Colorado Boat Registration Requirements
All motorized boats and sailboats over 16 feet must be registered with Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Here's what Aurora residents need to know.
Who Needs to Register
- All motorized boats operated in Colorado waters
- Sailboats 16 feet or longer
- Out-of-state boats used in Colorado for more than 60 consecutive days
- Personal watercraft (PWC) - jet skis, wave runners
- Even boats with electric trolling motors require registration
Registration Fees
- Motorized boats: $30.25 for 3-year registration (new boats)
- Non-motorized boats 16+ feet: $5.25 for 3-year registration
- Renewals can be done online at Colorado Parks & Wildlife website
- Late fees apply 60 days after expiration: additional $5
- Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) stamp required: $25 annually for motorized boats
Required Documentation
- Proof of ownership: Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new boats) or title (used boats)
- Bill of sale showing purchase price and date
- Colorado driver's license or ID (Aurora address)
- Previous registration if applicable
- Lien release if boat had a loan that's been paid off
Titling Your Boat in Colorado
Colorado requires titles for most boats. Here's the Aurora resident's guide to boat titling.
When a Title is Required
- All motorized boats must have a Colorado title
- Sailboats 12 feet or longer require a title
- Homemade boats need special documentation and inspection
- Boats purchased out-of-state need title transfer to Colorado
Title Transfer Process for Used Boats
- Seller signs title over to buyer with odometer disclosure (if applicable)
- Complete title transfer application (available at Colorado DMV or online)
- Pay title transfer fee: $7.20
- Submit sales tax documentation (Aurora sales tax applies)
- Receive new Colorado title in your name within 4-6 weeks
- Keep temporary registration documents until title arrives
Sales Tax in Aurora
- Colorado state sales tax: 2.9%
- Arapahoe County tax: 0.75%
- Aurora city tax: 3.75%
- Total Aurora sales tax rate: 7.4% on purchase price
- Tax paid on documented purchase price or fair market value, whichever is higher
- Private party sales still require sales tax payment
- Trade-in credit may reduce taxable amount
Colorado Boating Regulations
Once registered, Aurora boaters must comply with Colorado boating laws. Here are the key regulations.
- Registration numbers must be displayed on both sides of bow in 3-inch block letters
- Registration decals affixed within 6 inches of registration numbers
- Registration certificate must be on board whenever boat is operated
- Aquatic Nuisance Species stamp must be visible on boat hull
- Boats must pass ANS inspection before launching at any Colorado water body
- Life jackets (USCG approved) required for each person on board
- Children under 13 must wear life jackets at all times when boat is underway
- Fire extinguisher required on motorized boats
- Sound signaling device required (horn or whistle)
- Navigation lights required for operation between sunset and sunrise
Where to Register in Aurora
Aurora residents have several options for boat registration and titling.
- Online registration: Colorado Parks & Wildlife website (renewals and some new registrations)
- Aurora DMV offices: 14200 E Alameda Ave and other Arapahoe County DMV locations
- Mail-in registration: Colorado Parks & Wildlife, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216
- Many Aurora boat dealers can handle registration as part of purchase
- Allow 2-4 weeks for processing mail-in registrations
Special Requirements for Cherry Creek Reservoir
Beyond state registration, Cherry Creek Reservoir has additional requirements.
- Aquatic Nuisance Species inspection required before each launch
- ANS inspection stations located at park entrance
- Boats must be clean, drained, and dry when arriving
- Self-certification available for frequently launching boats
- Violations can result in fines and loss of boating privileges
- Cherry Creek State Park pass required: $10 daily or $80 annual
Helpful Tips for Aurora Boat Owners
Make the registration process smooth with these local tips.
- Register online when possible - it's faster and you can print temporary registration immediately
- Keep registration paperwork in a waterproof bag on your boat
- Set calendar reminder for registration renewal (3-year cycle)
- Take photos of registration numbers after applying decals in case they fade
- Register boat in your name immediately after purchase - don't wait
- If buying from dealer, verify they'll handle registration or if you need to do it
- Aurora has several notary services if documents need notarization
- Consider annual Cherry Creek State Park pass if you'll boat frequently
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