgomery. Boat registration and title services are also available through the Marine Patrol Offices, County Probate Offices and License Commissioner Offices. Boat registration renewals in Alabama can be implemented through the ALEA online website portal. Registration Statistics - There are approximately 249,684 boats currently registered in the State of Alabama which accounts for 2.2% nationwide. USCG vessel documentation records indicate 639 owners with an Alabama address and 2,784 documented vessels that display an Alabama hailing port.
Registration and Title Requirements
Alabama boat registration is required on all non-exempt boats that operate primarily within its jurisdiction. This includes mechanically propelled boats, sailboats, and boats for hire. USCG documented vessels are also subject to registration unless engaged in commercial activities. Exemptions may include vessels which are registered in another state for a period not to exceed 90 consecutive days, foreign registered vessels, and lifeboats. A current listing of other inclusions and exemptions may be found on the ALEA and respective county websites. Boat Titles - Although previously a registration only state, boat titling is now available in Alabama. Titles are optional for most boats except those manufactured after December 31, 2023. USCG documented vessels are exempt from titling and other exclusions may apply. Boat Title Bonding - Alabama has provisions for boat title bonding in situations where sufficient proof of ownership is not otherwise available. Abandoned Boat Titling - Alabama has regulations that deal with the removal of boats from public lands and private property. These will allow property owners to attain title if properly handled under the respective storage lien statutes. Outboard Motor Registration - Registrations and titles are not available in Alabama for outboard boat motors. However they can be optionally listed on the underlying boat registration records. This includes the make, horsepower and serial number. Boat Trailer Registration and Titling - Titling and registration is not required for boat trailers in Alabama. Registration Reporting Requirements - ALEA must be notified within 15 days upon the sale or destruction of an Alabama registered boat.
Numbering and Marking Requirements
Boat registration numbers in Alabama begin with an "AL" designation which is followed by four numbers and then two letters. These must be displayed on all non-documented boats along with registration sticker tab decals. The size, shape, and placement are prescribed by regulations which can be found on the ALEA and respective county websites. Documented Vessel Markings - Guard documented vessels may not display the state registration numbers. However they must display the state registration tabs as applicable, an owner designated vessel name and a hailing port. An official documentation number must also be permanently affixed to a visible interior location in the hull itself or an integral part of the hull. Hull Identification Numbers - Boats manufactured after 1972 for domestic consumption are required to have a 12 digit hull identification number assigned by the manufacturer. These must be formatted according regulations that have changed over time. Hull numbers are placed on an exterior part of the hull, which is typically the upper right side of an aft transom. Owners with older boats, homemade boats or those without an approved hull number format may apply with the Marine Police Division for a state issued hull number assignment. These begin with the letters "ALZ" and are available for home made boats or those without factory designations.
Registration Applications and Lien Recordings
Boat registration applications in Alabama may be submitted by mail to the ALEA headquarters in Montgomery. Walk-in applications can also be made at a Marine Police Division office, one of the respective county probate offices or licensing commissioner offices. In any event, you will need to provide sufficient evidence of ownership or look toward a bonding solution or court order. Registration renewals can be implemented in the same locations or online at the ALEA website. Loan security arrangements on non-documented boats are recorded in the ALEA boat registration database. These may not be shown on a registration certificate, but will be listed on a title document. Alabama does not issue electronic boat titles, therefore, those with encumbrances are typically held by the secured party. USCG Documented Vessels - Documented vessels are registered in the State of Alabama unless used in commerce, although they can not be state titled. In order to perfect a loan security agreement under these circumstances, it will become necessary to record a preferred mortgage with the National Vessel Documentation center. Lenders typically require documentation on qualified vessels as this takes priority over any state level security recording. Lien claims can also be recorded against a documented vessel, however, these are for notification purposes only and do not validate its authenticity. Non-registered or Documented Boats - In cases where a boat is neither state titled or USCG documented, security agreements are typically recorded as Uniform Commercial Code filings . However, these may become subordinate if the boat is subsequently titled or documented. Personal belongings such as furnishings, tools and gear that are not essential to the operation of a boat are often secured through UCC recordings regardless of the documentation or title status. Tax Liens - Tax liens are sometimes flagged in the state's registration database, recorded as UCC filings, shown on state revenue records, or filed with a county clerk's office. They may also show up on a documented boat's abstract of title. Boat registration renewals are available through the ALEA online website portal. Mechanics and Storage Liens - There are no provisions in Alabama for recording mechanic's liens, storage liens or other non-secured claims against state registered or titled boats.
Databases and Record Searches
Boat registration and title records in Alabama are maintained in a database which is administered by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Access to such data is available for owners, qualified parties and the general public. Guidelines on how to lookup boat registration information and obtain current or historical records in the State of Alabama can be found in the Referrals. Uniform Commercial Code Searches - Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings for boats in Alabama are administered by the Secretary of State. Online access to such records is available from its website. Searches should be conducted on all known owner names, aliases and addresses, especially those as shown on the registration certificate. Tax Lien Searches - State and Federal tax liens on boats are not always recorded in a consistent manner and are therefore difficult to identify. These may be found in state registration or title records, UCC filings and documented vessel abstracts of title. Given the uncertainties, it may also be worth obtaining the services of a public record provider that has access to a broad range of personal property lien recordings. Ownership, mortgage, and lien search recordings for Coast Guard documented vessels can be obtained by ordering an abstract of title from the National Vessel Documentation Center. Business records in Alabama for entity owners are administered by the Secretary of State office. Such data can be accessed by various criteria from its online record search portal.
Taxes and Insurance
Sales, use, and local taxes are applicable to boats purchased or operated in Alabama. The rules and rates are, however, subject to frequent changes and certain exemptions may apply. You should accordingly contact the Alabama Department of Revenue to confirm the most current requirements as they relate to your circumstances. Liability insurance is not currently required for boats operating on Alabama waters. However, this is highly recommended as boating accidents and fatalities are not uncommon.
Operator Requirements
Boating laws and regulations in Alabama are enforced by the ALEA Marine Patrol Division. A boat operator license card must be carried by any motorized boat operator over 12 years old while boating on Alabama waters. It must have been issued upon the completion of an ALEA approved boater education course. Boating accidents, injuries, fatalities and other incidents must be reported to the Marine Patrol Division within 24 hours.
This information is subject to change and should be confirmed with the respective agency.
References and Referrals Comments - Suggestions - Corrections