Every state has its own FWC. Pick your state for its registration fees, safety-card rules, fishing license prices and key boating rules — every item taken from the state's own official pages and checked on November 4, 2026. The state sites carry the official law; this page is the plain-English index into them.
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) + FLHSMV
Florida splits the job: FWC runs boating laws, the safety card and fishing; registration and titles are issued by your county Tax Collector under FLHSMV — FWC's own page says so.
Register a boat
Vessel Titling & Registrations — FLHSMVAll motorized vessels on public waterways must be titled and registered within 30 days of purchase, through your county Tax Collector or a license plate agent. You choose a 1-year or 2-year registration (FLHSMV). The registration certificate must be on board.
Registration fees
Fee schedule — FLHSMVBy length class: under 12 ft $5.50 · 12–<16 ft $16.25 · 16–<26 ft $28.75 · 26–<40 ft $78.25 · 40–<65 ft $127.75 · 65–<110 ft $152.75 · 110 ft+ $189.75. Reduced fees apply with an EPIRB/PLB aboard. Plus a $2.25 service fee + $0.50 FRVIS fee, an optional county fee in some counties, and title fees ($5.25 electronic / $7.75 paper) on top.
Safety card
Boating Safety Education ID Card — FWCBorn on or after Jan. 1, 1988? You need this card to run a motor of 10 hp or more. A NASBLA-approved course (or equivalency exam) earns it; the card is good for life. An out-of-state NASBLA course also counts.
Fishing
Buy a license — GoOutdoorsFlorida (FWC)Resident annual: freshwater $17 · saltwater $17 · both $32.50. The saltwater shoreline license is free — but it only covers fishing from shore, never from a boat.
Key rules
Boating Regulations — FWCKids under 6 wear a life jacket on boats under 26 ft while underway; everyone on a PWC wears one. BUI starts at .08. “Idle Speed — No Wake” means minimum speed for steerage; manatee zones must be obeyed. Full official rules at the link — the state page carries the law, not this summary.
Fees & rules checked against the official state pages on November 4, 2026. The state site carries the official law — if anything here ever disagrees with it, the state site wins. Report an error.
Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW)
Maine's FWC — registration, boating laws and fishing in one department; public launches are run by the Bureau of Parks & Lands. Excise tax is paid to your town.
Register a boat
Boating: registration & laws — MDIFWAll motorboats of any size (incl. PWC) must be registered. New registrations are in person at a Recreational Vehicle Agent; renewals can be done online in participating towns. Registration runs the calendar year, expiring Dec. 31.
Registration fees
Fee schedule — MDIFWBy horsepower, inland / tidal: 0–10 hp $41 / $16 · 11–50 hp $46 / $21 · 51–115 hp $52 / $27 · over 116 hp and PWC $60 / $35. Fees include the $1 agent fee; town excise tax is separate.
Boater education
Boating Safety Course — MDIFWBorn on or after Jan. 1, 1999? You must complete a boater safety course to run a boat over 25 hp (age 12+), and be 16+ with the course to run a PWC.
Fishing
Licenses & rules — MDIFWResident annual freshwater (16+): $30, plus the agent fee at purchase. Saltwater needs the separate DMR registry: $1 registering direct, $2 at an agent — free of charge if you hold a Maine freshwater license.
Key rules
Boating safety — MDIFWKids 12 and under wear a life jacket while underway. Headway speed within 200 ft of any shoreline, marina or anchorage. BUI starts at .08.
Fees & rules checked against the official state pages on November 4, 2026. The state site carries the official law — if anything here ever disagrees with it, the state site wins. Report an error.
NH Fish & Game Dept. + NH Marine Patrol + NH DMV
New Hampshire splits it three ways: Fish & Game runs fishing and state access sites; the Marine Patrol (State Police) runs boating laws and safety certificates; registration is issued by the DMV.
Register a boat
Boat Registrations — NH DMVAny boat on NH public waters must be registered with the DMV and display its bow number. Every registration expires Dec. 31 of the year it was issued.
Registration fees
Fee schedule — RSA 270-E:5 (state statute)Base fee by length: up to 16 ft $24 · 16.1–21 ft $34 · 21.1–30 ft $52 · 30.1–45 ft $72 · over 45 ft $92. On top: a $12.50 lake-restoration decal + $1 search & rescue + $5 public access + $3 navigation safety (+$2 tidal), a $5 agent fee where an agent processes it, and a separate state boat fee (RSA 72-A:3) that varies by boat — the DMV gives the exact total for your boat at (603) 227-4030.
