In Minnesota, boat owners must apply for registration to get a watercraft license to legally operate their vessel.^[1] Excluding non-motorized watercraft that are 10′ or shorter, all boats must be registered in Minnesota.^[2] If the boat is 16′ or more in length and not otherwise exempted, titling is also required.^[3]

To apply for a license, the buyer will need to do the following^[4]:

1. Get the boat’s Certificate of Title from the seller with the assignment portion filled out, naming the buyer.^[5] If the vessel is a non-titled watercraft, a Boat Bill of Sale will be required.
2. Complete the Watercraft Title and Registration Application with the seller (both parties must sign). If the vessel is a non-titled watercraft, the universal registration form should be completed.
3. File the application and Certificate of Title or Boat Bill of Sale at a deputy registrar of motor vehicle’s office or the DNR License Center (see address below). They will be required to present a valid ID and pay the title, registration, and other fees. Applications may also be sent, with payment, to the DNR License Center at the following address:

DNR License Center
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN