Do You Need to Register Your Efoil?
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If you’ve bought or are thinking about buying an efoil, you’ve probably wondered:
Do I need to register my efoil like a boat or jet ski?
The short answer is: yes, in most states you do.
For Michigan, it costs $14 dollars and the registration is good for 3 years.
Even though efoils look like futuristic surfboards, they’re powered by electric motors—so according to the U.S. Coast Guard, they’re considered mechanically propelled vessels. This means efoils fall under the same registration and safety rules as traditional motorized watercraft.
Below, we’ll break down the national guidance and how efoil registration is handled in different U.S. states.
⚖️ Federal Guidance: Efoils Are “Vessels”
In 2022, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) issued a policy stating that efoils and jetboards are vessels under federal law.
That means:
- You must register your efoil with your state boating agency (just like a boat).
- You may need to display registration numbers and decals on your board.
- You must follow safety requirements, like wearing an approved life jacket and using a magnetic kill switch.
- Even though enforcement may vary, the Coast Guard’s ruling gives states the authority to regulate efoils as powered watercraft.
| State | Registration Required? | Responsible Agency | Notes / Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | ✅ Yes | Secretary of State / DNR | Treated as a motorized vessel; must be titled and registered. |
| California | ✅ Yes | DMV | Any motorized vessel must be registered; local lakes may require permits. |
| Florida | ✅ Yes | Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission | Required for all motorized vessels on public waters. |
| Texas | ✅ Yes | Texas Parks & Wildlife Department | Requires registration and visible TX number. |
| New York | ✅ Yes | DMV | All mechanically propelled vessels must be registered. |
| Hawaii | ✅ Yes | Dept. of Land & Natural Resources | One of the first states to regulate efoils; registration and permits required. |
| Arizona | ✅ Yes | Game & Fish Department | Treated as a powered watercraft; must be registered. |
| Washington | ✅ Yes | Department of Licensing | Must display registration decals on hull or mast. |
| Oregon | ✅ Yes | Oregon State Marine Board | Requires title and registration; also needs Aquatic Invasive Species permit. |
| Colorado | ✅ Yes | Colorado Parks & Wildlife | Required for all motorized vessels used on public waters. |
| Illinois | ✅ Yes | Department of Natural Resources | Required for any mechanically powered watercraft. |
| Nevada | ✅ Yes | Nevada Dept. of Wildlife | Must be registered if used on Nevada’s public waters. |
| North Carolina | ✅ Yes | Wildlife Resources Commission | Motorized vessels must be titled and registered. |
| Minnesota | ✅ Yes | Department of Natural Resources | Must register if motorized, regardless of size. |
| Connecticut | ⚠️ Maybe | Department of Energy & Environmental Protection | Older statutes restrict “self-propelled surfboards”; check local enforcement. |
| Alaska | ✅ Yes | Division of Motor Vehicles | Required for powered watercraft. |
| Massachusetts | ✅ Yes | Environmental Police | Must display registration numbers on the hull. |
| Utah | ✅ Yes | Division of Outdoor Recreation | Treated as a motorized vessel. |
| Wisconsin | ✅ Yes | DNR | Motorized boards must be registered. |
💡 Tip: Most states define “vessel” as any watercraft powered by any type of motor, even electric—so unless you’re using your efoil exclusively on private ponds, you likely need to register it.
📋 What You’ll Need to Register Your Efoil
Requirements vary slightly by state, but you’ll usually need:
- Proof of ownership (bill of sale, invoice, or manufacturer’s certificate)
- Manufacturer and serial number (or a new HIN assigned by your state)
- Payment for registration and title fees
- Affixing registration decals and numbers (often on the mast or side of the board)
Some states will assign a new hull ID if your efoil doesn’t already have one.
⚠️ Penalties for Not Registering
Operating an unregistered efoil on public waters may result in:
- Fines or citations for operating an unregistered vessel
- Denial of access to lakes, marinas, or parks
- Issues with insurance coverage in case of an accident
While enforcement varies, states are increasingly cracking down as efoiling grows in popularity.
✅ Why Registration Helps You
Besides staying compliant, registration offers key benefits:
- Proof of ownership for insurance or theft recovery
- Access to more waterways that require proof of registration
- Peace of mind knowing you’re operating legally anywhere you travel
🌊 Final Thoughts
Each state’s rules may differ, but registering your efoil ensures you’re following the law, keeping yourself safe, and helping promote responsible growth in the sport.
If you’re unsure about your local regulations, contact your state’s Department of Natural Resources or Boating Authority for the latest information.