Safety certificate
Marine Patrol — NH State PoliceYou must hold a boating safety education certificate to run a motorboat over 25 hp on NH waters (certificates are issued at 16+).
Fishing
License prices — NH Fish & GameResident annual freshwater $45 · saltwater $11 (same price for non-residents). A $2–$2.75 transaction fee applies per license.
Key rules
Boating laws — RSA 270-D (state statute)Kids 12 and under wear a life jacket while underway. Headway speed within 150 ft of shore, docks, swimmers and other boats. Lake Winnipesaukee: 45 mph day / 30 mph at night. BUI: the .08 law applies to boaters.
Fees & rules checked against the official state pages on November 4, 2026. The state site carries the official law — if anything here ever disagrees with it, the state site wins. Report an error.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. + Vermont DMV
Vermont's FWC — it also maintains 180+ developed fishing access areas. Registration paperwork runs through the Vermont DMV; boating enforcement is the State Police Marine Unit and wardens.
Register a boat
Boating in Vermont — VT Fish & WildlifeAny motor-propelled vessel on public waters needs a VT Certificate of Registration and validation stickers, issued through the DMV (form VD-037). Choose 1-year or 2-year registration.
Registration fees
Fee schedule — 23 V.S.A. § 3305 (state statute)1-year / 2-year by class: under 16 ft $31 / $57 · 16–<26 ft $49 / $93 · 26–<40 ft $80 / $155 · 40 ft+ $153 / $303. Title $27 plus $14 per lien.
Boater education
Boating in Vermont — VT Fish & WildlifeBorn after Jan. 1, 1974? Every motorized boat and PWC operator must pass a boater safety course and carry the boater education card (operators 12+).
Fishing
Licenses & fees — VT Fish & WildlifeResident annual fishing (15+): $28. Youth 15–17: $8. Vermont has no saltwater license — it's a landlocked, freshwater state.
Key rules
Marine Unit — VT State PoliceAnyone under 12 wears a life jacket. NEW: Nov. 1 – May 1, everyone on an open deck of a moving boat must wear one. Within 200 ft of shore, swimmers, docks or other boats: under 5 mph, no wake. BUI starts at .08.
Fees & rules checked against the official state pages on November 4, 2026. The state site carries the official law — if anything here ever disagrees with it, the state site wins. Report an error.
MA Environmental Police + MassWildlife
Massachusetts splits it: the Environmental Police handle boat registration, titling and boating-law enforcement; MassWildlife handles fishing. A new safety-certificate law (Hanson-Milone Act) phases in from April 1, 2026.
Fee schedule — Mass.govPer 2 years: under 16 ft $44 · 16–<26 ft $66 · 26–<40 ft $88 · 40 ft+ $110. Boat title $27.50. Online renewals add a $1.50 transaction fee.
Boater education
Hanson-Milone Act FAQ — Mass.govNEW LAW: from April 1, 2026, operators born after Jan. 1, 1989 need a boater safety certificate to run a motorboat; everyone else must have one by April 1, 2028. PWC operators must be 16+ with a certificate. No penalties before Sept. 1, 2026.
Fishing
License types & fees — MassWildlifeResident annual freshwater $40 (plus a one-time-per-year $5 Wildlands Stamp on your first license; 65–69 $20; 70+ and ages 15–17 free). Saltwater permit $10 — free at 60+. Buy through MassFishHunt.
Key rules
Boating Safety — Mass.govLife jackets must be worn by kids under 12, all PWC users and waterskiers — and by canoeists/kayakers Sept. 15 – May 15. Slow, no-wake (6 mph or less) within 150 ft of swimmers, shore, launches and moored boats. BUI: .08 under MA law (per the courts' instruction on Mass.gov).
Fees & rules checked against the official state pages on November 4, 2026. The state site carries the official law — if anything here ever disagrees with it, the state site wins. Report an error.
Rhode Island Dept. of Environmental Management (DEM)
Rhode Island's FWC — DEM's Office of Boat Registration and Licensing registers boats; DEM Law Enforcement runs safety certification; DEM Fish & Wildlife runs fishing.
Register a boat
Boat Registration FAQs — RI DEMAll motorized vessels — and any boat over 12 ft — must be registered. Registration is biennial: the registration year runs March 1 through the end of February.
Registration fees
Fee schedule — RI DEMPer 2 years by length: 1–15 ft $32 · 16–20 ft $42 · 21–25 ft $66 · 26–30 ft $108 · 31–35 ft $212 · 36–40 ft $264 · 41–45 ft $316 · 46–50 ft $418 · over 50 ft $620. Boats over 30 ft can register for 1 year at half price on request. Outboard motor registration is a one-time $20.
