(a) New owners must have a bill of sale and registration if used.

(b) Sales tax will be collected based on where the boat owner resides.

(c) New boat owners have 72 hours from date of purchase to register the boat.

(d) Used boat owners have 15 calendar days to transfer, with a valid boat decal and bill of sale
no grace period if decal is expired.

(e) Owner, with current out of state registration, has a grace period of 90 calendar days.

State boat fees are as follows:

(a) 15 feet & under $20.00

(b) 16 feet to 25 feet $25.00

(c) 26 feet to 39 feet $75.00

(d) 40 feet and over $100.00

(e) Transfers $5.00

(f) Replacement/Duplicate Certificate $5.00

All boat operators, 14 years old and older, must have a vessel license.

Certification Requirements for Alabama Residents

If you were under 12 years of age as of January 1, 2002:

• You may obtain your Alabama Boater Safety Certification after you turn 12 years old. After obtaining the certification, you may operate a vessel only if a person 21 years old with a valid Alabama Boater Safety Certification is onboard and in a position to take immediate physical control of the vessel. After you turn 14 years old, you may legally operate a vessel without supervision.

Once a boat is registered in your name you must renew each year based on the first letter of your last name (same as vehicles).

Please contact the driver license examiners office at 256-351-4665
with questions concerning the boat test/certification.