Arkansas Boat Registration Database Search
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Introduction
Oct 18, 2023 - The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) maintains a database for boats registered within its jurisdiction. This is integrated within the same system as those for motor vehicles. The following information will provide some insights on how to search for boat registration records in the State of Arkansas.
Privacy Restrictions
Arkansas currently restricts access to its boat registration records under provisions of the Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA)(WikiTags). Although written for vehicles, it has been adopted to cover titled and registered boats. This means that such data is only available to the owner and certain qualified parties as defined in 18 U.S.C 2721.
Online Access
The Arkansas DFA provides online access for boat title, registration and lien record searches by subscription only (see WikiLinks). Although designed for vehicles, its portal indicates that vessel searches are available by entering the equivalent identification criteria. Such data is only available, however, to certain DPPA qualified parties as specified on the portal web page. The online search returns a modified screen listing, but does not afford full record printouts or historical data.
CAUTION - BoatWiki has received conflicting feedback as to whether this service actually provides boat data as stated on the portal website. You may accordingly wish to confirm the accuracy of such information before subscribing.
Telephone Access
It has been reported that the Arkansas DFA's Office of Motor Vehicle (see WikiLinks) will confirm whether a hull number exists in their system or verify information from a title or registration certificate in hand. Although it is unlikely that it will offer any further information.
Boat Record Request
Boat title and registation record printouts are obtainable by submitting a written Boat Record Request (WikiTags) to the DFA's Office of Motor Vehicle (WikiLinks). However this service is only available to the registered owner and certain authorized parties (WikiTags). The request should be otherwise accompanied by a Records Release Authorization (WikiTags).
Historical Records
Historical or archived boat registration records are available from the Office of Motor Vehicle by submitting a boat record request form (WikiTags). Such data is not, however, maintained indefinitely.
Bulk Records
Arkansas boat registration records in bulk may be available to certain commercial enterprises. Contact the Motor Vehicle Office (see WikiTags) for more information in this regard.
Nationwide System
Arkansas subscribes to the Vessel Identification System (WikiTags) which is administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. This is a nationwide database wherein most states contribute boat registration data in real-time. Access is only available, however, to law enforcement agencies and other governmental institutions. Anyone concerned about a boat that may have been stolen, abandoned, involved in an incident or is being utilized for illicit activities in state jurisdictional areas should contact a local enforcement agency or boat registration office.
Conclusion
The information provided herein has been obtained from various sources and is subject to change without notice. Any such concerns should be addressed with the respective government agency.
Credits and References
Oct 18, 2023 - Page revised.
Oct 17, 2020- DFA response about online access.
