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Boat registration in Germany and Europe: the complete list

Boat registration works differently in every country. Even within Germany, the rules depend on the water you are on. This is the complete list: every registration mark and register in Germany, the rules of the German states and the boat registers across Europe. Each entry names the issuing authority, the format of the mark and the official source.

Registration marks in Germany

Which mark your boat needs depends on the water: federal inland waterways, the coast, Lake Constance or waters run by the states. On the federal waterways you can choose between the official mark from the WSA (Waterways and Shipping Office) and the International Certificate for Pleasure Craft.

Official registration mark (amtliches Kleinfahrzeugkennzeichen)

Applies to

Federal inland waterways (where the Inland Waterways Regulations apply, plus the Rhine, Moselle and Danube).

Who needs it

German small craft under 20 m hull length. Exempt are, among others, boats with engines up to 2.21 kW, purely human-powered boats, sailing boats up to 5.50 m without an engine, and tenders. These may carry a mark but do not have to. Personal watercraft always need an official mark.

Issued by

WSA (Waterways and Shipping Office, Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt).

Format

First one or more letters for the issuing WSA. They follow the district code used on German car number plates for the office's seat. Then a hyphen, followed by letters and digits. The only nationality sign is "D".

Display

On the outside of both sides of the bow or stern, or on the transom. Latin letters and Arabic numerals, at least 10 cm high. Light on dark or dark on light, permanent. Only one German mark per boat.

Papers on board

Registration card for the mark (Ausweis, form annexed to the ordinance). Original or certified copy on board.

Fees

€29.70 for allocation including the card. €14.85 for a replacement or amendment. Interchangeable mark €29.70.

Legal basis

Small Craft Marking Ordinance for Inland Waterways (KlFzKV-BinSch) of 21 February 1995, sections 1, 2, 4, 6–9; last amended by Art. 7 of the ordinance of 14 October 2025 (BGBl. 2025 I No. 242). Fees: BMDV-WS-BGebV, items 301–303 (last amended 7 September 2026).[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
International Certificate for Pleasure Craft (ICP, German: Internationaler Bootsschein, IBS)

Applies to

Replaces the official mark on federal inland waterways. Not valid for personal watercraft.

Who needs it

Voluntary. An alternative to the official WSA mark for boats that must be marked (engine over 2.21 kW, sailing boat over 5.50 m). Applicants must be 16 or older. Open to Germans living in Germany or abroad, foreigners with a permanent residence in Germany, and companies based in Germany.

Issued by

ADAC, German Motor Yacht Association (DMYV), German Sailing Federation (DSV).

Format

The ICP number, followed by the issuing association's letter: A = ADAC, M = DMYV, S = DSV.

Example

123456-A

Display

As for the official mark: on both sides or on the stern, at least 10 cm high, high contrast, permanent.

Papers on board

The ICP itself serves as the registration card.

Fees

ADAC: new certificate €29 (members) / €35; amendment, duplicate or renewal €24 / €27. DMYV (application form dated 19 November 2018): new certificate €22 (club members) / €27; renewal, amendment or change of owner €20. DSV (June 2026): new application €20 (registered cruising sailors) / €25; according to the 2024 form, renewal, change of owner or amendment €18.

Legal basis

Section 5 KlFzKV-BinSch (officially recognised marks), section 8(2) (the ICP counts as the registration card). Basis of the ICP: UNECE Resolution No. 13.[8][5][9][10][11][12][13][14]
Register number and flag certificate as a mark

Applies to

Federal inland waterways.

Who needs it

A voluntary alternative for boats entered in the inland or sea-going ship register, or holding a flag certificate.

Issued by

Inland and sea-going ship registers: local courts (Amtsgerichte). Flag certificate: Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) as flag authority.

Format

Inland ship register: register number from the ship's certificate with the letter "B". Sea-going ship register: IMO number or call sign, if assigned. Flag certificate: certificate number with the letter "F".

Display

As for the official mark (section 2(3) KlFzKV-BinSch).

Papers on board

Ship's certificate (Schiffsbrief or Schiffszertifikat) or flag certificate on board.

Fees

Flag certificate: €107 for issue, renewal or replacement.

Legal basis

Section 4(2) and section 6 KlFzKV-BinSch; Ship Register Regulations (SchRegO), sections 3, 10; Flag Act (FlRG), section 3.[4][15][16][7]
Maritime waterways (Seeschifffahrtsstraßen)

Applies to

Maritime waterways.

Who needs it

A marking requirement like the inland one exists only for personal watercraft. Other pleasure craft carry their name and home port.

Issued by

Flag certificate: BSH. Sea-going ship register: local court (register court). Personal watercraft mark: the WSA at the berth or place of business.

Format

No mark for pleasure craft. Germans living in Germany fly the German federal flag.

Display

With a flag certificate: home port on the stern, boat name anywhere, clearly visible and fixed. With a ship's certificate: name on both sides of the bow and on the stern, home port on the stern. The home port must be a municipality on navigable water.

Papers on board

Flag certificate (up to 15 m hull length, voluntary) or ship's certificate (sea-going ship register).

Fees

Flag certificate €107.

Legal basis

Flag Act (FlRG), sections 3, 4, 9; Ship Register Regulations, section 10; fee: BMDV-WS-BGebV.[5][6][17][18][19][16][7]
Personal watercraft (jet ski)

Applies to

Federal inland and maritime waterways. Banned on Lake Constance.

Who needs it

Every personal watercraft. Exempt are marked water rescue craft of non-profit organisations.

Issued by

WSA (Waterways and Shipping Office). At sea, the WSA at the berth or place of business.

Format

Official mark as for small craft (WSA letters, hyphen, letters and digits). ICP marks are not allowed.

Display

Inland as set out in section 2(3) KlFzKV-BinSch.

Papers on board

Registration card for the mark.

Fees

Inland €29.70 (item 301 BMDV-WS-BGebV). Mark under section 4(2) SeeSpbootV: €29.70.

Legal basis

Section 2(5) KlFzKV-BinSch; section 4 Maritime Pleasure Craft Ordinance (SeeSpbootV), last amended 25 March 2025 (BGBl. 2025 I No. 100).[3][20][5][7][21]
Hire boat mark (Vermietungskennzeichen)

Applies to

Inland: inland waterways. Sea: maritime waterways.

Who needs it

Commercial hirers of pleasure craft. Inland: every hire boat needs a mark under KlFzKV-BinSch or a hire boat mark.

Issued by

Inland: WSA (Waterways and Shipping Office). Sea: the licensing authority.

Format

Inland: WSA letters, hyphen, number of the boat certificate, letter "V". Sea: district code of the licensing authority and a number it assigns.

Display

Inland as set out in section 2(3) KlFzKV-BinSch. Sea: on the outside of the bow, stern or transom, at least 10 cm high, high contrast. Inside: name and seat of the hirer and the maximum number of persons.

Papers on board

Boat certificate (Bootszeugnis).

Legal basis

Section 7 Inland Pleasure Craft Hire Ordinance (last amended 14 October 2025, BGBl. 2025 I No. 242); section 8 SeeSpbootV.[22][23][4]
Lake Constance mark (Bodensee)

Applies to

Lake Constance including the Untersee and the Rhine down to Schaffhausen.

Who needs it

All craft, including sailing boats without an engine. Exempt are unpowered boats under 2.50 m as well as SUPs, windsurf boards, kiteboards, paddle boats and racing rowing boats without an engine. These carry the owner's name and address. A licence is required for all motorised boats (including electric) and for sailing boats with an engine or with sleeping, cooking or sanitary facilities.

Issued by

Navigation offices of the district offices (Landratsämter) of Bodenseekreis (Friedrichshafen), Konstanz and Lindau.

Format

District code, hyphen, digits.

Example

FN - 1234

Display

On both sides, clearly visible. Latin letters and Arabic numerals, at least 8 cm high, light on dark or dark on light.

Papers on board

Licence certificate (Zulassungsurkunde) for boats that need a licence, or boat ID card (Bootsausweiskarte) for registered boats that do not. Documents on board.

Legal basis

Lake Constance Navigation Regulations (BSO), Art. 1.06, 2.01, 13.11a–c, 13.15, 14.01; revised version in force since 1 April 2022.[24][25][21]
Boats without a marking requirement

Applies to

Federal waterways.

Who needs it

Boats below the thresholds, e.g. canoes, SUPs, sailing boats up to 5.50 m without an engine, engines up to 2.21 kW.

Format

No mark. Instead, a name or motto plus the owner's name and address.

Display

Name on the outside, at least 10 cm high. Owner's name and address inside or outside. Windsurf boards are exempt.

Legal basis

Section 2.02 Inland Waterways Regulations (BinSchStrO).[5][26]

Rules of the German states

On lakes and rivers that are not federal waterways, state law applies. Some states require their own mark. Others adopt the federal rules or only ask for the owner's name and address.

Bavaria

Who needs it

A mark is required for craft that need a licence (motorised, except electric boats), for electric boats, and for sailing boats with an auxiliary engine or with sleeping, cooking or sanitary facilities. Format: code of the district authority and an identification number. At least 8 cm high, on both sides. An official mark from a federal or state authority or an appointed body meets the requirement. Applies on all surface waters except Lake Constance and the federal waterways.

Issued by

District authority (district office or independent city).

Legal basis

Bavarian Navigation Ordinance, sections 1, 19, 29.[27][28][29]
Baden-Württemberg (High Rhine)

Who needs it

On the High Rhine between Neuhausen and Rheinfelden, every craft needs an official mark on both sides. Exempt are unpowered boats under 2.50 m as well as surfboards, paddle boats, kayaks and racing rowing boats without an engine; they carry the owner's name and address. Marks from other German or foreign authorities are accepted.

Issued by

"Competent authority", not named in the ordinance.

Legal basis

Ordinance on navigation on the Rhine between Neuhausen and Rheinfelden of 29 July 1991, section 11.[30][31]
Brandenburg

Who needs it

Official mark for small craft with an engine over 2.21 kW and sailing boats over 5.50 m. Format: up to three letters for the district or independent city, hyphen, no more than five digits. Official or officially recognised marks from the federal government, the states or appointed associations meet the requirement. Fee €30.

Issued by

District or independent city.

Legal basis

State Navigation Ordinance (LSchiffV) of 25 April 2005, section 34; last amended 23 April 2026.[32][33]
Saxony-Anhalt

Who needs it

On state waters, every craft needs the prescribed marking, even when moored. Official mark: "ST", hyphen, five digits. Boats with a mark under the federal ordinance do not need a state mark.

Issued by

State Administration Office (Landesverwaltungsamt).

Legal basis

State Navigation and Port Ordinance (LSchiffHVO) of 25 June 2009, section 14 (version checked: as of 12 October 2013).[34]
Saxony

Who needs it

No mark of its own. On state waters the federal marking ordinance (KlFzKV-BinSch) applies accordingly. The State Directorate allocates official boat marks and hire boat marks.

Issued by

Saxony State Directorate (Landesdirektion Sachsen).

Legal basis

Saxon Navigation Ordinance, section 1(2) no. 7, section 2(3); last amended 21 May 2026.[35][36]
North Rhine-Westphalia (Ruhr)

Who needs it

On the Ruhr, small craft must be marked under the rules of KlFzKV-BinSch. The Düsseldorf District Government allocates official marks. Federal and ICP marks are also valid. For smaller waters such as quarry lakes, cities or districts usually have their own rules.

Issued by

Düsseldorf District Government (Bezirksregierung Düsseldorf).

Legal basis

Ruhr Navigation Ordinance (RuhrSchVO), section 6, as of 22 July 2024.[37][38]
Berlin

Who needs it

No state mark of its own. On state waterways, small craft need a mark under the federal ordinance (official or ICP) with proof on board, unless they are exempt.

