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How to Catch Fish How to Tie Fishing Knots Fishing Gear and Tackle How to Fish with Lures How to Fish with Live Bait Fishing Safety Fishing Tips When to Fish Types of Fishing Fishing Terms Fishing and Conservation Fishing Resources View All

When to Saltwater Fish Saltwater Bait and Lures Saltwater Fishing Tackle Types of Saltwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing Gear Saltwater Fish Species Saltwater Fishing FAQ View All

Best Freshwater Fishing When to Freshwater Fish Freshwater Bait and Lures Learn About Freshwater Fish Species Best Freshwater Fishing Gear Freshwater Fishing FAQ View All

Fly Fishing Basics Fly Fishing Flies Fly Fishing Gear Fly Casting View All

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Boating Basics How to Boat Boating and Water Safety Choose Your Boat Use our Boat Explorer Tool Get on the Water View All

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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

Register a Boat in Iowa

Before you purchase and register a boat, it is recommended that you sign up for a boat safety course in order to earn your Iowa Watercraft Safety Certificate (often incorrectly referred to as an Iowa boating license). The Watercraft Safety Certificate is proof that you have passed a boating safety course and know the laws for boating.

IOWA BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

If you plan to operate a boat in Iowa, it is important that you know and understand the boating rules of the road. Every boater who uses the waterways is responsible for safe navigation and taking action necessary to avoid accidents. Remember to practice good seamanship, be aware of what is around you and maintain a safe distance from other vessels.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

Your boat registration serves as documentation to prove that you are the rightful owner of a vessel. There are registration fees that you will need to pay when you register your boat; however, these fees are used by the state to help sustain our natural resources and promote responsible boating.

IOWA BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

All machine-operated vessels need to be registered and issued a certificate of number in order to legally operate on Iowa waterways. Always be sure to keep your boat registration paperwork and title or proof of ownership on board.
Vessels registered in Iowa, must display their current registration decals and the issued registration numbers provided by the County Recorder.
All Iowa boat registrations expire April 30th of the renewal year.

IA BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

Iowa has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe.

IA BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

RESPONSIBLE BOATING STARTS WITH YOU

Learn how to take care of your crew and your boat, while also taking care of our valuable water resources.

BOATING AND WATER SAFETY

BOATING SAFETY COURSES

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

IA BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources site.

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