Frequently Asked Questions |
| |
|
| WATERCRAFT/BOATING QUESTIONS |
Question
Which boats must be registered?
Answer
All motorboats must be registered in Arizona regardless of their size,
construction, or type and size of motor. This includes, for example, inflatable
rafts, sailboats and canoes with motors (including electric motors). Exceptions
to the registration requirement include watercraft used solely as lifeboats
and those documented by the U. S. Coast Guard. |
| |
Question
I just bought a boat. What do I do?
Answer
If the boat is new, you need four things:
- A completed application (provided by the Game & Fish Department)
for Arizona watercraft certificate of number;
- A bill of sale with the name of buyer and seller, hull ID number, length,
manufacturer, purchase price and sales tax paid;
- Manufacturer's statement of origin;
- Proper registration fees.
If the boat is used and previously registered in Arizona you will need
the following:
- A registration signed off by the previous owner(s), releasing ownership
on the back of the certificate.
- A bill of sale with the name of buyer and seller, signature of seller,
hull ID number, length, manufacturer, and purchase price. A bill of sale showing
sales tax paid is required in addition to the registration if the boat was purchased
from a watercraft dealer.
- A completed application form (this could be from the back of the registration
certificate or on form 1532 provided by the Department).
- Proper registration fees, and transfer fee.
- No penalty fee will apply.
If the boat is used and previously registered or titled in another state,
you will need the following:
- Original title (if coming from a title state) or original registration
(if coming from a registration state) which is signed off by the previous owner(s).
- If purchased by a watercraft dealer, a bill of sale showing sales tax
paid in addition to the title or registration.
- A completed application form.
- Proper registration fees.
Note: Please call the Department for any transaction not covered in this
section and to verify the correct fees. |
| |
Question
When transferring ownership, how many signatures are required to release
ownership?
Answer
There are three joint ownership designations.
- AND/OR The use of “and/or” requires the signatures of both
parties if both are living. Upon legal proof of the death of either party, the
Department shall transfer registration upon the signature of the living party.
- AND The use of “and” requires the signatures of both parties.
In the event of the death of either party, the interest of the deceased party
shall be handled through probate proceedings.
- OR The use of “or” shall express to the Department the intent
that either of the owners have full authority to transfer registration of the
watercraft.
|
| |
Question
This is the first time I renewed my watercraft. Why did my expiration month
change?
Answer
All new watercraft registrations issued are valid for twelve months. The
second year of registration will be for 7-18 months (fees are pro-rated
appropriately) to fit into the "staggered registration system" wherein
the expiration date is determined by the last two digits of the "AZ" number. |
| |
Question
How long do transactions take when they are processed through the mail?
Answer
Transactions through the mail may take up to 30 days. for your convenience,
renewal notices are sent six weeks prior to the expiration. The registered
owner can then achieve renewal through the mail by promptly sending the
renewal and proper fees to the Watercraft Registration Section, which in
turn will mail the owner the certificate and decals. If you prefer, registered
owners can also complete registration by coming to a Department office. |
| |
Question
I live in another state and would like to use my boat on Arizona waters.
What are your requirements?
Answer
Non-resident watercraft may operate in Arizona for a period of 90 days
without Arizona registration, provided it is in compliance with the numbering
system of the U.S. Coast Guard or their home state. If the watercraft continues
to operate on Arizona waters, it must be registered with the Department
before the 90-day period ends. |
| |
Question
What is a hull identification number?
Answer
A hull identification number (or HIN) means a number assigned to specific
watercraft by the manufacturer or by a government jurisdiction as prescribed
by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is similar to a car's vehicle identification
number. All watercraft manufactured after August 1972 are required by federal
law to have a 12 digit HIN. your watercraft will require inspection if
it is homemade or newer than the 1972 and does not have a conforming HIN
number. |
| |
Question
How do I place my AZ number and decals on my watercraft?
Answer
The AZ number shall be painted on or attached to each side of the forward
half of your watercraft. It shall read from left to right, be in block
letters not less than three inches high, and be of a color that contrasts
with the color of the hull. It shall be the only number on the forward
half of your boat and should be clearly visible from 100 feet away during
daylight hours. The letters AZ and the suffix shall be separated from the
numerals by a hyphen or equivalent space.
The decals shall be affixed 3 inches in front of the AZ on both sides of
the forward half of the watercraft. See the example below.
 |
| |
| |
|
|
|
| Related
AZGFD Info |
 |
|
| |
|
| External
Resources [More] |
|
|
|
 |
| |
|
| |
| Downloads [More] |
|
| - |
Watercraft
Registration Application [PDF] |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
