Vessel Registration Requirements

  • Any charter vessel operating in fresh or salt water in Alaska must register with ADF&G.
  • Registrations can be completed at your local ADFG area office, or for remote operators, by contacting the Guide Registration and eLogbook Programs at 907-267-2369 or dfg.dsf.guides@alaska.gov.
  • Vessels will be issued:
    • 2 annual year stickers
    • 2 large oval decals (if needed - designed to last 3-4 years)
    • A backup/transcription logbook (if operating in saltwater)
    • A temporary (14 day) registration form to operate while ADFG processes your application.
  • Vessel decals and year stickers must be clearly displayed on each side of the vessel. Decals and year stickers do not have to be permanently affixed to the vessel; they can be placed on Plexiglas or plywood for easy placement and removal.

State of Alaska Vessel Registration:

  • All vessels (powered and unpowered) that are used to provide sport fish guided activities in Alaska for more than 90 days must have a current AK number issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles prior to becoming registered with ADF&G. Vessels that have a unique USCG Documentation Number do not have to have an AK number. See 5 AAC 75.077 for details.
  • The only exemption to the AK number or unique USCG Documentation Number are single person flotation tubes.
  • Please contact the Guide Registration and eLogbook Programs if your business has questions pertaining to registering vessels with ADFG or the State of Alaska.
  • Summary of the (DMV) State of Alaska vessel registration requirements.