Issued by

Navigation police authority (Senate Department); allocation under federal law.

Legal basis

Berlin State Navigation Ordinance of 27 April 1998, section 5; last amended 4 March 2019.[39]
Thuringia

Who needs it

State law only regulates commercial passenger and cargo transport. These craft carry "TH" and a serial number on both sides of the bow. Water sports, hire and training boats are exempt.

Issued by

Thuringia State Administration Office.

Legal basis

ThürSchiffFloßVO of 12 June 2012, sections 1, 3(4), 10.[40]
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Who needs it

No separate marking requirement found. On state waters, section 2.02 BinSchStrO applies accordingly: without a mark, the name on the outside (at least 10 cm) and the owner's name and address.

Issued by

Lower water traffic authorities.

Legal basis

Water Traffic Ordinance M-V of 22 April 2010, section 15 (version checked: up to 11 August 2023).[41]
Lower Saxony (Dümmer, Steinhuder Meer)

Who needs it

Without a registered mark: boat name and club name on the outside, or alternatively the jetty or berth number. Exempt are, among others, surfboards and boats without sails or with up to 6 m² of sail area.

Issued by

Diepholz District (Dümmer), Hanover Region (Steinhuder Meer).

Legal basis

Dümmer and Steinhuder Meer Ordinance of 16 March 2007, sections 8, 22 (reading version 2013).[42]
Bremen

Who needs it

No state mark. On waters within the city outside the federal waterways, every craft carries its name and home town (for pleasure craft, where it is kept). Boats marked as on the federal waterways need nothing further.

Issued by

Water authority, water police.

Legal basis

Ordinance on traffic with watercraft in the city of Bremen outside the federal waterways of 19 February 1954, section 4.[43]
Schleswig-Holstein (Wakenitz, Ratzeburg lakes)

Who needs it

Name plus the owner's name and address as under section 2.02 BinSchStrO. Hire boats also show the hirer and the maximum number of persons. Exempt are, among others, boats with a registration number from the district of Herzogtum Lauenburg.

Issued by

Lower water authorities of Lübeck and Herzogtum Lauenburg.

Legal basis

State ordinance on the Wakenitz and the Ratzeburg lakes of 25 January 2000, section 8.[44]
Hamburg (Alster)

Who needs it

Motorised traffic on the Alster only with a permit, and only to a very limited extent for pleasure craft. Permits are for craft clearly marked with a name. No separate marking system.

Issued by

Competent authority (not named).

Legal basis

Alster Navigation Ordinance of 3 January 2006, sections 2, 5.[45]
Rhineland-Palatinate

Who needs it

Apart from the federal waterways, no waters are designated as navigable. Boating on non-navigable waters needs a permit from the upper water authority.

Issued by

Upper water authority.

Legal basis

Section 42 Rhineland-Palatinate State Water Act.[46]

Boat registration in Europe

This is how European countries register and mark the boats of their residents. Countries for which we could not retrieve an official source are left out on purpose.

Austria Belgium Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Latvia Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey United Kingdom

Austria

Required

Who needs it

A licence is required for craft on the waters listed in section 99 SchFG (public flowing waters and the waters in Annex 1). Exempt are, among others, rowing boats up to 20 m, sailing boats up to 10 m (up to 15 m without superstructure), electric boats under 4.4 kW and tenders (section 101(1) SchFG). Boats with a combustion engine always need a licence.

Issued by

The governor (Landeshauptmann or Landeshauptfrau) of the federal state of residence for boats up to 20 m; the federal ministry (BMIMI) from 20 m.

Format

Official mark, assigned with the licence (section 104(1) SchFG). The Lower Austria information sheet refers to an "NÖ mark" and shows a sample.

Example

N-39093

Display

On both sides of the bow, plus a third mark visible from above (a plate is allowed). Height 150 mm, stroke width 20 mm (Lower Austria information sheet, as of January 2026).

Papers on board

Licence certificate (Zulassungsurkunde); it counts as an official decision and the original must be carried on board (section 103 SchFG).

Visiting boats

Pleasure craft licensed abroad do not need an Austrian licence if there is a foreign licence certificate or an International Certificate for Pleasure Craft (IBS) and the person in charge lives abroad. Without CE marking, this applies for no more than three months per calendar year (section 101(1) no. 2 and (3) SchFG).

Legal basis

Austrian Shipping Act (Schifffahrtsgesetz, SchFG), BGBl. I No. 62/1997 as amended, sections 99–104; version retrieved from RIS on 8 November 2026.[47][48]
Belgium

Required

Who needs it

Pleasure craft from 2.5 m hull length on Belgian inland waters and/or the Belgian sea; personal watercraft regardless of length. Exempt are, among others, kites, surfboards, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and beach toys.

Issued by

FPS Mobility and Transport, DG Shipping, Registratie pleziervaart service.

Register

Register of Belgian pleasure craft.

Format

"IN" (zones 0–3 only, inland waters), "C" (commercial), "S" (sailing boat without engine or cabin up to 6.5 m), which can be combined; then "B" and six digits (Art. 2.20 § 1 Royal Decree of 28 June 2019).

Display

Inland waters, under 20 m: number 10 cm high amidships or at the stem, on both sides; 20 cm if the boat can go faster than 20 km/h under power. Sea and inland, under 20 m: 10 cm; from 20 m: 20 cm. Plus name and home port. Light on dark or dark on light (Art. 2.20 §§ 3–5).

Papers on board

Registratiebrief (registration letter); digital since April 2026 as a PDF with QR code; must be on board.

Fees

Private use €63, small sailing boats ("kleinzeilerij") €38, renewal without changes free of charge (FPS, 2026). Base amount in the Royal Decree €50 or €30, indexed annually (Art. 2.3).

