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Vessel registration

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Registering a boat

If you wish to operate any boat with an engine used (or capable of being used) for propulsion in Victorian waters the boat must be registered and in a seaworthy condition. Registration is required to be renewed every 12 months.

To register the boat you must :
  • make an appointment with VicRoads on 13 11 71 (Mon-Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm, Sat 8.30am - 2.00pm) to register the boat
  • provide identifying details of the boat and the owner, and
  • pay the appropriate fees (unless specifically exempt).
A boat can be registered in the name of a person who is twelve years old or more, or in the name of a corporation or incorporated body only. Joint names or unincorporated bodies are not acceptable.

Information you need to provide
To register a boat you must complete the Vessel Registration form with:
  • name and address of the registered operator
  • boat type and colour
  • hull manufacturer's name and construction material
  • overall length and breadth
  • engine number, make and type (inboard or outboard)
  • engine fuel type and power units
  • previous registration number (if any)
A boat inspection is not required but the boat must be in a seaworthy condition.

Evidence of Ownership
When you apply to register a boat you will need to prove ownership. You can do this by providing:
  • previous registration papers in the same name from any state in Australia, or
  • a contract of sale from a licensed dealer, or
  • a receipt from the last owner of the unregistered boat.


How do I assign a Club Identification Number to my boat?

If you are a member of an approved club and wish to assign a club identification number to your boat, your club must give you a letter allocating the number to your boat. This letter must accompany your application in order to issue a club assigned number.

Evidence of Identity
You will need to provide your current Australian photographic boat operator licence or driver licence. For a company the Australian Company Number (ACN) must be provided. If you cannot provide a licence you will need to bring
original evidence of identity documents.



How do I authorise another person to register my boat on my behalf?

If you are unable to attend a VicRoads office can appoint an agent to act on your behalf. The letter of authority must show your name, address, licence number and details of the transaction required, as well as the representatives name and licence number.

The representative will also need to provide evidence of identity. Company boat registrations must have a letter of authority written on company letterhead.



Where do I find information on boat registration fees?

To register a boat, the fee you will need to pay will depend on the length of the boat. There are two categories:
  • boats 4 metres in length or less
  • boats over 4 metres in length
Refer to boat registration fees, for information on fees for each boat category.

An application to register a boat can be processed by:
  • attending a VicRoads office. You can pay by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
  • mailing the application and payment (cheque or money order) to: VicRoads, GPO Box 1644, Melbourne 3001.


What happens after I have paid the registration fee?

A registration certificate and label with the assigned boat identification number will be provided to you. The label must be kept fixed in a clearly visible position on the outside or upper portion of the boat.



Where do I display my boat identification number?

The boat identification number must be painted or displayed on the hull of the boat on each side of the bow as high as practicable above the waterline in characters that are:
  • no less than 150 millimetres high; and
  • in proportionate breadth; and
  • coloured in contrast to the surface on which they are displayed.


Boats exempt from registration

Some boats do not need to be registered, refer to boats exempt from registration for more information