Boat Registrations

All vessels powered by motor (gasoline, diesel, or electric), or sail, must be registered and numbered. The State of Kansas does not, however, title watercraft nor does it register or title motors.

Nonresidents using motorboats and sailing boats that are properly registered in another state may use their boats for up to 60 consecutive days without registering their boats in Kansas. Both in-state and out-of-state boats must have their Certificate of Number on board at all times. Boats that are required to be registered must be properly registered before they are operated.

Renewing Registrations

If the owner of the boat has not changed, the boat registration can be renewed online, in person, or by mail.

Renew Boat Registration Online
Where to Buy KDWP Licenses, Permits & Boat Registrations
Mailing your completed renewal notice and $42.50 to

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Attn: Boat Registration
512 SE 25th Avenue
Pratt, KS 67124

New Owner Registrations

New owners can register their boat online, in person, at a or by mail, but must provide a photo or pencil tracing of the Hull Identification Number.

Mail a completed Application for Certificate of Number Kansas Boating Act Form and $42.50 registration fee to:

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Attn: Boat Registration
512 SE 25th Ave.
Pratt, KS 67124

Hull Indentification Number

Please provide a photo or pencil tracing of the HIN when registering your boat as a new owner.

All boats manufactured after 1972, should have a Hull Identification Number (HIN) and this HIN will be identified during the boat registration process. The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a 12-character number that uniquely identifies a boat and is formatted according to US Coast Guard standards.

Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) are typically located:

On sport and fishing boats, they can be found on the back right outside corner.
On pontoons, they can be found on the right side of the frame above the pontoon, but below the deck.
On personal watercrafts, they can be found under the seat as well as on the lip of the footrest.

Vessels manufactured before 1973 often do not have a HIN, so KDWP will assign one if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions and Other Resources

Registration and Renewal Forms

Required Boating Equipment

Coast Guard Documentation

How do I get a duplicate boat registration and/or expiration decals?

How do I sell and/or unregister my boat?

When a vessel is sold, lost, stolen, destroyed, transferred, or abandoned, the person whose name appears on the Certificate of Number shall notify KDWP in writing within 15 day:

To Submit Online:

Log in at https://license.gooutdoorskansas.com
Select Vessel Registration Management
Click the KA number you want to cancel
Select Notification of Change in the top right
Complete the form and click Submit

By Mail:

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
ATTN: Boat Registration
512 SE 25th Ave.
Pratt, KS 67124

By Fax: 620-672-3013

By Email: kdwp.kdwpinfo@ks.gov

Bill of Sale

If you are selling your watercraft to an individual that will be registering it with the State of Kansas please provide them a bill of sale, we do not require notarization.

If you are selling your watercraft to an individual that will be registering it in a state other than Kansas have them check the regulations for registering the boat in their state. Some states may require the bill of sale to be notarized and/or proof of Kansas registration. We have a standardized Bill of Sale with room for a notary linked at the bottom of this page. If they need a form stating Kansas does not title watercraft please contact us by mail, e-mail, or fax to provide this.

Standard KDWP Bill of Sale

Where do I attach the registration decals and assigned numbers?

Your assigned number must be painted or permanently attached to each side of the forward top half of the boat. Numbers must be vertical block characters at least three inches tall that read from left to right. They must contrast with the background color and be distinctly visible and legible. Spaces or hyphens equal to letter width must separate letter groupings and numeral groupings.

Your assigned number consists of the prefix letters KA, one to four numerals and two suffix letters. For example: KA 123 AA or KA-123-AA.

A registration decal will also be issued. This expiration decal remains on your boat for the duration of the three-year registration period. Attach the decal as instructed on the back of the renewal decal.

Boats registered in Kansas must display only current registration decals. Sailboards shall have the decal attached to the front half of the top of the sailboard. The registration numbers are not required to be displayed on the sailboard.

When does my registration expire?

Where do I look for the hull identification number?

The hull identification number (HIN) on all boats built after November 1, 1972 is permanently affixed to the rear of the transom usually on the upper right corner. It is required by federal law and must appear on the registration application.

The HIN consists of 12 letters and numerals at least one-quarter inch tall that indicate the manufacturer, hull serial numbers and/or letters, and model year and/or month.

Hull identification number formats for boats after August 1,1984

MIC, production or serial number, month of production, year, and model year
Key to Month of Production of Hull Identification Format