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Watercraft on Lake Constance; application for authorization or registration

Motorboats and motor vessels on Lake Constance must be registered. Sailing boats without a motor, paddle boats and rowing boats that are longer than 2.5 meters must be registered.

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Landratsamt Lindau (Bodensee)
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Procedure details

All motorboats and motor vessels on Lake Constance must be licensed. Sailing boats equipped with a motor or with living, cooking or sanitary facilities are also subject to registration.

Sailing boats without a motor, paddle boats and rowing boats that are longer than 2.5 meters only need to be registered. When you register, you will also receive a boat license.

The prerequisite for approval is

  • New boats must be certified in accordance with the EU Recreational Craft Directive.
  • The engine drive must comply with the exhaust regulations of the Bodensee-Schifffahrts-Ordnung (BSO) (proof by exhaust type test certificate).
  • The vessel must not exceed a noise level of 72 decibels (dB) at a lateral distance of 25 meters.
  • The vehicle must be constructed in such a way that it cannot pollute the water or have a detrimental effect on the lake. The lighting must comply with the regulations. Suitable life-saving equipment must be on board.

  • Registration certificate in original (in case of change of owner)
  • Copy of the purchase contract
  • Copy of the engine emission type test certificate
  • Owner's manual in national language (German)/CE declaration of conformity
  • if applicable, certificate of the boat manufacturer that the boat complies with the BSO regulations

You must apply for registration of your boat with the competent authority.

An expert will determine the time and place of the first inspection. He inspects the entire boat for its

  • suitability
  • operational safety and
  • equipment.

The official inspection takes place in all weathers. The boat must be in the water for the inspection and all parts must be accessible. The expert may request a test drive.

You will receive the certificate of approval if the boat complies with the regulations during the inspection.

Note: If you have lost the certificate of approval or it has become unusable, you can apply for a duplicate from the issuing authority.

between 20 and 10,000 euros

The fees depend on the type and size of the watercraft. The main criteria are engine power, cabin superstructure and sail area.

none

The processing time depends on the individual case. Processing usually takes one to two weeks.

You must have approved boats re-inspected by the competent authority every three years (re-inspection).

You must notify the authority within two weeks of any changes that affect the information on the registration certificate.

If you sell your vehicle, you must inform the authority of the buyer's address and future location within two weeks.

If you move the habitual residence of your vehicle to the jurisdiction of another authority, you must apply for a new registration certificate within two months.

Status: 05.06.2025
Editorial responsibility Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wohnen, Bau und Verkehr
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