Boat registration

[flybyy1]

Just moved here permanently from Mississippi, did the dr license change, ran all over hot springs , assessing(take this form there, then come back here for tag) now I guess I need to register boat- trailer tag , any hints, advice, warnings you folks care to share
gene

[apdriver]

Usually the Revenue Dept. does cars and boats. You have to assess first. It’s done at the same office just a different desk. Then go to the license desk. You’ll need a Title, might have to prove residency. Call the revenue department and ask. Save you all that running around. They’ll tell you exactly what you’ll need. So congrats on moving over. I used to work in the Cleveland/Greenville area a bunch of years ago. Also a DSU graduate.

[jignjeff]

Be prepared to also show a good picture or a pencil etching of the hull ID number as well. Arkansas requires that as well.

[RFSims]

Be prepared to also show a good picture or a pencil etching of the hull ID number as well. Arkansas requires that as well.

This, trailer title or registration, assesment, proof of liability insurance.

[Okie Poke]

Welcome to Arkansas!

[flybyy1]

Usually the Revenue Dept. does cars and boats. You have to assess first. It’s done at the same office just a different desk. Then go to the license desk. You’ll need a Title, might have to prove residency. Call the revenue department and ask. Save you all that running around. They’ll tell you exactly what you’ll need. So congrats on moving over. I used to work in the Cleveland/Greenville area a bunch of years ago. Also a DSU graduate.

thanks guys!
apdriver, that’s my stomping ground, I have a flying service on 448 between Cleveland and Greenville,
old river rat!

[jeffie]

In Hot Springs, Albert Pike location the Assessor does not have a deck in the Revenue office, (unlike Little Rock),

[apdriver]

thanks guys!
apdriver, that’s my stomping ground, I have a flying service on 448 between Cleveland and Greenville,
old river rat!

I think I know where that is. Sounds like you might be retiring? If so, congrats on making through a challenging and dangerous occupation. I took the high and fast route. I have a year to go. Just turned 64.

[gip50]

Registering a boat and trailer can definitely be hard, especially when dealing with different requirements depending on the state. I remember going through similar steps when I registered mine, title, insurance, and even providing the hull ID verification. It felt like running in circles from one office to another. Calling ahead definitely saved me some headaches.


If you're looking for a smoother process in the future, some folks go through Montana registration because of the state’s tax benefits. It can be a cost-effective option, especially for things like boats and RVs. There are boat registration options that can be worth considering.

[lugbolt]

don't get sucked into the out of state registration. It seems good on paper, as they want it to--but the Arkansas DMV will give you a fit. I went through this before with a vermont registration. Vermont doesn't issue titles on vehicles over 15 years old, and the rest of the country is supposed to recognize a vermont registration as a title. Apparently Arkansas does not, but would not provide any legal reasoning as to why. That became a nightmare to register the car in arkansas.....

As said you need to assess. That is done in your county's assessor's office. You need the vin for the trailer, boat, and outboard if they ask you for it. You can do it over the phone and have them email you a copy of your assessment with the boat/trailer listed. Once you have that, if your boat is over 50hp, you will need liability insurance. Once you have the assessment and insurance (if over 50hp), you take your paperwork AND a pencil rubbing OR a digital picture of the HIN (hull ID number) to the "revenue office" and get your trailer tag and boat registration. If you moved from out of state, make sure you have your current Arkansas address listed.

You can call the revenue office OR visit the dmv.arkansas.gov site and they'll fill you in as to what you will need.

I will say this. Arkansas is a lot easier to do this than other states. And it's also not that expensive compared to other states...That Montana thing, they try to charge you $49/year for their "service", and it's less expensive to do it yourself in person. Although, going to the revenue offices at the beginning or end of the month can be a pain. Get there when they open, it's a lot easier, less crowded. Especially the Monday following the time change (like today 3/10).