As the weather is getting nicer, boats are being registered, and we are getting more calls for assistance. Below are a few of the most commonly asked questions by Municipal Boat Agents regarding boat registrations, along with their respective answers.

• Do all boats need to be registered in New Hampshire? Yes. If it has a motor, and will be operated on the public waters of New Hampshire.
• Are boats titled in New Hampshire? No.
• What is the difference between a HIN (Hull Identification Number) and Bow Number? The HIN is a unique, 12 digit number that is assigned by the boat manufacturer. The Bow number consists of eight characters, and is assigned the first time the boat is registered in New Hampshire. 
• How does my customer obtain a HIN? When there is no HIN present for any vessel regardless of year manufactured, a Verification of Vessel Identification (RDMV690) – completed by a NH Law Enforcement Agent only – is required, and the owner must take this completed form and their bill of sale to a substation or the State office.
• How does my customer obtain a Bow Number? Bow numbers are auto-generated in the Avitar Clerk software during the registration process.
• How do I register a Personal Water Craft (PWC ex. Jet Ski, Sea-Doo)? In Avitar Clerk, on the registration screen, you will use the following information:
  • MAKE = MISC for Miscellaneous
  • STYLE = PWC for Personal Water Craft
  • PROP = IB for In Board Propeller

If you are currently not an Authorized Boat Agent, please contact the Agent Help Desk to schedule the Online MAAP boat class training. Follow the link for more information from DMV on Boat Registrations.

For more helpful tips, please bookmark our FAQs page and check back frequently as we are continually updating.