Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply for a Boat Registration
Owners of new or used boats may get the registration form at any local county tax collector's office, most places where boats are sold or serviced, MDWFP District Offices, Jackson Office, or Online. Complete the form, attach any necessary documents, sign and forward to the Department with appropriate fee.
To register a new boat include the sales invoice showing proof of payment of Mississippi sales tax. If the boat was purchased in another state you may pay Mississippi state sales tax at the local county Tax Collector's office. Include this proof of payment with the registration application. If registering or transferring ownership of a used boat include a notarized bill of sale describing the boat being purchased. If the bill of sale is not notarized it must be signed by one witness. If a boat was previously registered and titled in a state that requires mandatory titling you must also include the previous state's registration and title.
The registration application requires a Hull Identification Number. This number should contain 12 digits if the boat was manufactured after November, 1972. Examples of proper 12 digit Hull Identification Numbers will be: ABC456781272, ABC45678M73E or ABC45678A484. Boats manufactured prior to 1972 will have a serial number.
How to Renew a Boat Registration
Once a boat is registered a notice to renew the registration will be mailed to the owner by the MDWFP. For convenience and faster service you may renew you boat registration wherever hunting and fishing license are sold, by calling 1-800-5GO-HUNT (1-800-546-4868) which is available 24 hours a day, or Online at ms.gov. You may also mail your renewal to the MDWFP Boat Registration Department. You should notify MDWFP Boat Registration Department of any address changes.
How to Obtain a Duplicate Boat Registration
If you lose your boat registration card and/or decals or if you need an additional boat registration card you may obtain a duplicate wherever hunting and fishing license are sold or by calling 1-800-5GO-HUNT (1-800-546-4868) which is available 24 hours a day.
Assignment of Registration Number
After processing a boat registration the department will
assign a number to be displayed on the boat. This number is also
noted on a water resistant, pocket-sized boat registration card
which is mailed to the owner. This card must be on board the boat
when in operation. In addition, boat owners will receive two (2)
validating decals of appropriate color. The emblem should be
displayed within six inches (6") of the number. (See Boat
Registration Numbering System and Proper Display) The decals
correlate with the year the boat registration will expire. When
MDWFP issues a number for a boat, that number becomes permanently
assigned to that boat and remains as identification until such time
as it is canceled, destroyed or abandoned. The same number will
also be used for identification if the boat is transferred to a new
owner.
Registration, Transfer, Renewal and Duplicate Fees
Fees for original, transfer of ownership, renewal, livery,
dealer and duplicate registrations are as follows:
a) Less than 16 feet
$10.20
b) 16 feet but less than 26 feet
$25.20
c) 26 feet but less than 40 feet $47.70
d) 40 feet and over $47.70
e) Dealer Number $40.20
f) Duplicate $7.70
Boat Registration Numbering System and Proper Display
The numbering system consists of three parts: the first
part consist of the symbol MI, which designates Mississippi; the
second part consists of a numerical group having a maximum of four
digits; and the third part an alphabetical group having a maximum
of two letters; each part shall be separated by hyphens or
equivalent spaces.
The assigned number shall be painted on or attached to each side
of the bow of the vessel for which it was issued. The numbers shall
be placed one each side of the forward half of the vessel in such
position as to provide clear legibility for identification. The
numbers shall read from left to right and shall be in block
characters of good proportion not less than three inches (3") in
height. The numbers shall be of a color which will contrast with
the color of the background and so maintained as to be clearly
visible and legible, i.e., dark numbers on a light background, or
light numbers on a dark background. No other numbers shall be
carried on the bow of such vessel. The decals should be displayed
within six (6") inches of the numbers.
Sold or Lost/Stolen Boats
Should you sell your boat, you are required to report such transaction to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, who issued the identification number. The new owner must, within ten (10) days, make application to transfer the registration. If a numbered boat is lost, stolen or abandoned, the owner should first report it to the local authorities having jurisdiction then report to Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
Boat and Motor Titling
Boat and outboard motor titling is available in Mississippi but is not mandatory. Boat and motor titling is an optional choice for lending institutions and boat owners. The cost is $12.70 each for an original title, transfer of title or duplicate title. A boat must be registered prior to being titled. If the title is submitted indicating a lien the original title will be sent to the lending institution until the lien is satisfied. Once the lien is satisfied an original title will be provided to the owner. When a titled boat is sold, the owner must provide the original title to the purchaser along with a bill of sale in order for the boat to be eligible for transfer of ownership. Boat and Motor title applications may be obtained online, through your lending institution or the MDWFP Boat Registration Department.
How to get a duplicate Hunter/Boating education card?
To obtain a duplicate card, please print out the following application form, complete it, and mail it in with $3.00. To access the form click here.
Who can legally hunt with a crossbow?
Anyone can legally hunt with a crossbow during a primitive weapon or gun season. A General Crossbow Permit must be purchased in addition with a valid deer hunting license. One can also hunt with a crossbow on our State Wildlife Management Areas during archery season (without the General Crossbow Permit). However, to legally hunt with a crossbow on private land during archery season, one must meet the following criteria: 1) Individual must be 65 years of age or 2) Be a resident that meets the MDWFP criteria for 100% disability exemption and must provide current year proof of disability such as a TPQY (Third Party Query) letter or a letter of entitlement to 100% disability through the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration or Railroad Retirement Board. All applicants under 65 years of age must present a statement on letter head from a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in Mississippi, certifying the applicant has a disability which totally prevents them from using a longbow or other conventional archery equipment (this statement refers to the applicant's specific condition not his/her status as a disabled individual). Applications are processed at the Jackson Office only; however, residents 65 years and older may purchase the Special Crossbow Permit at any agent location.
