We ship worldwide!

Boat Registration Queensland

Your boat is ready to set sail and you’re excited to get going on your next adventure, but first you have to deal with the legalities. At Boat Names Australia we make the process of registering your boat straight forward and painless so you can focus on getting out on the water.

We understand it can be hard to wrap your head around the requirements when registering your boat as these differ from state to state – so let us break it down for you.

When and how to register your boat in QLD

In Queensland it is a requirement to register all boats with a 3kW+ engine when they’re on the water. This also includes Personal Watercraft (PWC).

You can do this by attending a Queensland Transport and Motoring customer service centre. If you’re not located close to one of these you can alternatively attend a Government Service Office, Magistrates Court or even your local police station.

Once you’ve submitted the required documentation (including evidence of the boat’s origin), you will be advised of the registration numbers that have been allocated to your boat.

Free 1 colour rego numbers

SAVE $48 when you spend $85 *Excludes Boat Stripes

Design & Order Now

How to display your boat registration numbers in QLD

Just like cars, there are requirements for how you must display your boat registration in QLD. These differ depending on the size and type of the boat you’re registering, but here are the general rules:

  • Registration numbers need to be visible from 30m away

  • Characters must be plain and contrasting in colour to the hull of the ship

  • Ships not capable of planing should have characters a minimum of 75mm high on the sides or on the stern

  • Ships capable of planing should have characters a minimum of 150mm high on the sides

  • PWCs should have characters at least 100mm high on both sides


Tenders to registered boats are exempt for these requirements as long as they remain within two nautical miles of the parent ship. The word ‘tender’ must be visible coupled with the registration numbers of the parent ship at least 75mm high.

Personalised boat names and registration numbers from Boat Names Australia

Now for the fun part – designing your boat name and matching registration numbers to display on your boat.

Design your own boat name online or work with our experienced team of designers to find the perfect look for your boat. At Boat Names Australia we make the process quick, easy and fun!

Looking for boat registration requirements in NSW? We have details on that too!

FAQs

Can I register my boat online?

You can’t initially register your boat online in QLD, this must be done in person at a Queensland Transport and Motoring customer service centre. However you can check your registration and renew your registration online.

What size boat needs a license in QLD?

In Queensland, license requirements are dictated by the power of the engine rather than the size of the boat. If your boat has an engine power greater than 4.5kW you will need a license.

What about other Australian States' Boat Registration?

Are you moving interstate? Or planning to cruise around Australia? (Ahhh, lucky you! Now that’s the life…) Just a head’s up, many states require you to register your vessel if you stay for more than 3 months.
Have a look at our Australian Boat Rego overview page to see the  requirements for each state and territory.

Reviews