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Registering Your Boat

Although they are often skippered by teens and young adults, boats are not toys. Both the craft and its operator must comply with all Federal and state requirements.

Federal regulations require that most watercraft be registered and have an identification number. A validation sticker and registration number must be displayed on the craft. The U.S. Coast Guard enforces the federal laws, rules and operating procedures.

State regulations vary, but may require the operator to be of a minimum age (usually 14 to 16 years old), complete a safe boating course and/or obtain an operator's certificate. States and local jurisdictions may also regulate speed limits, hours and areas of operation. Click on a state below for more details.

State Boating Registration websites

 Alabama  Hawaii*  Michigan  North Carolina  Utah
 Alaska  Idaho  Minnesota  North Dakota  Vermont
 Arizona  Illinois  Mississippi  Ohio  Virginia
 Arkansas  Indiana  Missouri  Oklahoma  Washington
 California  Iowa  Montana  Oregon  West Virginia
 Colorado  Kansas  Nebraska  Pennsylvania  Wisconsin
 Connecticut  Kentucky  Nevada  Rhode Island*  Wyoming
 Delaware*  Louisiana  New Hampshire  South Carolina  
 District of Columbia*  Maine*  New Jersey*  South Dakota  
 Florida  Maryland  New Mexico  Tennessee  
 Georgia  Massachusetts*  New York  Texas  

*Please note: Safeco does not currently write watercraft insurance policies for boats primarily stored/moored in Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island

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Fishing Resources

The number one reason first-time boat owners purchase a boat is to fish. Take Me Fishing provides a wealth of information to help novice and experienced anglers alike, including how and where to fish, getting your fishing license, outfitting your tackle box, and more.

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© 2012 Safeco Insurance Company of America, 1001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98154. All rights reserved.