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 - find out what documents are accepted
How to apply
Download the form or get it from a Service SA centre.
Application for initial registration (539.5 KB PDF)
You will need to provide the boat's length - check how to measure the boat's length
Fees
The State Government is providing a 50% discount on registration for all recreational boats and light boat trailers registered between 1 December 2025 to 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.
