07/17/2026
ATV Reg's. Until new 2026 stickers arrive, please re-register online: https://apps1.web.maine.gov/online/atv_snow/index.htm
BOAT online Re-registration: https://apps1.web.maine.gov/online/boat/
It’s that time of year when many of you are getting ready to register your boat and/or watercraft. Title 36: Taxation, Part 2: Property Taxes, Chapter 112: Watercraft Excise Tax gives us definition for when its required: A. If the watercraft is owned by an individual resident of Maine, the excise tax shall be paid to the municipality where the owner resides. B. If the watercraft is owned by an individual who is a nonresident of this State or by a partnership or corporation, domestic or foreign, the excise tax shall be paid to the municipality where the watercraft is principally moored, docked or located or has its established base of operations. C. Documented boats still have excise tax (only) due with the Municipality of owner if Maine resident or where boat/watercraft is used/moored if non-resident
Non-Maine registered watercraft that are properly registered in another state and display a valid registration do not need to be registered in Maine, provided the watercraft is not kept in Maine for more than 60 consecutive days after a change in the state of principal use. However, these watercrafts are still required by law to have a Lake and River Protection Sticker if being used in fresh water
EXAMPLES: A resident of Maine who has their primary residence in Augusta but possesses additional cabins, houses, and/or rental units throughout Maine with each of these locations having a watercraft, must ensure that every watercraft is registered in the municipality of their primary residence, which, in this case is Augusta. If a nonresident of Maine owns multiple homes in this state and each one has a watercraft, that person would be required to register each watercraft in the municipality it is moored, docked, or located.
EXEMPTIONS FOR STATE REGISTRATIONS:
1. Watercraft required to have a valid marine document as a watercraft of the United States.
2. Military or public watercraft, except recreational type watercraft of the United States
3. A ship's lifeboat
4. Motorboats from another country which are not within Maine over 60 consecutive days
Maine law imposes an excise tax on certain watercraft. See 36 M.R.S.A. §§ 1501-1506. If the excise tax is not paid, the municipal tax collector may file a lien in the Registry of Deeds in the county where the watercraft owner resides. If the watercraft owner is a nonresident of Maine or is a partnership or corporation, the lien is filed in the county where the watercraft is principally moored, docked or located or has its established base of operations or in the Secretary of State’s office. 36 M.R.S.A. § 1504.
This online service allows you to register your ATV and Snowmobile with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Following your payment, you will receive a temporary registration form to print for immediate use. Your official registration and stickers will arrive at the shipping addres...