Legal basis

Royal Decree of 28 June 2019 on pleasure navigation, Art. 2.1–2.20 (last amended by Royal Decree of 18 December 2025, in force 23 January 2026).[49][50][51]
Croatia

Required

Who needs it

Brodica (small boat): hull length over 2.5 m up to 15 m or engine power over 5 kW; exempt are, among others, canoes, kayaks, gondolas, pedal boats, surfboards and pure racing boats (Art. 4 Pravilnik NN 13/2020). A brodica may only be used with a valid upisni list (Art. 5).

Issued by

Harbour master's offices (lučke kapetanije) and their branch offices, as well as the ministry (Art. 5 Pravilnik NN 131/2023).

Register

Upisnik brodova (single register for all sea-going craft).

Format

Two letters for the port of registry plus an identification number (NIB). Private: port before number; commercial: number before port; public: prefixed with RH (Art. 60 NN 131/2023).

Example

PU 123456

Display

On both sides of the free part of the bow, otherwise clearly visible on both sides of the superstructure (Art. 91(1)). Characters at least 10 cm high, in proportion to the boat's size (Art. 91(2)). Light on dark or dark on light (Art. 86(1)).

Papers on board

Upisni list after a technical inspection; provisional upisni list for up to 30 days (Art. 42 Pravilnik NN 13/2020).

Legal basis

Pravilnik o brodicama, čamcima i jahtama (NN 13/2020), Art. 4, 5, 42; Pravilnik o vođenju upisnika brodova, najvišoj dopuštenoj starosti i tehničkim uvjetima za upis u upisnik brodova (NN 131/2023), Art. 5, 60, 86, 91.[52][53]
Czech Republic

Required

Who needs it

Small craft with a total mass over 1,000 kg including load, with an engine over 4 kW or with a sail area over 12 m² (section 14(3), section 15a(3) Act 114/1995 Sb.).

Issued by

Plavební úřad (State Navigation Administration, Státní plavební správa).

Register

Rejstřík malých plavidel (register of small craft).

Format

Assigned registration mark (evidenční označení).

Display

On the outside of both sides near the bow, in clearly legible, indelible Latin letters at least 10 cm high; light on dark or dark on light (section 9(1) Vyhláška 67/2015 Sb.). Unregistered small craft carry the name of the operator or owner.

Legal basis

Act No. 114/1995 Sb. on inland navigation, section 14, section 15a (current version 1 November 2026); Vyhláška 67/2015 Sb. (Pravidla plavebního provozu), section 9.[54][55]
Denmark

above threshold

Who needs it

Registration in the Danish Ship Register is only required from 20 GT. Pleasure craft under 20 GT cannot be registered there.

Issued by

Søfartsstyrelsen (Danish Maritime Authority, ship register).

Register

Dansk Skibsregister in the Digital Ship Register (DSRG).

Legal basis

Søloven (Merchant Shipping Act); Bekendtgørelse nr. 35 of 13 January 2023 om registrering af skibe, sections 3 no. 21, 103–109.[56][57]
Estonia

Required

Who needs it

Small craft (väikelaev, 2.5 to 24 m, leisure or sport) and vessels under 12 m must be entered in the traffic register or the ship register; jet skis in the traffic register (MSOS § 35¹(1)). Applies to persons resident or based in Estonia; not required if the boat is registered in another state (§ 35¹(2)).

Issued by

Transpordiamet (Transport Administration; inspection before registration).

Register

Liiklusregister (traffic register) or ship register.

Display

Registration number on both sides of the hull or on both sides of the superstructure, parallel to the sheer line, clearly visible. Height 80 to 200 mm, stroke width 1/7 of the height (Transpordiamet, Abiks paadimehele 2026).

Papers on board

Väikelaeva registreerimistunnistus (small craft registration certificate).

Visiting boats

No entry needed if the boat is registered in another state (§ 35¹(2)).

Legal basis

Meresõiduohutuse seadus (Maritime Safety Act, MSOS) § 35¹; regulation Väikelaeva, alla 12-meetrise kogupikkusega laeva ja jeti registreerimise eeskiri.[58][59]
Finland

Required

Who needs it

Sailing and motor boats from 5.5 m hull length or with a rated engine power from 15 kW; also personal watercraft and other motorised watercraft.

Issued by

Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Liikenne- ja viestintävirasto).

Register

Liikenneasioiden rekisteri (transport register, watercraft).

Format

The letter P and a number of at least five digits; L for boats in the Tenojoki area, E for commercial trial marks.

Display

On both sides, clearly visible while under way. Characters at least 7.5 cm high, stroke at least 1.5 cm; spacing between digits at least 2 cm; gap between letter and digits 4–10 cm; high contrast. Plate rectangular, at least 12 cm high (Traficom, as of 24 August 2026).

Papers on board

Rekisteröintitodistus (registration certificate).

Legal basis

Laki liikenteen palveluista (320/2017); Vesiliikennelaki (782/2019); Traficom regulation "Vesikulkuneuvon rekisteröinti" of 29 November 2024.[60][61][62]
France

Required

Who needs it

Sea: every French pleasure craft used at sea must be registered with a DML within the DDTM (enregistrement). Inland waters: required from 5 m length or from 4.5 kW (6 CV); voluntary below that for boats from 2.5 m.

Issued by

Sea: Délégation à la mer et au littoral (DML) within the DDTM. Inland: the service instructeur (e.g. DDT/DDTM, DRIEA).

Register

Sea: enregistrement (since 2022, merging immatriculation and francisation). Inland: inscription or immatriculation.

Format

Inland: number preceded by the initials of the service instructeur. Sea: Arabic numerals and Latin letters.

Example

AJ B52181; DZ 292 722

Display

Sea, motor boats: number in capital letters on both sides of the hull or on the superstructure; under 7 m at least 4 cm high, 7–12 m at least 7 cm, over 12 m at least 12 cm. Interior mark of 1 cm at the helm required since 1 January 2012. Personal watercraft at least 4 cm. Light on dark or dark on light. Inland: number on the hull or on a permanently fixed plate, required only over 5 m.

