Boaters Required To Display New Decal Effective Jan. 1, 2025

CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reminding boaters that, starting in the new year, all boats registered in the State of New Hampshire must now display a secondary decal indicating payment to boat on New Hampshire’s waterways. 

Beginning with the 2025 season, registrants will receive two sets of decals that must be displayed on each side of the bow. The new decals are reflective and round. Registration decals remain reflective and square.
 
Due to a recent Coast Guard audit finding, the new method of boat fee collection requires a yearly boat decal to accompany registration decals, therefore requiring each boat registered in the State of New Hampshire to display two separate decals. The addition of a secondary decal is a requirement of House Bill 1304, which becomes effective Jan. 1, 2025.

HB 1304 modifies the procedure for registration of vessels by requiring the issuance and display of a boat decal for the payment of boat fees. Both decals can be purchased at the time of registration.

Renewal notices for the 2025 season have already been sent via U.S. Mail. Boaters who are interested in renewing by mail should follow the instructions contained within the notices. Boaters can also obtain new or renewal registrations in person at any DMV branch location. Appointments can be made online.

Boaters may also visit an authorized boat agent, including many city and town halls and local marinas, to process boat registrations. Boaters who are renewing in person should bring their signed renewal notice, along with their photo identification. Additional fees may apply. 

Additional information regarding boat registrations is available on the New Hampshire DMV website.