Do I Need To Register My Canoe In Delaware?

Delaware does not require registering a canoe or kayak, but it is important to note that non-motorized kayaks do not need registration. However, if a canoe has a trolling motor or Delaware is a registration-only state, proof of ownership is required for registration.

Canoe and kayak license requirements vary depending on the craft’s type, with non-motorized kayaks not requiring registration but those with trolling motors. A personal floatation device is required for each person on a kayak or canoe. Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is illegal in Delaware, including alcohol. No fee or permit is required to launch unpowered boats at NJFW access points on the Delaware River.

Several authorized liveries rent canoes, kayaks, and rafts, which include transportation, basic river orientation, paddles, and life jackets. Free shuttle service is available. To operate a vessel legally on public waters in Delaware, a Delaware Certificate of Number (registration) and validation decals are required. Non-motorized vessels must be registered.

To obtain a Delaware boating license, an approved boater safety course and knowledge of DE boating laws are required. Delaware law requires all motorboats, including those powered by electric motors, to be registered. Some vessels are exempt from this requirement, such as those using PFBC.

To register a boat in Delaware, proof of ownership can be provided in the form of a bill of sale, previous registration, or title. The Delaware flag may be hidden by unscrupulous registration practices, but it is essential to follow the rules and regulations to ensure safe and enjoyable boating in Delaware.

Can a non-resident register a boat in Delaware?

A: All motorized boats/vessels operated by Delaware residents on Delaware waterways must be registered. Non-resident boats/vessels using the waters of Delaware for principal use over 60 days and non-residents owning a boat docked and/or stowed in waters of Delaware for over 60 days must be registered in Delaware. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) or one of DNREC’s authorized agents handle boat registrations in Delaware.

Q. Who is responsible for titling and registering my boat trailer?

A: The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles the titling/registering of all trailers. Delaware law requires the titling/registering of all trailers operating in Delaware. DMV will allow the titling/registering of trailers for individuals who are not bonafide residents of Delaware if the owner provides documented proof of ownership of a residence in Delaware and signs an affidavit indicating the trailer will remain in Delaware at all times. The Forms Section of this site contains a Non-Resident Affidavit (MV725). The Vehicle Title and Registration Section of this site provides information on titling/registering requirements in Delaware.

Why do people register boats in Delaware?

Why Registration is Important. Registration numbers provide identification for the return of stolen or found boats. Registration also helps locating persons involved in boating accidents, identifying vessels requesting assistance, and helps identify vessels violating the law. Registration fees are used to fund resource protection, educational programs, access areas and their maintenance, and fund safety patrols.

When a vessel is in use, the vessel’s registration card must be on board. Boaters stopped by Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police who do not have a valid registration card on board may be issued a ticket. It is the responsibility of the vessel’s operator (not the owner) to be sure the vessel is registered, has all required safety equipment, and that it is being operated in a safe manner.

More Information. A vessel must be registered in its “State of Principal Use.” That is the state on whose waters the vessel is used or to be used most during a calendar year. Delaware regulations state that if the vessel is to be used, docked, or stowed on the waters of this State for over 60 consecutive days, Delaware is its “State of Principal Use.”

Why do I need to register in Delaware?

Benefits of Incorporating in Delaware. Tax Benefits. The most famous reason Delaware has attracted the eye of corporations across the world is the lenient taxes imposed by the state. Corporations registered in Delaware that do not do business in the state do not pay corporate income tax. Delaware also does not have a sales tax, investment income taxes, inheritance taxes or personal property taxes. While companies do have to pay a franchise tax to register in Delaware, this can be pennies compared to the income tax other states would charge. Nationwide companies that do conduct business in Delaware can still skirt the in-state income tax by establishing subsidiary or shell companies that hold various intangible assets but do not directly run business operations.

Privacy. As with registering a business in most states, companies must assign a registered agent who maintains a physical address to be the official address and to receive mail and collect paperwork. Unlike most states, however, in Delaware, the registered agent is the only name that must be disclosed in association with the company. Other officers and directors are not required to disclose their names, allowing an extra degree of anonymity. Because of this lack of reporting, officers, directors and shareholders are also not required to maintain residency in Delaware.

Expediency and Simple Structure. Delaware brags about same-day business filings. Often, the incorporation process can take less than an hour to complete. To make things even easier, Delaware law allows only one person to hold numerous positions in the company such as the role of officer, director and even shareholder. In other states, this can often only be accomplished with sole proprietorships or LLCs.

Do documented vessels need to be registered in Delaware?

No, they do not. USCG documented vessels are exempt from state registration in Delaware. For more information, vessel owners can contact the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.

Vessel owners can use this link to apply for their initial boat documentation.

Does Delaware require vehicle registration?

New Delaware residents must title and register their vehicle within 60 days of establishing residency. Before registering, you will need: Proof of Delaware auto insurance. Proof of passing vehicle inspection.

Do I need to register a canoe in Delaware?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Delaware, you must have a Delaware Certificate of Number (registration) and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on public waters. The only exceptions are:

• Non-motorized vessels
• Vessels registered in other states using Delaware waters for 60 days or less
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

Do I need to register a kayak in Delaware?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Delaware, you must have a Delaware Certificate of Number (registration) and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on public waters. The only exceptions are:

• Non-motorized vessels
• Vessels registered in other states using Delaware waters for 60 days or less
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

Does a canoe need to be registered in Delaware?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Delaware, you must have a Delaware Certificate of Number (registration) and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on public waters. The only exceptions are:

• Non-motorized vessels
• Vessels registered in other states using Delaware waters for 60 days or less
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

Do I need to register my kayak in Delaware?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Delaware, you must have a Delaware Certificate of Number (registration) and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on public waters. The only exceptions are:

• Non-motorized vessels
• Vessels registered in other states using Delaware waters for 60 days or less
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

Is a boat license required in Delaware?

Do you need a Boating License in Delaware? Any motorized boat operator born after January 1, 1978, is required by Delaware law to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

Official Delaware Boating License Online. Take this Delaware–approved online boating course to complete your boaters safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police.

Sign Up. Getting started is easy, simply sign up for a Boat Ed student account, pay for the official, state-approved course, and visit your student dashboard.

Study & Pass at Your Own Pace. Take the course on any desktop, tablet or mobile device, and don’t worry about completing everything in one sitting. We save your progress after each lesson!

What equipment is required on a boat in Delaware?

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDS). A PFD must be worn by a child 12 years old or under while aboard a vessel which is underway. All PWC riders and anyone being towed must wear a PFD. Current regulations require all vessels to carry a wearable PFD for each person onboard. A throwable PFD is also required on vessels, excluding those less than 16′. The Office of Boating Safety & Education suggests all vessels carry a throwable with a line attached for casting, and that you wear your life jacket as it is meant to be worn, and at all times.

Alcohol. Just as drinking and driving don’t mix, drinking and boating are a dangerous combination. Sun, glare from the water, constant boat motion and boat vibration all contribute to boater fatigue. Add alcohol consumption and those problems are compounded. Additionally, alcohol affects balance and muscle coordination, causes tunnel vision and slows reaction time. It also affects reasoning and increases the tendency to take risks. Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and could result in fines up to $1,000 for first offense and/or up to 60 days in jail. A blood alcohol content of 0.08 or greater constitutes being under the influence.

Registration, Numbering and Marking of Undocumented Vessels. Vessels equipped with any type of motor must be registered in Delaware if principally used (a period of more than 60 days) in this State. The registration card or valid temporary registration card must be on board when the boat is in use. For further information on boating registration call The Office of Boat Registration at: 739-9916 OR visit de.gov/boatreg.