Heads-up, boaters: Wyoming pauses boat registrations in October

If you’ve got paperwork to handle for your boat, don’t wait until October. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says 2025 watercraft registrations will pause next month while staff preps for the 2026 season. Registrations pick back up Nov. 1, both online and at Game and Fish offices. Anything you buy then will carry you much farther: a one-year registration will be valid through 2026, and a three-year registration through 2028.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) decals are the one exception. You can still purchase 2025 AIS stickers throughout October if you need them.

Here’s what to expect on costs, folded into the fine print: a standard one-year boat registration runs $30 and three years is $80. If you’re bundling the AIS sticker with your registration at renewal time, plan for $40 for a year or $110 for three years. Whether you renew in person, by mail, or online, the signature of an owner or co-owner is required to complete a new registration or renewal.

Game and Fish will mail renewal notices for expired watercraft in November. If you get one, you can drop it back in the mail with payment, or skip the stamp and renew online. AIS purchases and renewals are also available on the web.

Questions about what you need or the dos and don’ts of Wyoming waterways? Check wgfd.wyo.gov or call 307-777-4638.

The original story by Floyd Whiting for Sheridan Media.