How to Register Your Boat With the Lake George Park Commission
Bringing your boat to Lake George? Get your questions answered below regarding registration with the Lake George Park Commission.
Does Your Boat Have to be Registered?
New York State law requires that every vessel that is mechanically propelled by a motor with 10 h.p. or more, or is 18 feet or greater in length, must register with the Lake George Park Commission, receive a sticker, and then display it on their boat. All of this must happen before you launch on Lake George.
If you have questions about whether or not your boat requires a registration sticker, you may contact the Park Commission at 518-668-9347.
What You Need to Register Your Boat
In order to register your boat with the Lake George Park Commission, you will need to provide your name, address, make, model, and color of the vessel, your New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) registration number*, and berthing location.
*Please Note: In New York State, you do not need to register a boat without a motor. However, if your boat uses a motor (electric or fuel-driven), then you must register it with the NYS DMV. The only exceptions are:
- A lifeboat
- A boat registered in another state and not kept in New York State for more than 90 consecutive days
- A commercial boat with U.S. or foreign documentation
- A boat racing in a competition
Here's the boat registration application »
Types of Boat Registration Stickers
The Lake George Park Commission offers three types of boat registrations: one-day, week-long, and annual (good for one year).
One-Day Boat Registration Sticker:
The one-day boat registration sticker is available for $12, regardless of the type or size of the vessel. These registrations expire at midnight of the effective date.
Week-Long Boat Registration Sticker:
The week-long boat registration sticker is available for $20, regardless of the type or size of the vessel. These registrations expire at midnight, seven days following the effective date.
If you will be berthing, using, or operating a vessel on Lake George for 21 consecutive days or more, then you must purchase an annual registration. Any registration fees you have already paid for the year may be applied toward the annual registration fee. This must be done by mail or in person at the Commission’s office.
Annual Boat Registration Sticker:
The cost to purchase an annual boat registration sticker varies and is based on the length of the vessel and whether or not it’s equipped for overnight (a bed or bunk and sanitary facilities).
The boat length is determined by measuring the distance from the foremost part of the bow to the aftermost part of the stern; this excludes bow pulpits, swim decks, engines, props, brackets, etc. You will receive your vessel’s length from your state boat registration.