Boat Registrations

~~2023 Boat Decals Now Available~~

What boats need to be registered?

A registration is required on all boats with motors of any type and sailboats twelve (12) feet in length and up.  Sailboats under twelve (12) feet in length, rowboats and canoes powered by sail, oars, paddles or other human power are exempt from registration requirements.

All boats made after 1972 must have 12 digits in the Hull Identification Number.  If there are more or less than 12 digits, you must call Marine Patrol at 293-2037 to arrange for an inspection.  They will give you a boat "No Vin" verification form which you need to take to a sub-station (located in Nashua or Manchester) to obtain a proper 12-digit hull number.  This must be completed prior to registering your boat.

Boat Registration Renewals:

If your boat was previously registered in the State of New Hampshire, a renewal registration will be mailed to you, which you may bring to the Town Clerk's office for completion and payment of fees.  There is a $5.00 boat agent fee to renew your boat in Merrimack.  By renewing your boat here, all local fees are kept in Merrimack for the town's use.  If you mail your renewal to the State, the state retains the local fees.

All boat registrations expire on December 31st of the current year.

New Boat Purchase:

You will need to present a bill of sale signed by both the seller and purchaser.  The bill of sale must containing all pertinent information on the boat; i.e. hull identification number, model year, make, type of fuel, length, etc.  A boat registration will be completed based upon this information.  Fees for the Town and State will be collected based on the year, make and length of the boat.