Menu REGISTRATION & REGULATIONS State law requires certain vessels be currently registered before they are launched into any Idaho state waters. Requirements vary depending on the size and type of boat. Registration numbers and validation stickers need to be displayed properly. If you plan to operate a boat in Idaho, you’re going to have to register it with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR). The IDPR also offers boater education courses. Select the topic from the tabs below to learn about boat registration AND the necessary qualifications to operate a boat in the state of Idaho. BOAT REGISTRATION BOATING REGULATIONS BOATING FAQ What boats need to be registered? All sailboats and motorboats must be numbered and registered. (A “motorboat” is defined as a mechanically propelled boat using fuel or electricity.) Boats that do NOT have to be numbered or registered include boats propelled manually (rafts, kayaks, canoes, etc., without a motor) sailboards, documented vessels, float tubes and boats properly numbered and registered in another state which are using Idaho waters for 60 consecutive days or less. Where can I register my boat? Vessels can be registered at any Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. There are two locations in Bonner County: Ponderay 300 Bonner Mall Way, Suite #24 Ponderay, ID 83852 (208) 265-1430 Priest River 75 Eastside Road Priest River, ID 83856 (208) 448-0746 You may also renew your registration online by visiting the Idaho Department of Park and Recreation Website For more information on vessel registration you can contact Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation at (800) 247-6332 or one of the Bonner County DMV offices listed above How are boat registration fees used? When you register your boat, you will be asked to designate up to two counties as your primary boating locations. A portion of these registration fees are subsequently ear-marked for the designated counties to provide recreational boating services and facilities. Do out-of-state boaters have to register? Boats registered in their owner’s home state are allowed to boat in Idaho for up to 60 days. Vessels used in Idaho waters in excess of 60 days must be registered in Idaho. However, out-of-state boats are required to display an Idaho Invasive Species Fund sticker before the vessel may be launched in Idaho waters. Registration Fees! Boats 0 -12 feet in length – $31.50 Boats over 12 feet in length – $31.50 plus $2 per foot for each additional foot over 12 feet How do I properly attach my registration number and validation stickers? You must paint or permanently attach your registration number on each side of the forward half (bow) of the boat. Registration numbers must be vertical block characters at least 3 inches tall and read from left to right. Their color must contrast with the background, be distinctly visible and legible. A hyphen or space equal to letter width must separate letter and numeral groups (example: ID-1234-AA or ID 1234 AA). No other number may be displayed on the bow. Attach the validation stickers securely to each side of the bow, within 6 inches and directly in line with the boat’s registration numbers. Expired stickers must be removed from your boat. Canadian Boater Information Things to remember if you will be boating in Idaho . Boaters from Canada must display their License numbers (registration numbers) on the bow of their boats and have a copy of their license issued by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on board. Display on the port side immediately after the License number an Idaho Invasive Species Fund (ISF) Sticker (See frequently asked questions, Idaho invasive species laws) . In addition to the safety equipment required by Canadian authorities, the United States Coast Guard requires boaters the carry a Type IV throw-able floatation device. A red or orange skier-down flag is also required and must be properly displayed if a towed person has become separated from the tow line. Bonner County Sheriff’s Office E-mail: bonnersheriff@bonnerso.org Main Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday Drivers License Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday 4001 N. Boyer Road Sandpoint , ID 83864 Phone: (208) 263-8417 Fax (208) 265-4378 Booking Information: (208) 263-8417 ext. 3005 Non-Emergency Dispatch: (208) 265-5525 Copyright ©2021 Bonner County Sheriff. All rights reserved. Contact Us: 4 + 9 = Submit MENU Website Design and Hosting by TLCWebHosting.com Internal Reports