Iowa boat registrations expire April 30

CLEAR LAKE – Iowans will register more than 220,000 boats before April 30, when current boat registrations expire. Boat registrations are good for three years.

Registration fees support boater education and safety, water trails, navigation enforcement and aquatic invasive species.

Boat owners may bring their current registration to any Iowa county recorder’s office when they renew. Nonresidents who register their boat in Iowa must go to the county where the boat is primarily used.

Owners who are registering a boat in their own name that they purchased from a private seller should bring the signed registration. Make sure the title is signed over to you, if applicable.

Only boats displaying a current registration decal are allowed to operate on Iowa waters.

At the same time, it is time to get your boat ready for spring. Here are some tips to ensure your boat is safe and running smoothly when boating weather arrives.

1. Inspect your boat and trailer – Start at one end and check the entire boat. What is the general condition? Check the trailer tires and vehicle-to-trailer electrical connections, and inspect the winch, winch cable, and tiedowns.
2. Safety first – Are the life jackets in good shape and do they still fit everyone? Visually inspect each lifejacket looking for rips or tears and make sure all straps and buckles work properly and are not frayed. How old is the fire extinguisher?
3. Inspect for minor repairs – Put in boat plug, attach hoses that were removed, and check for loose connections. Be sure to check for any cracks in hoses. If they are starting to become brittle, replace them before refilling anything.
4. Check Electronics and Batteries – Inspect electrical connections to be sure they are clean, tight and corrosion-free. Charge and test your battery to be certain that it will hold a charge using a voltmeter. Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush if needed.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages all boaters to enroll in a boating education course this spring. Traditional and online courses are available.