DMV Registration Clarification
/The short answer:
Troopers confirmed they will not be enforcing DMV registration again this year. The legislation exempting commercial fishing vessels licensed with CFEC is still pending, but everyone expects it to pass, it's just stuck in procedural hearings.
The Background:
BBRSDA has received questions from the fleet about vessel registration requirements with the State of AK. The law changed in 2019 and there continues to be confusion about it.
All Bristol Bay boats do legally need to be registered with the State of AK and display a registration decal. HOWEVER, the State Troopers in the Bay say they are not prioritizing the enforcement of registration or displaying the decal. IF it is enforced, it is a $50 fine and does not result in demerits to permits.
While all boats are required to be registered with the State and display the decal, only vessels that are not Coast Guard documented need to be titled by the state and display AK numbers.
Bristol Bay boats should be documented by the Coast Guard and many are, which exempts them from needing to be titled by the state.
Looking forward:
There is bipartisan support to undo the requirement to register with the state as many fishermen feel having to register with the Coast Guard, CFEC and the state is too much, however as of now, all 3 are technically needed.
To register: Registration with the state lasts 3 years, costs $24 and a valid copy of the certificate of documentation/proof of ownership is required along with this application and the $24 fee. The DMV manages the registration of vessels.
