REGISTER / TITLE A BOAT IN PA
The PFBC’s Division of Licensing and Registration is experiencing significant backlogs processing applications for boat registrations and titling at this time. All applications are being processed in the order in which they were received. Customers should note that our usual processing time for these requests is under 60 days. Currently, customers should expect their requests to be processed within 90 to 120 days. We are doing our best to complete requests as soon as possible, and apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
Registering or titling a boat is similar to registering or titling a car. Both registrations and titles are issued by the PA Fish & Boat Commission.
To find out if your boat needs to be registered or titled visit our boat registration/titling Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, this page also lists fees based on the type and size of the boat (question 5), plus much more information.
NEW REGISTRATIONS
Option A -- Mail an application form
The 1st step is to complete an Application for PA Boat Registration/Title (REV-336). Send the completed application and necessary supporting documents, with payment, to the Commission. Once processed the Commission will send a registration and/or title, along with validation decals.
Option B -- Get a temporary registration
Temporary registrations are issued at Commission region offices and by authorized issuing agents. This allows the boat to be used while the permanent registration is being processed. The application form becomes the temporary registration.
RENEWALS
Boat registrations are renewed on a 2-year cycle and expire on March 31 of the 2nd year. The Commission will send a renewal card to the registered owner of the boat before expiration. We offer two ways to complete renewals:
Option A -- By mail
Complete the renewal card and return with payment.
Option B -- Renew online with a credit card
Visit the Commission's secure e-commerce site,
huntfish.pa.gov.
Note -- Titles are not renewed, a title only needs to be purchased once.
UN-POWERED BOAT PERMITS
Unpowered boats used at Commission lakes or access areas, PA state parks or PA state forests must be:
- properly registered, or
- display an official and valid Commission use permit, or
- display an official and valid watercraft launch or mooring permit issued by DCNR.
Placement of Launch (Use) Permits
Permits are available: