Much like your vehicle, your boat documentation must be renewed on a consistent basis. Failure to do so can result in fines, so it makes sense to keep renewal in mind as the date gets closer so you can get the job done before it expires. Boat documentation renewal can be done online and won’t take a lot of your time and effort. Here’s what you need to know about the process.
How Often Do I Need to Renew?
Your boat documentation needs to be renewed each year. There is no exception to this rule and you must adhere to it. Forgetting or choosing not to renew your boat’s registration annually can cost you fines and other repercussions that you’d rather not have to deal with. Making a point to get renewal done in a timely manner can save you a lot of trouble in the short term, as well as in the long term.
Renewing Year to Year
Because you can renew your boat’s registration online, it’s fairly easy to be sure you get it done each year. Renewing year to year is a common way of keeping your boat registration up to date. Each year, you will fill out the renewal document and pay any associated fees. Then you’ll be set until the same time next year, when you will need to repeat the process.
Renewing Years in Advance
Another option for boat renewal is to do so for several years in advance. This eliminates the risk that you’ll miss the yearly deadline and keeps your boat documentation up to date and legal for two, three, four or five years. If you are concerned that you’ll miss your renewal on a yearly basis, taking care of it for several years at a time is a choice that might make sense for you.
What Happens If I Don’t Renew?
Failure to renew your boat documentation creates more hassle than getting the renewal paperwork done on time. There can be stiff penalties if you are caught operating your boat without current registration paperwork. The fines can cost up to $1,000 and you may even face jail time. It’s less expensive and easier to just get the renewal done.
Steps to Renewing My Boat
Fortunately, renewing your boat is quick and painless and can be done online, from your phone, tablet or other device. Follow these steps and you’ll have renewal taken care of for another year.
- Complete the registration renewal form
- Pay any associated fees
- Place your new registration paperwork in the boat and affix your validation decal in the appropriate location on your boat.
When you renew your boat’s registration, the numbers will remain the same. You don’t have to remove old decals, simply place the new one on top, just as you would with your vehicle. Aim to complete your registration renewal paperwork about a month before it expires to give the appropriate entities time to process the application.
Do you need help facilitating your boat documentation renewal? The US Vessel Documentation Center is here to help. Use our easy-to-complete online forms and contact us if you have any questions.
