Your State's Boating Regulations

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

All undocumented motorboats principally used in New Mexico must be numbered in new Mexico.  Motorboats already numbered under the approved numbering system of another state can use New Mexico waters for a period of 90 consecutive days before New Mexico numbers are required.  Larger boats (generally 32 feet) can be documented.   Check with the Coast Guard for more information.

Apply for your certificate of number at your local New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division on approved forms.  The Certificate of Number is valid for a period of three years and expires on December 31st of the third year.  The registration fees are as follows:

Length Fee
Less than 16 feet $28.50
16 feet to less than 26 feet $36.00
26 feet to less than 40 feet $43.50
40 feet to less than 65 feet $51.00
65 feet and over $66.00
Duplicate Registration $5.00

To register your boat for the first time you must pay a five percent excise tax on the sale price of the vessel.  Taxes paid in other states will be credited and trade-in values will be credited.

All motorboats registered in New Mexico with an owner living in New Mexico must also obtain a New Mexico title.  The application must be made on approved Division forms.  The titling fee is $10.00.

Upon approval and payment of all fees, you will be issued a certificate of number indication the boat's number.  The certificate must be available on the boat whenever the boat is used.


HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:

All boats built since 1972 must have a Hull Identification Number (HIN) permanently attached to the transom on the starboard side, above the waterline.  this number is like the serial number on a car.  A new regulation in 1984 requires this HIN to be permanently attached in a second, unexposed location.  Record your number, and keep it in a safe place away from the boat; it may assist you in identifying your boat should it be stolen. Also, it will be necessary to have the HIN to number your boat in most states.

Proper Display of Boat Numbers
  1. The figures are to be read from left to right.
  2. They must be displayed on the forward half of each side of the bow of the boat.
  3. Numbers must be in bold, block letter of good proportion.
  4. Numbers must be not less than three inches high.
  5. They must be of contrasting color to the boat hull or background.
  6. They must be as high above the waterline as practical.
  7. No number other than the number assigned can be displayed on the forward half of the vessel.
  8. Letters must be separated from the numbers by spaces or hyphens.
  9. Validation decals must be displayed within six inches of the number.