Safety certificate
Boating Safety Certification — RI DEMBorn after Jan. 1, 1986? You need the certificate (boats over 10 hp). EVERY PWC operator needs a Rhode Island certificate, at any age — an out-of-state certificate or USCG license does not count for PWC in RI.
Fishing
Buy a license — Rhode Island Outdoors (DEM)Saltwater annual: $7 residents / $10 non-residents. ⚠ Freshwater price conflict: two DEM pages disagree ($21–$23 on the FAQ page vs $24 on DEM's fee page) — DEM's own site doesn't reconcile them, so check the live price in Rhode Island Outdoors before you buy. Fishing starts at 15 (freshwater) / 16 (saltwater).
Key rules
Boating safety rules — RI DEMEveryone on a paddle craft (kayak, canoe, paddleboard) wears a life jacket while underway — a $100 ticket if not. Kids under 13 wear one on boats under 65 ft. Engine cut-off switch required on boats 26 ft and under when on plane. BUI carries the same .08 limit as driving.
Fees & rules checked against the official state pages on November 4, 2026. The state site carries the official law — if anything here ever disagrees with it, the state site wins. Report an error.
CT DEEP + CT DMV
Connecticut splits it: DEEP runs boating safety, certificates and fishing; boat registration itself is issued by the DMV — not DEEP.
Register a boat
Boat Registration — CT DEEPAll motorboats, and sailboats 19½ ft or longer, must be registered with the DMV before launching. Registration is annual, valid until April 30 of the following year.
Registration fees
Renew a vessel registration — CT DMVThe DMV sets fees by vessel length and prints your exact fee on your renewal notice; the DMV's public pages don't publish the full dollar schedule in text — your notice (or the DMV fee schedule) is the source. We don't print numbers the state doesn't.
Safety certificate
Who Needs a Certificate — CT DEEPCT residents, CT property owners, and anyone with a CT-registered vessel need a Safe Boating Certificate to run a motorboat (or big sailboat). PWC needs Connecticut's own CPWO — CT recognizes NY, MA, NH and RI certificates for reciprocity, and a USCG license alone doesn't cover a PWC. Certificates are good for life.
Fishing
Licenses & Permits — CT DEEPResident annual (18–64): inland waters $28 · marine waters $10 · both $32. Ages 16–17 pay half; 65+ is free with annual renewal. Licenses run the calendar year.
Key rules
Life jackets — CT DEEPKids 12 and under wear a life jacket while underway (unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin). Oct. 1 – May 31, everyone on a manually propelled boat wears one. BUI starts at .08 — and since Oct. 2025 a boating suspension can hit your driver's license, and vice versa. Full rules are in DEEP's official Boater's Guide, linked from the state site.
Fees & rules checked against the official state pages on November 4, 2026. The state site carries the official law — if anything here ever disagrees with it, the state site wins. Report an error.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Maryland's FWC — DNR runs boat registration and titling itself, boating safety through the Natural Resources Police, fishing licenses, and the state's public water-access list. Trailers are registered separately with the MVA.
Register a boat
Registration & Titling — MD DNRA powered vessel used in Maryland most of the year must be registered here, through DNR Service Centers. The 2-year decal covers the calendar year it's issued plus the next, expiring Dec. 31.
Registration fees
Fees — MD DNRFlat $70 registration for ALL vessels, any length or horsepower (raised from $24 on Oct. 1, 2025 — older pages showing $24 are out of date). Title $20 · documented-vessel use decal $70 · lien filing $15 · voluntary non-motorized decal $12. Plus 5% vessel excise tax on purchase price/fair market value.
Boater education
Educational Requirement — MD DNR (NRP)Born on or after July 1, 1972? You must hold a boating safety education certificate to run any motorized vessel, and carry it while operating. The certificate never renews — it's for life.
Fishing
Fishing licenses — MD DNRResident annual: non-tidal (freshwater) $32 · Chesapeake Bay & Coastal sport fishing $15 (non-resident $22.50; resident 7-day $6). Each runs 365 days from purchase. Buy through the Maryland Outdoors portal linked on the DNR page.
Key rules
Boater safety summary — MD DNR (NRP)Kids under 13 wear a life jacket underway on boats under 21 ft (under 4s need a leg strap and headrest). Minimum-wake zones: slowest steerage speed, max 6 knots — you're liable for wake damage. Engine cut-off switch required on boats under 26 ft when equipped. BUI starts at .08.
