Iowans will be registering about 235,000 boats between now and April 30, using a new system that has a new look and includes registration information, title and decals on one document.

Boat registrations are handled by the County Recorder’s office in the county where the owner resides while non-residents who register their boat in Iowa will go to the county where the boat is primarily used.

Guthrie County Recorder Jacki Sloss advises boat owners to bring their current registration with them when they renew.  Sloss explains the new system requires additional information, much of which is on the current registration including make, model, model year, hull identification number, boat length, width and more

Owners who purchased a boat from a private seller and are registering it in their name should bring the signed registration and to make sure the title is signed over to them, if applicable Sloss added.

Boat registrations are good for 3 years with fees going to support water trails, navigation enforcement, aquatic invasive species, boater education and safety, and for the new registration system.

For more information, contact the Guthrie County Recorder’s Office at 641-747-3412.