North Dakota Boat Registration

North Dakota Boat Registration History Report

InfoGraphic: North Dakota Boat Registration info
InfoGraphic: North Dakota Boat Registration info
Example where to find the Boat State Registration Number and title Decal sticker.
Example where to find the Boat State Registration Number and title Decal sticker. State letters differ.

North Dakota boat registration FAQs are found below and can be downloaded as PDF. We have written this page to inform the boating community about registration requirements, recording methods, and title search guidelines for the State of North Dakota.

We will cover information about the Boat Registration Agency in this state and if you are wondering about Registration and marking requirements we have an overview of that as well. We also talk about Registration Requirements for boat in North Dakota along with things you need to know about boat Ownership and Liens so you can better perform Boat Title Searches or boat history lookups in ND.

Where are North Dakota Boats Registered?

Remember, some states have titling for boats and others do not. North Dakota issues registrations only (not titles) for boats operating within its jurisdiction. These are administered by the ND STATE Game and Fish Department (NDGF ) in Bismarck. This state does not issue titles or registrations for outboard motors and boat trailers.

Did you know that 56,000 boats registered in the State of North Dakota make up 0.6% of all USA vessel registrations?

Boat Registrations by year in the State of ND (source: Nasbla) - Motorized vs. Non motorized recreational boats.
Boat Registrations by year in the State of ND (source: Nasbla) – Motorized vs. Non motorized recreational boats.

North Dakota Boat Registration Numbers

North Dakota boat registration numbers begin with a “ND”. The ND designation is followed by four numbers and then two letters like in most states. You will have to display these as shown above if your boat is non-documented at the USCG. Put the ND boat registration sticker tab next to it. The state reg. number should not be confused with the 12 character Hull ID (HIN).

All boats manufactured after 1972 are required to have a 12 digit hull identification number affixed to the vessel by the manufacturer. State assigned hull numbers prefixed with the letters “NDZ” are available for home made boats and those without factory designations. Hull number inspections are not required in North Dakota unless there is a discrepancy.

Order engraved HIN Tag ID Plate from ebay here.

Sample HIN Tag ID Plate
Sample HIN Tag ID Plate

Exceptionally, a Coast Guard documented vessel does not need to display the state registration number but instead they would display the state registration tabs, an owner designated vessel name, and a hailing port. The USCG Official documentation number must also be affixed on other location on the boat: interior location in the hull itself or an integral part of the hull.

Boat Liens Database In North Dakota

Security interests in state titled boats are recorded on the title but since ND does not issue titles, then security interests in boats that are then found in the USCG documented vessels or are recorded with the Secretary of State as Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. If the vessel is USCG documented, a lender’s security interests will be recorded with the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) and are indexed on the boat’s abstract of title. This is different from state registration lookups and can be ordered at boat-abstract.com.

Tax liens may be flagged on boat registration records, recorded as UCC filings, shown on state revenue records, or filed with a county clerk’s office. There are no provisions for recording mechanic’s liens or other non-secured claims against state titled boats. Uniform Commercial Code searches are available online from the Secretary of State.

North Dakota Boat Registration Number Search Website

Boat title and registration records in North Dakota are maintained by the Department of Game and Fish. This agency does not facilitate online searches on their website.

North Dakota Boat Registration Lookup

The Boat-Alert.com database combines 68+ nationwide databases into a single place so you can search in a matter of minutes. These include records for stolen boats, marine lien claims, boating accidents, pollution incidents, auctioned boats, factory recalls, and boat manufacturers.

Search a Boat Hull ID history report with Boat-Alert.com
Click to Order a HIN Report

Titling & Registration Requirements in North Dakota

Frequently Asked Questions about Boat Titling in North Dakota

Frequently Asked Questions about Boat Titling and Registration in North Dakota:

  1. Is titling required for boats in North Dakota?
    • No, North Dakota doesn’t require the titling of watercraft.
  2. When did this regulation become effective?
    • There is no specified effective date for boat titling in North Dakota.
  3. What types of vessels are covered by the titling requirement?
    • Watercraft powered by a motor are subject to titling.
  4. Are there any exemptions from titling boats in North Dakota?
    • North Dakota doesn’t title any watercraft.
  5. Are there fees associated with boat titling in North Dakota?
    • No, North Dakota doesn’t impose titling fees for watercraft.
  6. Is there a fee for duplicate boat titling in North Dakota?
    • No, there is no fee for duplicate boat titling as North Dakota doesn’t title watercraft.
  7. What is the transfer fee for boat titling in North Dakota?
    • North Dakota doesn’t have a transfer fee for watercraft titling.

Frequently Asked Questions about Boat Registration in North Dakota:

  1. Which types of vessels require registration in North Dakota?
    • All vessels powered by a motor need to be registered.
  2. Are there exemptions from boat registration in North Dakota?
    • Vessels not powered by a motor are exempt from registration.
  3. Are USCG documented vessels required to be registered in North Dakota?
    • Yes, USCG documented vessels are required to be registered.
  4. Is there a specific time limit for boat registration before use in North Dakota?
    • There is no specific time limit. The vessel needs to be registered in the state where it is used the most.
  5. What are the registration fees in North Dakota?
    • North Dakota provides watercraft registrations only, and the fees are pro-rated for a 3-year period:
      • $18.00 for boats less than 16 feet or canoes
      • $36.00 for boats 16 feet to less than 20 feet
      • $45.00 for boats 20 feet and longer
  6. Is there a fee for duplicate boat registration in North Dakota?
    • No, there is no fee for duplicate boat registration.
  7. Are there fees for duplicate decals in North Dakota?
    • Fees for duplicate decals are the same as the respective boat registration fees.
  8. What is the transfer fee for boat registration in North Dakota?
    • The transfer fee is the same as the applicable boat registration fee.
  9. Is there a late fee for boat registration in North Dakota?
    • No, there is no late fee for boat registration in North Dakota.

  • TITLING:
    • REQUIRED: No
    • EFFECTIVE DATE :
    • VESSEL TYPES:
    • EXEMPTIONS: ND Doesn’t title watercraft
    • FEES: ND Doesn’t title watercraft
    • DUPLICATE FEE: ND Doesn’t title watercraft
    • TRANSFER FEE: ND Doesn’t title watercraft
  • REGISTRATION:
    • VESSEL TYPES: all vessels powered by a motor
    • EXEMPTIONS: any vessels not powered by motor
    • USCG DOCUMENTED VESSELS REQUIRED: Yes
    • NUMBER OF DAYS BEFORE REGISTRATION REQUIRED: no specific time limit. vessel needs to be registered in whatever state it is used the most
    • FEES: ND does not tile watercraft, we provide watercraft registrations only. The fee is a pro-rated 3-year rate at follows; 3-year rate for boats less than 16 feet long or canoes $18.00 3-year rate for boats 16 feet to less than 20 feet $36.00 3-year rate for boats 20 feet and longer $45.00
    • DUPLICATE REGISTRATION FEE: No fee for duplicate registration
    • DUPLICATE DECAL FEE: Fees for duplicate decals are the same as question #15 above
    • TRANSFER FEE: Same as question #15 above
    • LATE FEE: No

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