Public launches
Boat Ramps & Water Access — MD DNRDNR's own county-by-county water-access list — the same inventory this region's ramps were built from.
Fees & rules checked against the official state pages on November 4, 2026. The state site carries the official law — if anything here ever disagrees with it, the state site wins. Report an error.
Virginia Dept. of Wildlife Resources (DWR) + VA Marine Resources Commission
Virginia's FWC — DWR administers all recreational boat titling and registration (trailer titles go through the DMV), runs boating safety and the state boating-access list. Saltwater fishing licenses run through the VMRC.
Register a boat
Boat Registration & Titling — VA DWRAny motorized vessel must be titled and registered with DWR (online, by mail, or at the Henrico HQ). Registration expires every 3 years; renewal reminders go out 45 days ahead. Trailer titles/registration are at the DMV.
Registration fees
Fees — VA DWR3-year registration by length: under 16 ft $37 · 16–<20 ft $41 · 20–<40 ft $47 · 40 ft+ $55. Title $15 · temporary registration $15 · duplicate $19. Plus 2% watercraft sales tax. (Fees rose $5 on Oct. 1, 2026 — older DWR tables showing less are stale.)
Boater education
Boating Safety Course — VA DWRAnyone operating a motorboat of 10 hp or more — and every PWC operator — must have completed a NASBLA-approved boating safety course and carry proof on board. PWC operators must be 14+.
Fishing
Licenses & fees — VA DWRResident annual: freshwater $28 · freshwater + saltwater combined $44.50 · saltwater only $17.50 (per VMRC's fee regulation). Buy via Go Outdoors Virginia. Anglers 65+ don't need a saltwater license but must register with the free VMRC Fisherman Identification Program.
Key rules
Boater's Guide — VA DWROne wearable life jacket per person, properly fitting; boats 16 ft+ also carry a throwable. Kids under 13 wear a life jacket on federal waters (most VA waters) — Virginia's own version of that rule takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. No-wake within 50 ft of docks, ramps and swimmers; slow to no-wake within 200 ft of an emergency vessel with lights on. BUI: .08, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Public launches
Public Boating Access — VA DWRDWR's boating-access directory, searchable by body of water or county/city — the state's own ramp list for Virginia waters.
Fees & rules checked against the official state pages on November 4, 2026. The state site carries the official law — if anything here ever disagrees with it, the state site wins. Report an error.
NY DMV + NYS Parks + NYS DEC
New York splits the job three ways: the DMV registers and titles boats, State Parks runs boating safety and education, and the DEC runs fishing.
Register a boat
Register a Boat — NY DMVAny boat with a motor — electric or fuel, any size — must be registered with the DMV. Registrations are issued for 3 years.
Registration fees
Fees — NY DMVPer 3 years by length: under 16 ft $22.50 · 16–<26 ft $45 · 26 ft+ $75. A $50 title fee may apply depending on the boat's age, size and prior registration.
Boater education
Brianna's Law — NYS ParksSince Jan. 1, 2025, EVERY operator of a motorized vessel — any age, including PWC — must hold a boating safety certificate (Brianna's Law). You can take the course from age 10; the certificate is good for life.
Fishing
Fishing Licenses — NYS DECResident annual freshwater $25 (ages 16–69; $5 at 70+), valid 365 days from purchase. Saltwater: a separate marine fishing registration is required — and it's FREE. Buy/register through DEC's DECALS system.
Key rules
Boating safety — NYS ParksKids under 12 wear a life jacket on boats under 65 ft (unless in an enclosed cabin). Nov. 1 – May 1, EVERYONE wears one on any pleasure boat under 21 ft — canoes and kayaks included. BUI starts at .08.
Fees & rules checked against the official state pages on November 4, 2026. The state site carries the official law — if anything here ever disagrees with it, the state site wins. Report an error.
NJ Motor Vehicle Commission + NJ State Police Marine Services + NJDEP Fish & Wildlife
New Jersey splits it too: the MVC handles registration, titling and the non-tidal boat license; the State Police Marine Services Bureau runs boating laws and safety; NJDEP Fish & Wildlife runs fishing.
Register a boat
Boating: registration & licensing — NJ MVCBoats used on NJ waterways must be titled and registered with the MVC (listed exemptions include out-of-state boats here under 180 days). Title within 10 working days of purchase or a $25 penalty applies. The MVC's pages don't state a renewal period — the state statute frames the fees per year.
Registration fees
Fee chart — NJ MVCPleasure boats: under 16 ft $12 · 16–<26 ft $28 · 26–<40 ft $52 · 40–<65 ft $80 · 65 ft+ $250. Duplicate registration $5. Title is separate: $60 ($85 if financed).
