Idaho Boat Registration Overview

All you should know about registering and titling a boat in Idaho.

Idaho boat registration and titling overview is a public service designed to inform boaters about operational requirements, recording methods, and record search lookups for the State of Idaho. This includes essential references for the most detailed and accurate information currently available.

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Registration and Titling Agency

Boat registration and titling are administered by two different agencies in Idaho. Registrations are administered by the Department of Parks and Registration (DPR), whereas titling is administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Service outlets for the DPR are field offices or approved vendors located throughout the state. DMV service offices are also located throughout the state.
Registration Statistics: There are approximately 89,332 boats currently registered in the State of Idaho which accounts for 0.8% nationwide. USCG vessel documentation records indicate 493 owners with an Idaho address and 441 documented vessels that display an Idaho hailing port.
Uniform Titling: Idaho has not yet adopted the Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act (UCOTVA) which basically sets the same nationwide standards for boat titling as those for vehicles. There are no provisions for title branding of stolen boats, accidents or salvaging in Idaho.
Vessel Information System: Idaho participates in the Vessel Identification System (VIS) where boat registration data is shared among government agencies throughout the nation.

Registration and Titling Requirements

Idaho requires registration and titling on all non-exempt boats that operate within its jurisdictional waters. The following are basic requirements and exemptions with further details available from the Referrals for this page.
Motor Boats: All motorized boats must be registered in Idaho.
Sailboats: All sailboats must be registered in Idaho.
Canoes and Kayaks: Manually propelled canoes and kayaks are exempt from registration in Idaho.
Inflatable Boats: Inflatable boats must be registered in Idaho.
Dinghies and Lifeboats: Dinghies and lifeboats must be registered in Idaho.
Documented Vessels: Coast Guard documented vessels are exempt from registration and titling in Idaho.
Visiting Boats: Boats currently registered in another state or country are allowed visitation privileges in Idaho for 60 consecutive days without registering.
Boat Titles: Boat titles are optional on those built before the year 2000 in Idaho. Documented vessels are exempt from titling. Titles are otherwise issued automatically upon registering a boat. They are otherwise administered through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Residency Requirements: You must be an resident in order to register a boat in Idaho.
Outboard Motors: Titling and registration are not available for outboard boat motors in Idaho.
Boat Trailers: Boat trailers must be registered and titled in Idaho with the exception of those weighing less than 2,000 pounds.

Registration Application

Boat registrations in Idaho may implemented online, in person or through one of the approved vendors. In doing so, you will need to provide evidence of ownership, fees and taxes.
Application Forms: Application and supplemental boat title and registration forms are not available as downloads. They are only available from the online registration portal or an approved registration vendor.
Manufacturer's Statement: When a new boat is to be registered for the first time, you must present a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) or Builder's certification. The statement or certification must be properly assigned into your name or accompanied by a bill of sale.
Previous Title: When a boat was previously state titled, you must present a properly assigned title certificate or one that is accompanied by a bill of sale.
Previous Registration:  If a boat was registered in a non-title state, it will be necessary to present an assigned registration certificate or one that is accompanied by a bill of sale.
Loan Foreclosures: In order to register a foreclosed boat, the lender will need to provide evidence of compliance with the respective state laws.
Mechanic's Liens: In order to register a boat foreclosed on towing, storage and  service possessory liens you must provide evidence of compliance with state lien laws.
Abandoned Boats: In order to register an abandoned boat you must provide evidence of compliance with state abandoned property laws.
Title Bonding: Idaho has provisions for bonded boat titles. Further information is available from the DMV website.
Registration Fees: The most current list of boat registration fees may be found by visiting the DPR website.

Numbering Requirements

Boat registration numbers in Idaho begin with an "ID" designation which is followed by four numbers and then two letters. These must be displayed on all registered boats along with the current registration decals. State boat numbering configuration, size and placement requirements are actually dictated by federal regulations. More detailed information can be found in the referrals for this page.
Hull Numbers: All vessels built after 1972 are required to have a properly formatted 12 digit hull identification number. Although typically assigned and installed by the manufacturer, owners with older, homemade, or imported boats may apply to the DMV for a hull number assignment. These are prefixed with the letters "IDZ" in place of the manufacturer's identification code (MIC). Boats must be inspected by a law enforcement official whenever their is a missing or deficient hull identification number.

Lien and Security Interest Recordings

The available options for securing loans, liens and claims against boats registered Idaho are determined by various factors. These include the type of debt, obligation or liability and whether the boat is USCG documented or state titled.
Loan Security Interests: Boat loan security interests on titled boats in Idaho are listed on the certificate of title. Security interests in non-titled and non-documented boats must recorded as UCC filings with the Secretary of state. If a boat qualifies for USCG documentation, the lender must obtain a preferred mortgage in order to perfect or prioritize its security interest. These are recorded with the National Vessel Documentation Center.
Tax Liens: Tax liens are sometimes flagged in the state's boat registration database, recorded as Uniform Commercial Code filings, shown on state revenue records, or filed with a county clerk's office.
Mechanic's Liens: There are no means of recording mechanics or storage liens on Idaho boat registration records. However these may be listed for informational purposes on a documented vessel's underlying abstract of title. Our boat lien claims registry also serves as a proprietary source of posting such information for the general public.
Stolen Boats: Although stolen boats do not actually qualify as maritime liens, the true owner may have rights of recovery regardless of a subsequent owner's awareness. There are no methods for recording stolen boats in Idaho other than by filing a report with a local law enforcement agency. These will in turn become listed in their stolen boat database and perhaps the National Crime Information Center database. Our stolen boat registry also serves as a proprietary database for the boating industry.

Registration, Title and Lien Searches

Title and lien search methods for Idaho registered boats will vary according to the type of lien and whether the boat is USCG documented.
Registration Database Searches: Registration and title records for Idaho are maintained in a database administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Access to such data is available for owners and certain qualified parties as prescribed by regulatory standards. Comprehensive guidelines about boat record searches in Idaho can be found in the References for this page.
UCC Searches: Uniform Commercial Code filing searches in Idaho are available online from the Secretary of State's office.
Tax Lien Searches: State and Federal tax liens on boats are not always recorded in a consistent manner and are therefore difficult to identify. They may show up as a flag on state registration records, as UCC filings, in state revenue records, in a county clerks records, or on a vessel's abstract of title for documented boats. Given these disparities, it may be worth obtaining the services of a public record vendor that has access to a broad range of personal lien recordings.
USCG Documentation Searches: Ownership, mortgage and lien information of USCG documented vessels can be obtained by ordering an abstract of title from the National Vessel Documentation Center. Information on how to go about this can be found in the referrals for this page.
Non-Recorded Liens: Non-recorded maritime liens may also be a factor in conducting lien searches. These may include liabilities for items such as services, equipment, fuel, storage, parts, supplies, and damages which are related to the boat itself. This type of research can only be determined through personal investigation, owner disclosures, and boat history lookups.
Owner Background Checks: Yacht brokers, documentation companies, and attorneys do not warrant or guarantee titles. There is moreover no such thing as boat title insurance in the marine industry. It is therefore incumbent on the owner to stand behind any such representations. This will of course be of no consolation if a guarantor is insolvent, non-cooperative, or can not be subsequently located. A thorough background check to ensure the owner's inclination and ability for making good on any hidden liens or title deficiencies is recommended. Information on how to go about this can be found in the referrals for this page.
Business Entity Search: You should run a business entity search when dealing with a boat registered to an entity such as a corporation or limited liability company. This will help confirm the legitimacy of such enterprise and identify those authorized to act on its behalf. An online search portal for doing so is maintained by the Secretary of State which can be accessed from the referrals for this page.
Stolen Boat Search: Idaho does not maintain a list of boats that have been stolen within the state. You will need to contact a law enforcement agency for such information.
Proprietary Searches: Our proprietary lien claims and stolen boat registries may prove helpful and are free if charge. These can be accessed from the referrals for this page.

Taxes and Insurance

Sales and Use Tax: Sales or use taxes are required on boats in Idaho unless previously paid in another state. Contact the Department of Revenue or respective county clerk's office for additional details and the most current information. These must be paid or a receipt for prior payment must be provided at the time of registration.
Personal Property Tax: Boats are not subject to personal property tax assessments in Idaho.
Insurance Requirements: Boat liability and collision insurance are not required in Idaho. However, you should check with a local insurance agent as this may be subject to change without notice. In any event, insurance is highly recommended and you may also need this for moorage purposes or when making a loan on the boat.

Operator Requirements

Operator Requirements: A training verification card must be carried by personal watercraft operators. There are otherwise no boat operator age or licensing requirements in Idaho. However, competency may be a factor in enforcement.
Accident Reporting: Boating  accidents in Idaho must be immediately reported to the nearest Sheriff's Office or some other enforcement agency.
Notifications: The DNR and DMV must be notified whenever a registered or titled boat has been transferred, stolen, lost, abandoned. This also applies to ownership and address changes.
Enforcement Agency: The county sheriffs offices are primarily responsible for boating law enforcement in Idaho. However, all law enforcement agencies are authorized to enforce boating laws.

Conclusion

The information provided herein is gathered from various sources and may be subject to errors, omissions or changes without notice. You should always consult directly with the appropriate agency or a qualified attorney before taking any actions based on this overview.

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References and Referrals
Comments - Suggestions - Corrections

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