Vessels that meet the following criteria are required to be titled in Alabama:

• Any vessel constructed after December 31, 2023 (some exclusions apply)
• Any vessel for which Alabama is the state of principal use on or after January 1, 2024
• Any vessel that is less than 18 feet in length is only titled if it is propelled by an engine of 75 horsepower or greater (includes: jet skis, sailboats, paddleboats, and rowboats)
• The owner of a vessel that is 26 feet or more in length and to which Alabama is the state of principal use on or after January 1, 2024, may voluntarily apply for a certificate of title regardless of when the vessel was constructed.

• Documented vessels
• Foreign-documented vessels
• Barges
• Vessel before delivery if the vessel is under construction or completed pursuant to contract; or
• Vessels held by a dealer for sale or lease
• Vessels which construction has been completed as of December 31, 2023 (some exceptions apply).
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard
• Non-motorized vessels (canoes, kayaks, rowboats)
• Vessels registered in another state using Alabama waters for less than 90 consecutive days are exempt from registration