Boat Inspection & Invasive Species Rules
Quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species (AIS) have made boat inspections mandatory in many Western and some Midwestern states. Rules differ by state — a sticker valid in one does not transfer to another. Check your launch state before you tow.
States with verified AIS / inspection requirements (2026)
Alabama
No AIS decal or stamp program in Alabama
Alabama requires all vessels, trailers, and gear to be free of aquatic organisms (plants, animals, and mud) and all water to be drained before leaving or entering a waterbody (Clean, Drain, Dry). No paid AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Verify current AIS rules with ADCNR before launching.
Source: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) — outdooralabama.com
Alaska
Inspection rule
Verify current AIS rules with Alaska Department of Fish and Game before launching.
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game - Invasive Species Program: https://adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=invasive.main
Arizona
Inspection rule
No statewide stamp, but infested-water rules are enforced. Always Clean, Drain, Dry between waters.
Source: Arizona Game & Fish Department — Watercraft Inspection & Decontamination (Listed Infested Waters).
Arkansas
Inspection rule
Verify current AIS rules with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before launching. No statewide AIS decal requirement was confirmed for 2026.
Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission — https://www.agfc.com/en/news/tag/fishing-license/
California
Quagga/Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Fee (formerly mussel sticker) — 2026 even-year fee $16.90 (paid via DMV at vessel registration renewal)
California requires the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Fee (renamed from the mussel sticker by SB 149) for freshwater-registered vessels, paid through DMV. Vessels registered in CA with freshwater use must display the validation.
Source: CA Department of Fish and Wildlife / DMV — Quagga/Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Fee (SB 149)
Colorado
ANS Stamp — Non-resident $50 (resident $25); required on every motorboat and sailboat even during the 60-day exemption.
60-day non-resident exemption with valid home-state registration, but the ANS stamp and universal inspection always apply. Green Seal issued on exit after passing inspection.
Source: Colorado Parks & Wildlife — Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) stamp & inspection (C.R.S. 33-10.5-104.5).
Connecticut
AIS Stamp
Out-of-state vessels on Connecticut inland waters must purchase an annual Aquatic Invasive Species stamp.
Source: Connecticut DEEP — Aquatic Invasive Species stamp for out-of-state vessels.
Delaware
None (no statewide AIS decal) — N/A
Verify current AIS rules with DE DNREC before launching.
Source: Delaware DNREC — Aquatic Invasive Species: https://dnrec.delaware.gov
Florida
No AIS decal or stamp program in Florida
Florida requires vessels and trailers to be free of aquatic organisms and all water drained before leaving or entering a waterbody (Clean, Drain, Dry). No paid AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. (Note: the 2025 Boater Freedom Act created a separate, non-AIS 'Florida Freedom Boater' safety inspection decal.) Verify current AIS rules with FWC before launching.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) — myfwc.com
Georgia
No AIS decal or stamp program in Georgia
Georgia requires vessels, trailers, and gear to be free of aquatic organisms and all water drained (Clean, Drain, Dry). No paid AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. A free Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) certification course is offered but not mandatory. Verify current AIS rules with GADNR before launching.
Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — gadnr.org
Hawaii
Inspection rule
Verify current AIS rules with Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources before launching.
Source: Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources - Aquatic Invasive Species / Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/info/policy/
Idaho
Invasive Species Fund (ISF) sticker
Any motorized or non-motorized boat operating in Idaho must display an ISF sticker; required for both residents and visitors.
Source: Idaho Department of Fish & Game — Invasive Species Fund sticker requirement.
Illinois
No AIS decal or stamp program in Illinois
Illinois requires all watercraft to be drained of water (bilge, live wells, bait buckets, motor) and prohibits transporting aquatic invasive species; no statewide AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Statute 625 ILCS 45/5-23 (Clean, Drain, Dry). Verify current AIS rules with Illinois DNR before launching.
