Navigating Frenchville Waters with Proper Registration
As the allure of Frenchville’s waters calls to boaters and water enthusiasts, ensuring your watercraft is properly registered is key to a carefree aquatic adventure. In Frenchville, we make the registration process straightforward, so you can focus on the joys of boating.
Registration Validity Period
Boat and watercraft registrations are valid from January 1 through December 31 every year. Remember to register any motorized watercraft to comply with state regulations.
Documents Needed for Watercraft Registration
For re-registrations:
- Your previous registration document, or
- The registration number from your boat or the last registration sticker number and year if the previous registration is unavailable.
Online renewal is available for your convenience with a 2.5% processing fee applied by the card processing company.
For new registrations:
Dealer Sale:
- Bill of sale showing sales tax paid, including details like year, make, model, length, and horsepower.
Private Sale:
- A comprehensive bill of sale detailing year, make, model, length, horsepower, and VIN. If already registered in Maine, include the ME registration number.
For Non-Residents:
- Boats moored, docked, or located in Maine for more than 75 days must be registered locally.
- Non-Maine registered watercraft used less than 75 days require a lake & river protection sticker, purchasable online at the link below for $45 or at select agents across the state. For more sticker information contact MDIFW at (207) 287-8000.
Displaying Your Registration
Your registration number and stickers must be prominently displayed on each side of the bow of the boat in a contrasting color. Ensure the number is at least 3 inches high in vertical block characters, and place the lake and river protection sticker approximately 3 inches behind the validation sticker, above the waterline. (Title 12, Section 13058)
Maine Boating Regulations and Resources
For a thorough understanding of Maine’s boating laws, as well as information on safety courses and registration requirements, visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Their resources are invaluable for ensuring you’re knowledgeable, compliant, and well-prepared for your time on the water.
Please be mindful that introducing invasive aquatic plants into Maine’s waters is illegal. Check and clean your watercraft thoroughly before launch. (Title 12, Section 13068-A).
For questions or assistance with boat and watercraft registration, please contact the Frenchville Town Office.
