More Info

Boat Title/Registration Information

Missouri law requires motorized vessels, sailboats over 12 feet, and gasoline-powered outboard motors to be titled within 60 days of purchase, and registered before use on state waters.

A serial number inspection is needed when a boat, motor, or trailer has an incorrect title, or comes from a state that does not require titles. This service is provided at no cost to the public.

What to bring

Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale
The boat, motor, or trailer itself, so the serial number can be inspected

Where to go

Verification is carried out at each of the nine Highway Patrol troop headquarters. Call ahead, ask for a marine trooper, and set up an appointment.

Find your troop's contact information

Hull identification numbers (HIN)

If you need a vessel HIN verification, contact your troop headquarters and ask for a marine trooper.
If you need a new or replacement HIN for your boat, contact Motor Vehicle Inspection.

Watercraft titling and registration

Watercraft Titling and Registration — Missouri Department of Revenue. Opens dor.mo.gov in a new tab.

Swiftwater Rescue Training

The Missouri State Highway Patrol offers specialized swiftwater training for Marine Operations Troopers to prepare them for dangerous flooding rescue scenarios.

Training components

Boat operations in swift water conditions
Self-rescue techniques
Rope and pulley rescue systems
Flood rescue methods
Techniques focusing on victim rescue without water entry when conditions are too hazardous

Purpose

The training enables officers to work safely during dangerous conditions while protecting the public. It emphasizes coordination with rescue personnel from other agencies and increases emergency responder safety.

Marine oversight and flood response

The division provides oversight of the Patrol's overall marine mission, working closely with the individual troops to ensure quality marine services. Marine troopers are directly supervised by the troops where they live and work, and marine training is coordinated with the Training Division.

The Patrol provides security patrols, rescue, and recovery assistance during flooding, working with the State Emergency Management Agency and other state and local agencies requesting flood assistance.

For troop headquarters phone numbers, find your troop’s location and contact information.

Online services and documents

Boating and Drowning Incident Reports — Search reported boating crashes and drownings. Opens on the Patrol's services site in a new tab.

911 Dock Addressing Requirements

Boater Safety Card Request Form — Request a boater safety card by mail: the cost, who to make payment out to, and what to send.

External Resources

United States Coast Guard — Opens uscg.mil in a new tab.

Life Jacket Wear — U.S. Coast Guard guidance on wearing a life jacket. Opens uscgboating.org in a new tab.

U.S. Coast Guard Mobile App — Opens uscgboating.org in a new tab.

Lake of the Ozarks Dock Permitting and Safety — Opens Ameren Missouri in a new tab.

Additional Resources

Water Safety and Drowning Prevention — Drowning statistics, life jacket guidance, and boating incident reports.

Marine Theft Prevention — Equipment, dock, and trailer security, and what to check when buying a boat.

Mandatory Boater Education Law FAQs — The boater safety card requirement, upcoming law changes, and how to obtain, order, or replace a card.

Division History

Contact

To request a boating crash report, contact the Patrol Records Division.