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) — 625 ILCS 45/5-23; ifishillinois.org/regulations
Indiana
No AIS decal or stamp program in Indiana
Indiana has no statewide AIS boat decal or pre-launch inspection. Boaters must not transport aquatic invasive species and must drain live wells and bait buckets (Clean, Drain, Dry). Possession/transport of live invasive carp (silver, bighead, grass, black) is prohibited. Verify current AIS rules with Indiana DNR before launching.
Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — in.gov/dnr/3123.htm; in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/animals/asian-carp
Iowa
No AIS decal or stamp program in Iowa
Iowa requires Clean, Drain, Dry: all water must be drained from bilge, live wells, and bait buckets and aquatic invasive species must not be transported. Drain plugs must be removed/open during transport. No statewide AIS decal. Iowa Code § 456A.37. Verify current AIS rules with Iowa DNR before launching.
Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — iowadnr.gov/ais
Kansas
No AIS decal or stamp program in Kansas
Kansas requires Clean, Drain, Dry and prohibits transporting aquatic nuisance species; no statewide AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Verify current AIS rules with KDWP before launching.
Source: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) — kdwpt.ks.gov/index.php/Boating/Aquatic-Nuisance-Species
Kentucky
No AIS decal or stamp program in Kentucky
Kentucky requires vessels and trailers to be free of aquatic organisms and all water drained before leaving or entering a waterbody (Clean, Drain, Dry). No paid AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Verify current AIS rules with KDFWR before launching.
Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) — fw.ky.gov
Louisiana
No AIS decal or stamp program in Louisiana
Louisiana requires vessels and trailers to be free of aquatic organisms and all water drained before leaving or entering a waterbody (Clean, Drain, Dry). No paid AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Verify current AIS rules with LDWF before launching.
Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) — wlf.louisiana.gov
Maine
Lake and River Protection (Preserve Maine Waters) Sticker — Included in ME registration fee ($25); non-Maine/non-resident boat $60 (increased from $59, effective Jan 1, 2025)
Required for inland waters only; tidal waters exempt. Verify current fee and exemptions with Maine IFW/DEP.
Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW) / DEP – Lake & River Protection Sticker
Maryland
None (no statewide AIS decal) — N/A
Verify current AIS rules with MD DNR before launching.
Source: Maryland DNR — Aquatic Invasive Species: https://dnr.maryland.gov
Massachusetts
None (no statewide AIS decal) — N/A
Verify current AIS rules with Mass.gov / MA DCR before launching.
Source: Massachusetts DCR / Mass.gov — AIS / Clean Boat Certification: https://www.mass.gov
Michigan
No AIS decal or stamp program in Michigan
Michigan requires drain plugs to be removed/open during transport and prohibits releasing unused baitfish; no statewide AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required (Clean, Drain, Dry). New boating/fishing laws under NREPA took effect March 21, 2026. Verify current AIS rules with Michigan DNR/EGLE before launching.
Source: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) / DNR — michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/mi-environment/2026/06/25/michigan-boaters
Minnesota
AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) Rules Decal — Minn. Stat. 86B.135: $10 motorized watercraft under 26 ft licensed in state; $20 motorized watercraft licensed in another state; $5 nonmotorized under 26 ft (state); $10 nonmotorized out-of-state; $15 for watercraft 26 ft or greater. Valid Jan 1-Dec 31.
Practice Clean, Drain, Dry between waters. Confirm current AIS rules with the state agency before launching.
Source: Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes - Minnesota Statutes 86B.508 & 86B.135 Aquatic Invasive Species Rules Decal (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2011/cite/86B.508)
Mississippi
No AIS decal or stamp program in Mississippi
Mississippi requires vessels and trailers to be free of aquatic organisms and all water drained before leaving or entering a waterbody (Clean, Drain, Dry). No paid AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Verify current AIS rules with MDWFP / MDMR before launching.
Source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) — mdwfp.com
Missouri
No AIS decal or stamp program in Missouri
Missouri requires Clean, Drain, Dry and prohibits transporting lake or stream water or aquatic invasive species; no statewide AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Verify current AIS rules with MDC before launching.
