just purchased my first boat need help

[triwbass]

1.  I know i need a boat license ans ill take that online,,,,,do i have to wait for it in the mail or is it useable soon as i get it ?  

2. i have to go to courthouse and get it registered in my name also correct ?  other than that what do i do or do i need

[bigtimfish]

wow that's a lot of weird stuff you have to do. What is a boat license? Like a drivers license?

[bass or bass ?]

Your boat registration should be through your game and fish department.

~B.A.S.S.~N.A.F.C.~BoatU.S.~N.R.A.~

[BrianinMD]

Here is a link to start

http://www.outdooralabama.com/boating/registration/

[Ellesar]

1. I know i need a boat license ans ill take that online,,,,,do i have to wait for it in the mail or is it useable soon as i get it ?

2. i have to go to courthouse and get it registered in my name also correct ? other than that what do i do or do i need

A piece of advice, take it to Marshall county to register it. In madison county the registration fee is a percentage of the value of the boat. In Marshall county its a flat $25.00 fee no matter what the boat's value is. It doesn't matter where you live, you can register it anywhere. Its worth the drive from huntsville for me. I don't know how much your boat costs but I would atleast check it out, might save you some money.

[Ellesar]

wow that's a lot of weird stuff you have to do. What is a boat license? Like a drivers license?

Yes, in alabama you have to take a test just like a drivers license test. You get a code on your drivers license that says you are qualified to operate a boat. You are supposed to do this within 30 days of purchasing your boat. Prior to that 30 days you can carry your bill of sale to show that you are within the 30 day window.

I've never had it checked, although I have had my fishing license checked. The coast guard check your boating license, while the DNR checks your fishing license.

[SoFl-native]

I wish they would do that here with all the morons driving boats like they're crazy and blind.

[Ellesar]

I wish they would do that here with all the morons driving boats like they're crazy and blind.

I haven't noticed that its stopped people from driving like blind, crazy morons. But atleast they don't have an excuse for thier antics.

[bass or bass ?]

I wish they would do that here with all the morons driving boats like they're crazy and blind.

They give the crazy and blind drivers licenses here in Arizona . 15 to 20 mph over the posted speed is not unusual. I'm nearly always the slowest vehicle on the road driving AT the speed limit :-?.     Happy fishing.

[jimmieO]

I think either way, you have to go down to the department of public safety and get a new license with the vessel endorsement. I just got the book and went down there to take the test. Gave me one of those paper licenses that day, and my new one came a couple of weeks later. Absolutely have to register the boat and pay the tag fees. The good thing is that we don't have to register our trailers.

[triwbass]

ive taken the test online and passed and paid the 30 dollar fee and they are sending me a certificate .....i guess i show them my id# and they will put it on a temoroary license for me ?

[done]

I wish they would do that here with all the morons driving boats like they're crazy and blind.

Amen to that. I would love to see them at least require the CG class for drivers of any watercraft. I am shocked at how few folks have it and how dangerous they become. Granted Lake Wylie is not as dangerous as say Lake Erie or the Niagara River near where I grew up, but folks learning right of way, simple navigation signals, basic safety should be a requirement.