Waterway Access Permit FAQs

Infographic saying, All paddlecraft will be reqired to purchase and carry or display a waterway access permit in 2026

Since 2010, operators of motorized, non-motorized, sail and non-resident boaters with boats 10 feet and longer were required to purchase a Waterway Access Permit (formerly named the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit) when using a boat on Oregon waters. From 2010 to 2020, permit revenue funded five boat inspection stations at our southern and eastern borders. In 2020, the program funding split to support two programs: boat inspection stations and Marine Board grants to facility owners to improve or develop new non-motorized access to meet the growing access needs of non-motorized boaters. With the threat of aquatic invasive species at our doorstep, the program was expanded to include ALL boats, both in state and out-of-state.

In 2026, ALL operators of non-motorized boats will need to purchase and display a Waterway Access Permit when asked by law enforcement. The law was expanded to boats under 10 feet and applies to stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks, rafts, and their inflatable versions.

Permit sales for 2026 are available through the Boat Oregon Store. Look in the upper right-hand corner of the page and click "Online Services" to make your permit selection, then follow the prompts.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Waterway Access Permit:

Since 2021, over $4.6 million in Waterway Access Permit dollars have been awarded as grants to meet the needs of paddlers to access the water safely. See the completed projects from our Grant History Dashboard. Click on the WAG tab for Waterway Access Grants, or other funding tabs to see other mixed-use, motorized, or Clean Vessel Act projects!

Non-motorized Purchasing options are:

1) One-week permit. This permit is only valid for 7 days from the date of purchase and costs $6 from the Boat Oregon Store. Permit options are also available through the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

2) One calendar year permit for 2026 is $20 and expires on December 31, 2026.

3) Two calendar-year permits for $35 (expires on December 31 of the second year).

4) Non-Resident Boaters:
Motorboat AIS Permit is $30
Non-motorized boats also require permitting. Depending on the length of stay, boaters can purchase either a 7-day permit for $6 or $20 for a one calendar year Waterway Access Permit. See accordion table for more details.

Need help getting started using the Boat Oregon Store?

There is a $1.50 portal provider fee for online transactions. If you're purchasing more than one Waterway Access Permit, make sure to add all to your cart before checkout to avoid extra charges. You will go to a secure checkout page: https://securecheckout-uat.cdc.nicusa.com/.

Failure to show the permit is a Class D violation with a $115 fine.

Fees help fund two important programs for Oregon:

1. ODFW boat inspection stations
2. Waterway access grants are awarded to eligible grant applicants to develop or improve: