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Register a boat or jet ski

Learn how to register a boat or jet ski in Victoria and what you'll need.

Steps to register

A boat or jet ski (vessel) or e-foil that can use an engine for propulsion in Victorian waters needs to be registered and be seaworthy.

After registering, you then need to renew your registration every 12 months.

Keep in mind that the trailer you use to tow your vessel will need to be registered separately. Learn what's required to register your trailer.

You don’t need to register a vessel if: 

  • it doesn’t have an engine that can propel it
  • it is a recreational tender
  • it is a domestic commercial vessel (used for commercial, government or research activity)
  • it is a kayak or canoe that has an electric motor of no more than 40 pounds' thrust (1 horsepower or 750 watts) and is operated at no more than 5 knots. For examples of exempt kayaks, visit Safe Transport Victoria.

An interstate vessel also doesn’t need to register in Victoria, if:

  • it will be temporarily operating in Victorian waters (under 3 months)
  • it’s registered in another State or a Territory (or is exempt from registration in the State or a Territory where the owner resides)
  • the vessel displays an identifying mark or number issued by the interstate authority. 

If you’re not sure whether or not your vessel needs to be registered, check with Safe Transport Victoria.

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    Step 1: Check you’re eligible

    • You must be at least 14 years old, or a company or incorporated association.
    • Your vessel must be in a seaworthy condition.
    • You must register your vessel if you plan to live in Victoria for a continuous period of more than 3 months.
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    Step 2: Prepare your paperwork

    Registering a vessel requires some paperwork. You don’t need to visit us, unless you want to – you can send your application by post.

    You’ll need:

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    Step 3: Post your application or make an appointment

    To submit your application via post you must have a Victorian driver or marine licence or a VicRoads customer number. 

    You can pay the registration fee with a cheque or money order and post it along with your completed registration form to:

    VicRoads
    GPO Box 1644
    Melbourne VIC 3001

    You can also call us and make an appointment to attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

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    Step 4: Display your registration label and identification number

    We’ll give you a registration certificate and label with the assigned vessel identification number (registration number), either by post or at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

    You need to display the registration label in a clearly visible position on the outside or upper portion of the vessel.

    You’ll also need to get vessel identification numbers for your vessel. The vessel identification number must be displayed on each side of the hull of the vessel, forward of the beam, so that the highest part of each digit starts at a point no more than 75 millimetres (25 millimetres for personal watercraft) below the gunwale and:

    • no less than 150 millimetres high (100mm for personal watercraft, 80mm for an e-foil)
    • in proportionate breadth
    • coloured in contrast to the surface on which they are displayed.