NH Boaters Required to Display Secondary Hull Decal

All registered boats in New Hampshire need 2 decals in 2025.

Placement of new stickers.

Starting January 1, 2025, all boats registered in the State of New Hampshire must display the standard registration decal plus a secondary “validation” decal indicating payment of boat fees to operate a boat on New Hampshire waterways. In 2025, registered boaters will receive two sets of both decals that must be displayed on each side of the bow. The new validation decal is reflective and circular, while the registration decal remains reflective and square. There are no additional fees for the new sticker.

Sample of decal size.

Due to a recent Coast Guard audit finding, the state’s new method of boat-fee collection requires a yearly payment validation decal to accompany the registration decal, therefore requiring each boat registered in New Hampshire to display two separate decals. The addition of the 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 obtained at the time of registration.

Renewal notices for the 2025 season have already been sent via U.S. mail. New Hampshire boaters can renew their registration online, by mail, or in person at a DMV branch. Appointments can be made online. Boaters renewing in person should bring their signed renewal notice, along with their photo identification. Additional information regarding boat registrations is available on the New Hampshire DMV website.