Gunkhole Registration and Titling Requirements in Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania's Boat Registration Requirements

Pennsylvania'due south gunkhole registration requirements stipulate that to legally operate a motorized boat (including boats with trolling motors), you must obtain a Pennsylvania Document of Gunkhole Registration (registration card) and validation decals. The Document of Number must be carried on board and exist bachelor for inspection by an enforcement officer during boat operation.

Additionally, human-powered craft (such every bit canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, rowboats, etc.) must be registered or have a launch permit issued past the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Committee (PFBC) or the Agency of State Parks in order to legally operate on Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) lakes, state parks, or access areas.

The Certificate of Number and validation decals are valid for a period of two years and expire on March 31st, of the second year. They may be obtained by submitting an application and fee to:

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

Licensing and Registration Section

P.O. Box 67000

Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000

Pennsylvania's Boat Titling Requirements

Boat titling (proof of ownership) is required for:

  • Motorized boats with inboard engines (regardless of length)
  • Motorized boats with outboard engines that are 14 feet or more in length with a model year of 1997 or newer
  • PWCs with a model year of 1997 or newer

Registration Number and Decal Placement:

  • The numbers must be applied every bit a decal, painted or permanently affixed to each side of the boat's bow (boat owners are non permitted to brandish whatsoever other numbers in this area).
  • The numbers must be in bold block letters that are at least iii inches high and in a color that contrasts with the colour of the boat.
  • The numbers must exist separated from the letters by a hyphen or by an equivalent infinite.
  • The numbers must be read from left to right.
  • Validation decals must be affixed on both sides of the gunkhole, placed within 6 inches from and exist in line with, the registration number.
  • These placement requirements also apply to personal watercrafts (PWCs).

Notation:

Documented vessels, equally well every bit kayaks, sculls, sailboards and other low-volume boats of similar design, are exempt from the display of numbers, but they must display the validation decal. Inflatable boats may carry their numbers and validation decal on boards lashed to each side of the bow. Canoes are not exempt and must display the numbers and the decal.