Boat Registration & Licensing

Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp

All resident and non-resident boaters are required to pay a fee to fund programs aimed at combating aquatic invasive species.

Boaters who register their motorized watercraft in Nebraska are required to pay $5 in addition to their three-year boater registration fee. Boaters who register their motorized watercraft in any other state will be required to obtain a $15 Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp each year that they boat in Nebraska. This stamp is available for purchase online. A temporary stamp may be purchased at some state parks and recreation areas.

What must be registered

All vessels powered by any mechanical device capable of propelling the vessel over any public or private waters of Nebraska, including the Missouri River and Lewis and Clark Lake, must be registered, except the following:

• Motorboats registered in another state and housed in Nebraska less than 60 consecutive days
• Vessels owned by any government or political subdivision
• Racing-type motorboats when competing in state-approved races and during trial runs (48 hours prior to and after competition)
• Vessels documented by U.S. Coast Guard

New registrations and renewals

Registration may be obtained only from the county treasurer in the boater’s county of residence. Boat owners may renew registration with the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles or their county treasurer’s office.

Length of registration

Nebraska motorboat registrations are issued for three-year periods, expiring on Dec. 31 of the third year. No motorboat may be operated after that date without the registration being renewed.

Registration Classifications and Fees