CONCORD – The state Department of Safety’s Division of Motor Vehicles is reminding boaters that, starting on Jan. 1, all boats registered in New Hampshire must display a secondary decal indicating payment to boat on the state’s waterways.

Registrants will receive two sets of decals that must be displayed on each side of the bow. The new decals are reflective and round. Registration decals will remain reflective and square.

Due to a recent Coast Guard audit finding, the new method of boat fee collection requires a yearly boat decal to accompany registration decals, therefore requiring each boat registered in New Hampshire to display two separate decals. The addition of a secondary decal is a requirement of House Bill 1304.

HB 1304 modifies the procedure for registration of vessels by requiring the issuance and display of a boat decal for the payment of boat fees. Both decals can be purchased at the time of registration.

Renewal notices for the 2025 season have already been mailed out. Boaters who are interested in renewing by mail should follow the instructions contained within the notices. Boaters can also obtain new or renewal registrations in person at any DMV branch location.

Boaters may also visit an authorized boat agent, including many city and town halls and local marinas, to process boat registrations. Boaters who are renewing in person should bring their signed renewal notice, along with their photo identification. Additional fees may apply.