Papers on board

Sea: certificat d'enregistrement (titre de navigation); replaces the carte de circulation and the acte de francisation, old documents remain valid. Inland: carte de circulation (digital since 12 August 2019).

Fees

Online procedures on demarches-plaisance.gouv.fr are free of charge. The annual TAEMUP tax (formerly DAFN) is separate.

Legal basis

Code des transports Art. D5111-5, -7, -8; Arrêté of 8 April 2009 (marques d'identification, sea); Arrêté of 15 October 2009 (inland: registration and marks); Arrêté of 21 December 2007 (titres de navigation, inland).[63][64][65]
Greece

Required

Who needs it

Private pleasure boats are entered in a ship register or in the books for small craft (Vivlia Engrafis Mikron Skafon). After that, they must be entered in the AADE electronic register within 60 days (Art. 2(4) Law 4256/2014 as amended by Art. 51 Law 4569/2018).

Register

Electronic register for tourist vessels and small craft at the AADE (Independent Authority for Public Revenue).

Fees

Entry in the e-register: €75 for private pleasure boats, €500 for commercial ones (Art. 51 Law 4569/2018).

Legal basis

Law 4256/2014, Art. 2, amended by Art. 51 Law 4569/2018.[66]
Hungary

Required

Who needs it

Since 17 January 2022, craft under 7 m in length, under 10 m² sail area or with no more than 14.7 kW (20 hp) count as a "boat" (csónak) and do not need to be registered. Above that, a small vessel (kishajó) with register entry and technical inspection.

Issued by

Budapest Főváros Kormányhivatala, Országos Közúti és Hajózási Hatósági Főosztály (Hajóüzem Biztonsági és Regiszteri Osztály).

Register

Kishajó-lajstrom (small vessel register).

Format

Official register sign and number (lajstromjel és szám).

Display

On the outside of the hull, clearly legible and indelible, Latin letters at least 10 cm high (Hajózási Szabályzat Art. 2.02).

Papers on board

Hajólevél (ship's certificate) as proof of registration and seaworthiness.

Fees

Fees under Decree 3/2025 (I.31.) ÉKM.

Legal basis

Act 2000. évi XLII. (Vkt.) § 87 no. 3; Government Decree 198/2000 (XI.29.) (Lajstromrendelet); NFM Decree 57/2011 (XI.22.) (Hajózási Szabályzat), Art. 2.02.[67][68][69]
Ireland

above threshold

Who needs it

No general national registration requirement for pleasure craft is in force. On the Shannon Navigation (including the Shannon-Erne Waterway) and the Erne System, all boats must be registered with Waterways Ireland; exempt are open, undecked boats under 15 hp (Shannon) or 10 hp (Erne). Grand Canal, Royal Canal, Barrow: permit system.

Issued by

Waterways Ireland (Inspectorate) for the inland waterways.

Register

Craft registration with Waterways Ireland.

Fees

Registration with Waterways Ireland is free (Special Marine Notice No. 1 of 2026). Combined mooring and passage permit for the canals €126.

Legal basis

Shannon Navigation Bye-Laws 1992 (S.I. 80/1992); Canals Act 1986 (Bye-Laws) 1988 (S.I. 247/1988); Lough Erne Navigation Bye-Laws 1978.[70][71][72][73]
Italy

above threshold

Who needs it

Navi da diporto (over 24 m) and imbarcazioni (over 10 up to 24 m) are entered in the ATCN (Art. 15(1), Art. 3). Natanti (up to 10 m) and personal watercraft are exempt from registration, the licenza di navigazione and the safety certificate; voluntary registration is possible, in which case the rules for imbarcazioni apply (Art. 27(1), (2)).

Issued by

Sportello telematico del diportista (STED); provisional licence via the STED (Art. 23).

Register

Archivio telematico centrale delle unità da diporto (ATCN).

Format

The licenza di navigazione shows the registration number and sigla (Art. 23).

Papers on board

Licenza di navigazione (Art. 23). A provisional licence is valid for no more than six months.

Legal basis

Legislative Decree of 18 July 2005 no. 171 (Codice della nautica da diporto), Art. 3, 15, 23, 27.[74][75][76][77]
Latvia

Required

Who needs it

Must be registered with the CSDD: personal watercraft; open motor boats over 2.5 m with an engine over 3.7 kW; cabin boats (kuteri) over 2.5 m; rowing boats with an engine up to 3.7 kW; special craft (point 2). Other rowing boats are voluntary, unless the municipality or the owner of the water requires it (point 3).

Issued by

Ceļu satiksmes drošības direkcija (Road Traffic Safety Directorate, CSDD).

Register

CSDD register of watercraft; pleasure boats in the Latvijas Kuģu reģistrs follow their own rules (MK 201/2008).

Format

State registration number; plate type under standard LVS 413:2002 (points 6, 6.1).

Display

Number on both sides at the front of the bow, painted or stuck on; on request the CSDD issues two identical stickers or stencils (points 6.1, 14).

Papers on board

Reģistrācijas apliecība (registration certificate), with no expiry date (points 6 to 8).

Visiting boats

Foreigners without Latvian residence papers can register a boat for up to six months (point 18).

Legal basis

MK noteikumi Nr. 213 (25 March 2008), version from 1 January 2019, points 2, 3, 5, 6, 14, 18.[78][79]
Luxembourg

Required

Who needs it

Registration (immatriculation) is required from 7 m hull length, with a habitable cabin or over 7.35 kW (10 hp). Smaller sailing and motor boats without a cabin and under 7.35 kW: identification as a small craft. Luxembourg nationals and residents may only use registered or identified boats.

Issued by

Commissariat aux affaires maritimes (CAM).

Register

Register of pleasure navigation (Luxembourg flag).

Papers on board

Registration certificate (no more than 5 years) or identification certificate (5 years).

