Get a Temporary Boat Registration

Boat owners get temporary registration in Georgia while waiting for an approval decal in the mail.

Temporary boat registration status takes place immediately after your registration or renewal application is approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Your temporary boat registration remains active for 60 days while you are waiting for a new registration card and decal to arrive.

How Do I … Get a Temporary Boat Registration?

  • Gather What You’ll Need

    • Approved boat registration application -OR- an approved boat registration renewal application
    • Credit or debit card for payment

  • Get a Temporary Boat Registration

    You can get your temporary boat registration online, by phone, or by mail.

    • Online
      1. Visit the DNR Vessel Registration and Renewal portal
      2. Log in or create a new account
      3. Complete your registration or renewal application
      4. Temporary registration starts when application is approved
    • By phone
      1. Call DNR at 1-800-366-2661
      2. Complete your boat registration or renewal application
      3. Credit or debit card must be used for payment via phone
      4. You will receive a temporary authorization number after your application is approved
    • By mail

      Mail a completed registration or renewal application with payment to:

      Georgia Department of Natural Resources
      P.O. Box 934943
      Atlanta, GA 31193-4943

      Make checks or money orders payable to GEORGIA DNR. Cash is not accepted for payments.

      A copy of your application and payment is your proof of temporary registration until you receive your official registration card and boat decal in the mail.

  • Next Steps

    You will receive a new registration card and decal in the mail within 7 to 14 business days after your registration or renewal application is approved.

    To use your temporary boat registration, you must keep a copy of one of the following items in possession while the boat is being operated:

    • Copy of mailed application and payment
    • Online registration or renewal receipt
    • Temporary authorization number (if application done by telephone)

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division About

Primary

2067 US Highway 278 SE
Social Circle, GA 30025
United States

Open now
  • Sunday:
  • Monday - Friday:
  • Saturday:
All in Eastern Time Zone
Main Number
(706) 557-3333
Toll Free
(833) 557-3303
Game Management
(706) 557-3350
Fisheries Management
(706) 557-3305
Law Enforcement
(770) 918-6408
Wildlife Conservation
(706) 557-3213
Game Check Assistance
(800) 366-2661
Ranger Hotline
(800) 241-4113

More Resources

Related Services

Did you find what you were looking for on this page?