What you'll need
To register a boat in South Australia for the first time, you must hold an SA driver's licence, proof of age card or have previously registered a vehicle or boat in your name in SA.
You'll also need to provide proof of ownership.
- A completed application for transfer of registration on the South Australian certificate of registration, signed by the current and the new registered owner.
- A bill of sale, receipt, or purchase contract signed by and showing the names of the current and new owners and including a description of the boat and its registration number (if applicable).
- An interstate Australian register of ships certificate of recreational registration, in the name of the proposed new owner.
- A certificate of commercial vessel registration in any Australian State, in the name of the proposed new registered owner.
- A statutory declaration of ownership of the boat signed and witnessed by a Justice of Peace (only acceptable if none of the other proof of ownership documents is available).
How to apply
Download the form or get it from a Service SA centre.
Application for initial registration (PDF 539.5 KB)
You must provide the boat's length. Measure the hull from the point of the bow to the transom, excluding bowsprits, outboard motors, and other appendages. Any part of the boat that contributes to the buoyancy of the boat should be included in the boat length - for example, pontoons on inflatable boats or houseboats.
MR1131 Determining your recreational vessel's length (PDF 837.0 KB)
If you have a previous registration certificate, use the length marked on the certificate.
Fees
The State Government is providing a 50% discount on registration for all recreational boats and light boat trailers registered between 1 December 2025 and 1 December 2026.
Find out what it costs to register a new boat in SA.
Submit the form
In person
Take the completed form to a Service SA centre and pay the fees.
A third party may submit the form on your behalf, but must produce evidence of Power of Attorney or a SACAT Administration Order.
By post
Post the completed application with the correct fee (cheque or money order) to:
Service SA
GPO Box 1533
Adelaide SA 5001
If you need a HIN check
You may need to get a Hull Identification Number (HIN) check if you are:
- registering a boat in SA for the first time.
- registering an interstate boat with an existing HIN, but you're unable to provide the Boat Code certificate.
You must submit your application form before you can get a HIN check.
