Boundarywaters

     The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is located in the state of Minnesota.  In Minnesota all personal watercraft must be registered in order to be used on public waters.  If you want to bring your canoe to the BWCA then your canoe must be registered either in your own state or in the state of Minnesota. 

     Unfortunately the Minnesota DNR hasn't made registering online an option for watercraft registration unless you are renewing a current registration. You can find information about registration online.

Where to apply:

In person at any deputy registrar of motor vehicles (where you license your car) or at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN.  On your way up to the Gunflint Trail you can stop at Isaak Hansens in Lutsen, MN.

If your new boat (except kayaks or canoes) is longer than 16', your dealer will apply for title and registration (license) on your behalf, and is responsible for providing you with license materials.

When you register your boat for the first time, know its length, manufacturer, type of hull material (wood, metal, or plastic), type of propulsion, model, year, serial or hull identification number (HIN) and have a sales receipt that shows you have paid the sales tax.

Length is the straight-line distance from the foremost part of the boat (bow) to the rearmost part of the boat (stern). Bowsprits, outboard motor brackets, rudders and other attachments are not included in the measurement.

Boat registrations are good for 3 calendar years (for example 1/1/2003 through 12/31/2005).

Issuing fee If new, renewal & transfer or transfer only: $8.50