Source: Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) / Clean Drain Dry — cleandraindry.org/e2i
Montana
Vessel AIS Prevention Pass — $30 motorized / $10 nonmotorized (nonresident); resident angler AIS pass $2 / $7.50
Montana requires an AIS Prevention Pass for vessels. Motorized/nonmotorized nonresident passes are $30/$10; resident anglers pay $2 (or $7.50 with certain licenses). Vessels must stop at inspection stations when entering MT.
Source: Montana FWP — AIS Prevention Pass (fwp.mt.gov)
Nebraska
AIS Stamp — Resident motorized watercraft: $5 added to 3-year registration; nonresident: $15 annual stamp.
Funds AIS prevention programs; temporary stamps available at some state parks.
Source: Nebraska Game & Parks Commission — Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp (since 2016).
Nevada
AIS decal
All watercraft using Nevada waters must display an Aquatic Invasive Species decal, funding inspections and decontamination stations.
Source: Nevada Department of Wildlife — Aquatic Invasive Species decal requirement.
New Hampshire
NH Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Decal — $20 (RSA 487:43).
Required for out-of-state motorboats launching in NH waters.
Source: New Hampshire Fish and Game / Department of Environmental Services – AIS Decal Program
New Jersey
None (no statewide AIS decal) — N/A
Verify current AIS rules with NJDEP Fish & Wildlife before launching.
Source: NJDEP Fish & Wildlife — Aquatic Invasive Species: https://dep.nj.gov/njfw
New Mexico
None (no AIS sticker or fee)
New Mexico has no AIS sticker or fee, but mandates inspection/decontamination at AIS check stations under state regulation and requires warning labels on trailered vessels. No dedicated state AIS 'stamp' program.
Source: NM Department of Game and Fish — AIS Inspection Program (wildlife.dgf.nm.gov)
New York
None (no statewide AIS decal) — N/A
Verify current AIS rules with NY DEC before launching.
Source: NYS DEC — Aquatic Invasive Species (Nav Law 35-D): https://www.dec.ny.gov
North Carolina
No AIS decal or stamp program in North Carolina
North Carolina requires vessels and trailers to be free of aquatic organisms and all water drained before leaving or entering a waterbody (Clean, Drain, Dry). No paid AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Verify current AIS rules with NCWRC / NCDMF before launching.
Source: NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) / NC Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) — ncwildlife.org
North Dakota
ANS (Aquatic Nuisance Species) sticker/decal — $15 per calendar year + display ANS sticker for motorized watercraft NOT licensed in ND but operated on ND waters; ND-registered motorized watercraft pay a $15 ANS fee concurrent with the 3-year registration period.
Practice Clean, Drain, Dry between waters. Confirm current AIS rules with the state agency before launching.
Source: North Dakota Game and Fish Department - Watercraft Registration and Renewal (https://gf.nd.gov/watercraft/registration)
Ohio
No AIS decal or stamp program in Ohio
Ohio requires Clean, Drain, Dry and participates in the annual Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz; no statewide AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Verify current AIS rules with Ohio DNR before launching.
Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — AIS Landing Blitz; crescent-news.com/news/ohio-ramps-up-for-annual-aquatic-invasive-species-landing-blitz
Oklahoma
No AIS decal or stamp program in Oklahoma
Oklahoma requires Clean, Drain, Dry and prohibits transporting aquatic nuisance species; no statewide AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Zebra mussels were newly reported at Pawnee Lake in 2026. Verify current AIS rules with ODWC before launching.
Source: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) — wildlifedepartment.com/fishing/regs/ans-oklahoma
Oregon
Waterway Access Permit — $20/year or $35/two-year (human-powered); $30 nonresident motorized AIS permit; 2026 expansion covers all nonmotorized boats under 10 ft
Oregon State Marine Board requires a Waterway Access Permit for human-powered boats; expanded in 2026 to all nonmotorized boats under 10 ft. Motorized nonresident vessels require a separate $30 AIS permit. Inspection stations enforce AIS decontamination.
