Boating, Paddling & Water Safety
What's new this year
The big rules haven't changed — life jacket on, stay sober, watch the water. But a few things are worth a seasonal double-check before you launch.
Check your registration's June 30 expiration
Registration runs for THREE years and expires June 30 of the year on the decal. There's no late-renewal penalty — but don't operate with expired decals.
Confirm current card & registration fees
Fees can change from year to year. Before you renew or title a boat, confirm the current amounts with the Department of Revenue — we don't post a price here so you're never working from a stale number.
Re-check local lake rules before a busy weekend
No-wake zones, closures, and local ordinances can shift between seasons — and a holiday weekend is the worst time to find out. Check the no-wake zones and any local rules with the agency that manages your water before you head out (remember, Missouri boating law itself is enforced by the Highway Patrol's Water Patrol).
Before you launch
Missouri Porch explains; the Highway Patrol, the DOR, and the agency that runs your water decide.
Last checked: 2026-06-18. Boating law, fees, and local lake and river rules change — and the water itself changes with the weather and the season. Confirm before you launch, and wear your life jacket.
This is a plain-English summary, not the law or a substitute for a boating course. Boating rules and fees change — confirm with the Highway Patrol, the Department of Revenue, and the agency that runs your water. In an emergency, call 911.
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