Fees

Identification and duplicates €24 each. Registration is subject to a fee, the amount is stated in the CAM's acknowledgement of receipt; plus an annual levy to the Customs and Excise Agency.

Legal basis

Law of 23 September 1997 regulating pleasure navigation; Ministerial Regulation of 24 December 1997; Grand-Ducal Regulation of 8 October 2009.[80][81]
Malta

Required

Who needs it

Every small ship under 24 m used only in Maltese waters must be registered, including jet skis, dinghies, canoes and pedal boats (Reg. 2, 3). Exempt are vessels registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, fisheries law or in a recognised foreign register (Reg. 3(1)). Motor boats of 10 hp or more need third-party liability insurance to be registered (Reg. 5).

Issued by

Executive Director of the Authority (today Transport Malta).

Register

Register of small ships (Reg. 3(2)).

Format

Assigned letters and digits (Reg. 22).

Display

Number and mark clearly visible on the outside of the hull, in good condition. Characters at least 15.24 cm high and 7.6 cm wide, spacing at least 2 cm. Private boats black on white, hire boats white on black (Reg. 22(2), (3)). A boat without a mark is treated as unregistered (Reg. 22(5)).

Papers on board

Certificate of registry, valid for twelve months, renewable for an annual fee (Reg. 13).

Fees

Initial fee and annual fee under the First Schedule (Reg. 12).

Visiting boats

Boats registered or documented abroad are exempt if the Authority recognises the documents (Reg. 3(1)).

Legal basis

Small Ships Regulations, L.N. 183 of 2008, Reg. 2, 3, 5, 12, 13, 22.[82]
Netherlands

above threshold

Who needs it

Registration is only required for "snelle motorboten" (fast motor boats): shorter than 20 m and faster than 20 km/h, personal watercraft included. Applies on almost all inland waters; not on the Ems/Dollard, Western Scheldt, Ghent–Terneuzen Canal and Grensmaas (local rules may apply there).

Issued by

RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority).

Register

Register of fast motor boats at the RDW.

Format

One or more letters and a number (Art. 8.02 BPR). According to the RDW, possible formats are YA-12-34, 12-34-YA, 1-YA-123.

Example

YA-12-34

Display

On both sides amidships or at the bow; permanent, clearly visible, in a colour contrasting with the background. At least 150 mm high, 100 mm wide, 20 mm stroke width; for personal watercraft 100/60/15 mm (Art. 8.02 BPR; RDW). Stickers are allowed.

Papers on board

Registratiebewijs (registration certificate); must be on board when under way (Art. 8.01(2) BPR).

Fees

First registration €65.00. Replacement registratiebewijs €39.80 (RDW).

Visiting boats

According to the RDW, registration certificates from Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom are also valid in the Netherlands. People living abroad can only register in person at an RDW counter or inspection station.

Legal basis

Binnenvaartpolitiereglement (BPR) Art. 8.01–8.03, version valid from 17 June 2026; Regeling registratie snelle motorboten 1997.[83][84][85][86]
Norway

above threshold

Who needs it

Pleasure craft from 15 m must be registered in the NOR; 7 to 15 m is voluntary.

Issued by

Sjøfartsdirektoratet (Norwegian Maritime Authority, ship registers).

Register

Norsk Ordinært Skipsregister (NOR).

Legal basis

Sjøloven (Maritime Code, Act of 24 June 1994 no. 39), Chapter 2.[87][88]
Poland

Required

Who needs it

Yachts and boats for recreational fishing over 7.5 m in length or with an engine over 15 kW; fishing boats; boats used outside Poland that fly no other flag (Art. 3(1)). Exempt are racing boats with a certificate, human-powered boats and surfboards (Art. 3(2)). Voluntary below that.

Issued by

Either the starost (district) or the relevant sports association (PZŻ, PZMWiNW).

Register

Rejestr jachtów i innych jednostek pływających o długości do 24 m (REJA24 system).

Format

"POL" (sea) or "PL" (inland) plus a serial number of six letters and digits (§ 10 Regulation of 17 April 2020).

Papers on board

Dokument rejestracyjny jednostki pływającej (registration document); proof of Polish nationality (Art. 4(6)).

Fees

The fee is set by the registering body; no more than 10% of the minimum wage (Art. 27(3)).

Legal basis

Act of 12 April 2018 on the registration of yachts up to 24 m (consolidated text Dz.U. 2024 poz. 1536), Art. 3, 4; Regulation Dz.U. 2020 poz. 763.[89][90]
Portugal

Required

Who needs it

All pleasure craft (embarcações de recreio) must be registered and may only be used after that (Art. 15.1). No registration: tenders up to 2.5 m and up to 4.5 kW (Art. 16.1). Outside the scope: racing boats, canoes, kayaks and beach craft without engine or sail within 300 m of the shore, boards, experimental craft (Art. 2.2).

Issued by

Application via the Balcão Eletrónico do Mar (BMar). Processed by the DGRM for types 1 to 3, by the Autoridade Marítima Nacional (AMN) for types 4 and 5 (Art. 18.2).

Register

Sistema Nacional de Embarcações e Marítimos (SNEM). The register number is assigned automatically and consecutively and is never reused after deletion (DGRM Circular 58).

Format

Conjunto de identificação (identification set): name, register number, navigation area digit 1 to 5 followed by PT; number and digit separated by a hyphen (Art. 11 DL 93/2018). Format according to the DGRM: NOME - ###### - $PT.

Display

Identification set on the stern, clearly legible, in a contrasting colour; if that is not possible, on both sides of the aft hull (Art. 13.1, 13.2). Character height at least 6 cm for type 5, otherwise 10 cm (Art. 13.3). Types 1 to 4 also show the name alone on both sides (Art. 13.4). Personal watercraft and motorised boards carry only the number and digit with PT (Art. 13.7). Tenders: name of the main boat plus AUX, at least 6 cm (Art. 13.5).

Papers on board

Livrete da embarcação (boat logbook), electronic in the SNEM, on paper on request (Art. 21).

Legal basis

Decreto-Lei n.º 93/2018, Art. 2, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 21; Portaria n.º 8/2020 (livrete); DGRM Circular n.º 58 Rev. 3.[91][92]
Romania

Required

Who needs it

Applies to pleasure craft of 2.5 to 24 m hull length, including personal watercraft; pure racing boats are exempt (Art. 1, 2 b). Registration before first use (Art. 17).

Issued by

Autoritatea Navală Română (Romanian Naval Authority, ANR) through harbour master's offices (căpitănii de port) and their branch offices (Art. 16, 18).

Register

Registrul matricol (with the right to fly the Romanian flag) and Registrul de evidență (Art. 2 l, m).

Format

The digit 0 for pleasure craft, then the register number; numbering starts at 1 for owned boats and at 11 for leased boats (Art. 23). A name is possible on request.

Display

On both sides of the bow: tricolour, code ROU, name and/or number, home port. Stern: name or number and port. Dark on light or the other way round. Up to 10 m at least 8 cm high, stroke 1 cm; 10 to 17 m 25 cm, stroke 4 cm; over 17 m 45 cm, stroke 6 cm (Art. 24).

Papers on board

Certificatul de ambarcațiune de agrement (CAA) in the Registrul matricol; valid as long as the registration, owner and data remain unchanged (Art. 2 g, 20). In the Registrul de evidență: cartea de identitate a ambarcațiunii de agrement (CIAA) (Art. 46).

Legal basis

Ordinul ministrului transporturilor nr. 1079/2014 (Monitorul Oficial 560/2014), Art. 1, 2, 16 to 18, 20, 23, 24, 46.[93]
Slovenia

Required

Who needs it

Sea-going boats are entered in the Vpisnik morskih čolnov, inland boats in the Vpisnik čolnov celinske plovbe. A čoln (boat) is a craft under 24 m (Art. 3 Pravilnik).

Issued by

Sea-going boats: Uprava RS za pomorstvo (Slovenian Maritime Administration, URSP) with branch offices in Izola and Piran. Inland boats: the Upravna enota (administrative unit) where the boat is kept (Art. 5).

Register

Vpisnik morskih čolnov; not public.

Format

Two letters for the port of the registering office plus a number: KP (Koper), IZ (Izola), PI (Piran) (Art. 22). Letters and digits separated by a hyphen (Art. 21(4)).

Display

Mark on both sides of the bow; name only on the stern or on both sides aft (Art. 21(1)). Characters 10 cm high, 5 cm wide, stroke 1 cm, spacing 1 cm (Art. 21(2)). Planing boats double size (Art. 21(6)). Colour clearly different from the boat (Art. 21(5)).

Papers on board

Vpisni list za čoln in dovoljenje za plovbo (registration and navigation permit). Valid until the next regular inspection; for private boats every five years (Art. 13, 30).

Fees

Administrative fee €19.03, plus inspection and measurement costs (SPOT, as of 23 October 2023).

Legal basis

Pomorski zakonik (Maritime Code); Pravilnik o čolnih in plavajočih napravah (Uradni list RS 25/08, amendments 3/10 and 6/18), Art. 3, 5, 13, 21, 22, 30.[94][95][96]
Spain

Required

Who needs it

Applies to pleasure craft of 2.5 to 24 m hull length (Art. 2 a RD 1435/2010). CE-marked boats up to 12 m (hull and engine with CE) are exempt from flag and matrícula, but need a certificado de inscripción before first use (Art. 8.1). Exempt are, among others, racing boats, historic boats and artefactos flotantes o de playa such as canoes and kayaks without an engine, or pedal boats (Art. 3.2, Art. 2 q).

Issued by

Distrito marítimo (Jefe de distrito marítimo); appeals to the Dirección General de la Marina Mercante (Art. 4, 13).

Register

Registro de Matrícula de Buques, kept per maritime district in folio books (Listas). Private pleasure craft without commercial use: Lista séptima; commercially used pleasure craft: Lista sexta (Art. 4.1 RD 1027/1989).

Format

Indicativo de matrícula made up of list, maritime province, maritime district and folio/year (Art. 2 f RD 1435/2010). CE boats up to 12 m instead receive a consecutive indicativo de inscripción from the maritime district (Art. 2 g, Art. 8).

Display

Matrícula on both sides of the bow, as high above the waterline as possible, painted or permanently fixed; light colour on a dark hull, dark on a light one (Art. 7.4). Name required from 12 m, on the bow, aft hull or stern, in a contrasting colour (Art. 7.1 to 7.3). Tenders carry the main boat's matrícula with the suffix (Aux) (Art. 7.5). Indicativo de inscripción: both sides of the bow, white on a dark hull, black on a light hull (Art. 8.4).

Papers on board

Certificado de registro español – permiso de navegación (Art. 6). Renewal every five years, application three months before expiry; no navigation after expiry (Art. 17.1). For CE boats up to 12 m: certificado de inscripción (Art. 8.6, 8.9).

Legal basis

Real Decreto 1435/2010, Art. 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 17; Real Decreto 1027/1989, Art. 4.1.[97][98]
Sweden

above threshold

Who needs it

Registration in the boat section of the ship register is required for boats from 15 m hull length (Swedish boats, or boats normally kept in Sweden with an owner there). Voluntary from 5 m. There is no general mandatory register for pleasure craft; it was abolished in 1992.

Issued by

Transportstyrelsen (Swedish Transport Agency, registering authority).

Register

Fartygsregistret, båtdel (boats up to 24 m).

Format

Registered under the identification signal (igenkänningssignal) under chapter 1 section 8 Sjölag (§ 3 Lag 1979:377).

Legal basis

Sjölag (1994:1009) chapter 1 section 2; Lag (1979:377) om registrering av båtar §§ 3–6 (amended up to SFS 2025:983).[99][100][101][102][103]
Switzerland

Required

Who needs it

A mark is required for boats stationed on or above a body of water or used on public waters (Art. 16(1) BSV). Exempt are, among others, boats under 2.50 m, beach boats, paddle boats, racing rowing boats and windsurf boards (Art. 16(2)) as well as certain unpowered inflatables up to 4 m (Art. 16(2bis)).

Issued by

Competent cantonal authority (for boats under cantonal control).

Format

Two capital letters (canton code, e.g. ZH, BE, GE) followed by numbers (Annex 1a BSV). The canton may add a nautical symbol or coat of arms (Art. 17(1)). Boats not cleared through customs: canton initials with numbers 90 000 to 99 999 or special customs plates.

Display

On both sides in a clearly visible place, weatherproof, Latin letters and Arabic numerals. Minimum height 8 cm for boats up to 15 m, otherwise 20 cm. Light on dark or dark on light (Art. 17 BSV). The authority may require registration plates.

Papers on board

Schiffsausweis (boat licence, Art. 92 BSV).

Visiting boats

The marking requirement applies in full to boats based abroad. Using or stationing a boat requires a cantonal permit; it is valid until the end of the following month and cannot be renewed in the same calendar year (Art. 105 BSV). Conditions include proof of liability insurance and residence abroad (Art. 106 BSV).

Legal basis

Inland Navigation Ordinance (Binnenschifffahrtsverordnung, BSV), SR 747.201.1, Art. 16, 17, 92, 105, 106, Annex 1a.[104]
Turkey

Required

Who needs it

Privately used boats from 2.5 m must be entered in the Bağlama Kütüğü (Art. 9(1)). Since the amendment of 30 December 2023, private boats under 2.5 m are deleted on request or when the licence expires (Provisional Article 3).

Issued by

Liman başkanlığı (harbour master) within the port area; outside it, on inland waters, municipalities designated by the ministry (Art. 5, 7).

Register

Bağlama Kütüğü; alternatively the Gemi Sicili (ship register).

Format

A nationally unique number assigned by the electronic system (Art. 4, 15).

Display

Name on both sides of the bow; on the stern, name, Bağlama port and number (Art. 11(4)). Under 5 m in a suitable, legible place on the side or stern. From 5 m, characters at least 10 cm high, stroke at least 2 cm (Art. 11(5)).

Papers on board

Bağlama kütüğü ruhsatnamesi (licence); one year or a multiple, no more than five years; renewal no later than 15 days before expiry (Art. 18(2) as amended in 2023). Must be on board and shown at inspections.

Fees

Fee under Fees Act (Harçlar Kanunu) No. 492. Fine without a valid licence: 250 TL per metre (2.5 to 10 m), 500 TL (10 to 20 m), 750 TL (20 to 30 m), 1,000 TL per metre above that; adjusted annually (Art. 28 as amended in 2023).

Legal basis

Bağlama Kütüğü Uygulama Yönetmeliği (RG 25.09.2014, No. 29130), Art. 5, 7, 9, 11, 18, 28, amended RG 30.12.2023, No. 32415; Özel Teknelerin Donatımı ve Özel Tekneleri Kullanacak Kişilerin Yeterlikleri Hakkında Yönetmelik (RG 17.01.2026, No. 33140), Art. 4, 5.[105][106][107]
United Kingdom

above threshold

Who needs it

Inland waters: usually registration or a licence with the relevant navigation authority, renewed every year. Sea: according to GOV.UK, a boat needs registration with the UK Ship Register to go to sea.

Issued by

UK Ship Register (Maritime and Coastguard Agency); on inland waters, the relevant navigation authority.

Register

Part 1 (pleasure or commercial boats) or Part 3 Small Ships Register (SSR): under 24 m, pleasure boats only, owner in the UK at least 185 days a year, no companies.

Format

SSR: registration number preceded by the letters "SSR" (Reg. 95 Registration Regulations 1993).

Display

SSR: within one month of registration, clearly painted on or fixed to a visible external surface and kept in good order (Reg. 95).

Papers on board

Certificate of registry (Reg. 94).

Fees

Part 3: £35 for 5 years. Part 1: £153 for 5 years, renewal £72 (GOV.UK).

Legal basis

Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations 1993 (SI 1993/3138), Part XI, Regs. 89–96.[108][109][110]

This overview is not legal advice. The competent authority decides each individual case.

What a registration mark is and what it is not

A registration mark is not a technical approval. Its purpose is to find the owner of a boat.[5]

If your name, address, boat or ownership changes, report it without delay. An invalid mark must be removed from the boat.[5]

Radio call signs and MMSI numbers belong to the radio installation. They do not replace a registration mark.[5]

Coming to Germany with a foreign registration

Boats from abroad are exempt from the German mark on the federal waterways for up to one year after entry. They carry their home country's mark, or their name, home port and owner details, provided the home country treats German boats the same way.[1]

Frequently asked questions about boat registration

When does a boat need a registration mark in Germany?

On federal inland waterways, once the engine exceeds 2.21 kW (about 3 hp), and for sailing boats over 5.50 m. A personal watercraft (jet ski) always needs an official mark.

How much does the official registration mark cost?

€29.70 at the Waterways and Shipping Office, including the registration card. The ADAC's International Certificate for Pleasure Craft costs €29 for members and €35 for others.

Do I need a registration mark on the North Sea and the Baltic?

No, except for a personal watercraft. Pleasure craft there carry their name and home port. The flag certificate for boats up to 15 m is voluntary and costs €107.

Is my WSA mark enough on Lake Constance?

No. On Lake Constance, motor boats and sailing boats with an engine or with sleeping, cooking or sanitary facilities need a licence from one of the district offices on the lake. The licensing requirement remains.

Is the International Certificate for Pleasure Craft an official mark?

It is officially recognised and replaces the WSA mark on the federal waterways. It is not sufficient for personal watercraft.

Boat insurance from Germany Boat papers checklist Boating fines in Germany

Research as of 8 November 2026. A newer version may apply locally.