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Hawaii’s Boat Registration Requirements

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Boat Registration and Titling Requirements in Hawaii

According to Hawaii’s boat registration requirements, to operate a boat in Hawaii, your boat is required to have a Hawaii Certificate of Number and registration stickers.

Hawaii’s Boat Registration Exemptions:

  • Human-powered craft (non-motorized).
  • Boats that are 8 feet in length or less and that are propelled by sail only.
  • Boats that are used exclusively for racing.
  • Boats that have been registered in another state or country, and are being used on Hawaii waters for 60 days or less.
  • Federally documented boats.
  • Boats owned by the United States government.
  • A boat’s lifeboat (so long as it is only used for lifesaving purposes).
  • Boats that have a valid, temporary Certificate of Number.

The Certificate of Number must be carried on board during operation and must be available for law enforcement to inspect.

You can obtain a Certificate of Number and registration stickers by submitting an application form and paying a fee to the Hawaii Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation. Fees will vary.

You must be able to provide the following information when registering your boat:

  • Proof of boat ownership.
  • Personal I.D. (i.e. driver’s license or Hawaii I.D. Card).
  • Boat registration form.

Once registered, you’ll be provided with a registration certificate, a boat decal and a Certificate of Number.

Expiration of Registration:

Your Certificate of Number is valid for 1 year and can be renewed at any time without penalty, for up to 90 days before the expiration date.

Number and Decal Placement:

  • The registration number must be painted or permanently affixed to each side of the forward half of the boat.
  • The number must be read from left to right.
  • The number may not be placed on the underside of a flared bow where it cannot be seen by another boat, or from shore.
  • The letters and numbers of the registration number must be separated by a hyphen or by an equivalent space.
  • Stickers displaying the current registration must be placed on each side of the boat, 3 inches aft  (towards the stern) of the number, and directly in line with it.
  • The registration number must be in a color that contrasts with the color of the boat.
  • The numbers must be maintained, be clearly visible, and be legible at a distance of 100 feet.
  • The numbers and letters must be at least 3 inches in height, and in block letters.
  • No other numbers, letters or devices may be placed near the state number.

Additional Information:

  • Boat owners who have applied for registration are able to operate their boat so long as they have a valid temporary Certificate of Number on board during operation.
  • Before a boat operator can obtain a mooring permit from the HDLNR, they must first register their boat and have proof of liability insurance.
  • If the Certificate of Number or registration sticker is lost or damaged, you must apply to the HDLNR to obtain a new one within 7 days (and pay a fee).
  • The owner of a registered boat must notify the HDLNR within 7 days if any of the following occur:
  • The owner of the boat changes their phone number or home address.
  • The boat is sold, destroyed or abandoned.
  • Owners of trailered boats must pay an annual fee for a boat ramp permit decal at the time of boat registration or renewal. You must have a boat ramp permit decal before your boat trailer may be operated at a state ramp. The boat ramp permit decal must be affixed to each side of the forward end of the boat trailer’s tongue.