Source: Oregon State Marine Board — Waterway Access Permit / AIS
Pennsylvania
None (no statewide AIS decal) — N/A
Verify current AIS rules with PFBC before launching.
Source: Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission — Clean Your Gear / Watercraft Inspection: https://www.fishandboat.com
Rhode Island
None (no statewide AIS decal) — N/A
Verify current AIS rules with RI DEM before launching.
Source: Rhode Island DEM — Invasive Aquatic Species: https://dem.ri.gov
South Carolina
No AIS decal or stamp program in South Carolina
South Carolina requires vessels and trailers to be free of aquatic organisms and all water drained before leaving or entering a waterbody (Clean, Drain, Dry). No paid AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Verify current AIS rules with SCDNR before launching.
Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) — dnr.sc.gov
South Dakota
No AIS decal or stamp program in South Dakota
South Dakota requires Clean, Drain, Dry and prohibits transporting aquatic invasive species; no statewide AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Bitter Lake was confirmed as zebra-mussel infested in 2026. Verify current AIS rules with SD GFP / SD Least Wanted before launching.
Source: South Dakota Least Wanted (GFP) — AIS Laws; sdleastwanted.sd.gov/laws
Tennessee
No AIS decal or stamp program in Tennessee
Tennessee requires vessels and trailers to be free of aquatic organisms and all water drained before leaving or entering a waterbody (Clean, Drain, Dry). No paid AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Verify current AIS rules with TWRA before launching.
Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) — tn.gov/twra
Texas
Inspection rule
No decal program; compliance is enforced through mandatory drain laws and transport prohibitions. Violations can carry fines up to $500.
Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department — https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/fish_hunt/fish/exotic.phtml
Utah
AIS Program decal — Resident $20 / nonresident $25 per watercraft, plus mandatory annual mussel-aware boater course.
Complex (wakeboard) boats require a 30-day dry time unless professionally decontaminated. Dry times at Lake Powell: 7 days summer, 18 days fall/spring, 30 days winter.
Source: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources — 2026 Aquatic Invasive Species program (course + vessel enrollment + decal).
Vermont
Vermont Aquatic Invasive Species Decal — $20 resident / $40 non-resident (23 V.S.A. § 3328).
Required for motorboats; verify non-motorized exemptions with VT DEC/Fish & Wildlife.
Source: Vermont DEC — Aquatic Invasive Species Decal (23 V.S.A. § 3328): https://vtfishandwildlife.com
Virginia
None (registration decals are general, not AIS) — N/A (general registration only)
Verify current AIS rules with VA DWR before launching.
Source: Virginia DWR — Aquatic Invasive Species: https://dwr.virginia.gov
Washington
AIS Prevention Permit
Watercraft not registered in Washington, seaplanes, and commercial transporters of specified vessel types must purchase an AIS prevention permit (valid one year).
Source: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife — Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit.
West Virginia
No AIS decal or stamp program in West Virginia
West Virginia requires vessels and trailers to be free of aquatic organisms and all water drained before leaving or entering a waterbody (Clean, Drain, Dry). No paid AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Verify current AIS rules with WVDNR before launching.
Source: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) — wvdnr.gov
Wisconsin
No AIS decal or stamp program in Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires Clean, Drain, Dry: all watercraft must be drained (live wells, bilge, bait buckets) and aquatic invasive species must not be transported; no statewide AIS decal or pre-launch inspection is required. Verify current AIS rules with Wisconsin DNR before launching.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — ua.dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/boat
Wyoming
AIS Decal — 2026: resident $10 motorized / $5 nonmotorized; nonresident $30 / $15. Fee increase effective Nov. 1, 2026: resident motorized $20, nonresident $50
Wyoming requires an AIS decal on all vessels. Inspection stations are mandatory March 1 through Nov. 30. Fees increase Nov. 1, 2026 (resident motorized $20, nonresident $50).
Source: Wyoming Game and Fish — AIS Decal (wgfd.wyo.gov)