Safety certificate
Boating Safety Certificate — NJ State PoliceA NJ Boating Safety Certificate (State Police–approved course) is required to operate a power vessel. On NON-tidal waters you ALSO need an MVC boat license ($18, age 16+) — an endorsement on your driver license/ID; it does not replace the certificate.
Fishing
Saltwater Registry — NJDEP Fish & WildlifeSaltwater: there is NO NJ saltwater license — the Saltwater Registry is free and required for anglers 16+ in marine/fresh-tidal waters. Freshwater: resident annual $22.50 (ages 16–64) + $10.50 trout stamp where needed — as printed in NJDEP's Freshwater Fishing Digest (2024 edition; NJDEP's site did not confirm a newer price in this check, Nov 4, 2026).
Key rules
Equipment checklist — NJ State PoliceKids 12 and under wear a life jacket on board (enclosed cabin excepted) — up to a $250 fine. NEW: Nov. 1 – May 1, everyone on a boat under 26 ft wears one while underway, paddle craft included. BUI starts at .08.
Fees & rules checked against the official state pages on November 4, 2026. The state site carries the official law — if anything here ever disagrees with it, the state site wins. Report an error.
Delaware DNREC — Division of Fish & Wildlife
Delaware's FWC — DNREC's Division of Fish & Wildlife runs boat registration, boating safety and fishing from one department.
Register a boat
Boat Registration — DNRECAll motorboats (including electric) must be registered if Delaware is the state of principal use — at DNREC's Dover office or an authorized agent. Registration can be issued for 1 year at a time, up to 3 years.
Registration fees
Fee schedule — Delaware Code §2113Per year by class: under 16 ft $20 · 16–<26 ft $40 · 26–<40 ft $60 · 40–<65 ft $100 · 65 ft+ $120. (Schedule as written in the Delaware Code; DNREC's own pages don't reprint it.)
Boater education
Boating Safety — DNRECBorn on or after Jan. 1, 1978? You must complete a boating safety course before operating a motorized boat or PWC on Delaware waters. PWC operators must be 14+ with course proof.
Fishing
Fishing Regulations — DNRECOne annual license covers ALL Delaware waters — fresh and salt — plus crabbing and clamming, and it auto-issues your FIN number. DNREC's pages don't print the resident price — check the live price in Digital DNREC before you buy; we don't print numbers the state doesn't.
Key rules
Boating Safety — DNRECKids 12 and under wear a life jacket; everyone on a PWC wears one, and anyone being towed wears one. NEW: from January 2026, engine cut-off switch links are required on certain smaller boats. BUI: .08 under Delaware Code Title 23.
Fees & rules checked against the official state pages on November 4, 2026. The state site carries the official law — if anything here ever disagrees with it, the state site wins. Report an error.
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC)
Pennsylvania's FWC — registrations and titles are issued exclusively by the Fish & Boat Commission, which also runs boating safety and fishing.
Register a boat
Register a Boat — PFBCAll powered boats must be registered when used. Unpowered boats (canoes, kayaks, SUPs) don't need registration generally — but they must be registered OR carry a launch permit to use PFBC and DCNR state park/forest accesses. Registration covers a 2-year period.
Registration fees
Fees — PFBCPer 2 years: unpowered $22 · motorboat under 16 ft $26 · 16–<20 ft $39 · 20 ft+ $52 (plus a $1 agent fee / $0.97 transaction fee). Launch permits for unpowered boats: $12 for 1 year, $22 for 2 years.
Boater education
Boating Safety Education Certificate — PFBCA PFBC Boating Safety Education Certificate is required for ALL PWC operators, and for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1982 running a boat over 25 hp. The certificate is good for a lifetime.
Fishing
Buy a Fishing License — PFBCResident annual (16–64) $27.97 — that's the all-in price including the $1 agent + $0.97 transaction fees. Trout permit $14.97 and Lake Erie permit $9.97 where they apply. No PA saltwater license: Delaware River/Estuary anglers after shad, stripers or river herring register free with the National Saltwater Angler Registry.
Key rules
Life Jackets — PFBCKids 12 and under wear a life jacket underway on all paddle craft and boats 20 ft or less. Nov. 1 – Apr. 30, everyone wears one on canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and boats under 16 ft. Boats 16 ft+ carry a throwable. BUI starts at .08.
Fees & rules checked against the official state pages on November 4, 2026. The state site carries the official law — if anything here ever disagrees with it, the state site wins. Report an error.