The Oregon State Marine Board announced that motorboat owners whose registrations expire on December 31 will receive renewal notices via email, provided they have an email address on file. The agency says the electronic notices are personalized for each owner and vessel.
Online renewal encouraged
Boat owners are urged to renew through the Marine Board’s Boat Oregon Store. Online renewals allow users to print a temporary permit immediately after payment, which can be shown to marine law enforcement when requested. The system also lets owners renew multiple motorboats at once or purchase Waterway Access Permits in the same transaction for a $1.50 portal fee.
Mail options remain
For owners without an email on record, a paper renewal notice will be mailed and should arrive by mid‑November. The Marine Board noted that mailed notices will still be sent to ensure no boater is left out.
Processing timelines
When a registration is renewed online, decals are mailed within two to five business days. Paper payments mailed to the Marine Board take about seven to ten business days to process, followed by an additional two to four weeks for decals to be delivered. The Board cautioned that these timelines can vary because printing and mailing are outsourced.
Fees and requirements
All motorized watercraft and sailboats 12 feet or longer must be titled and registered. Early‑bird online sales begin November 2 for decals expiring December 31, 2026. Registration fees are $5.95 per foot plus an $8 surcharge for aquatic invasive species prevention, issued on a two‑year calendar basis.
Paddlers can get access permits
Non‑motorized boaters—kayaks, canoes, rafts, stand‑up paddleboards and their inflatable versions—can also purchase Waterway Access Permits through the online store. A 7‑day permit costs $6, an annual permit $20, and a two‑year permit $35. Permits are transferable, and children under 14 are exempt.
The Marine Board recommends reviewing the Boat Oregon Store help page, which includes videos and written instructions, to ensure a smooth renewal or permit purchase process.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
