Aquatic invasive species (AIS) sticker and inspection guide
Zebra and quagga mussels and invasive plants ride on boats, paddles and gear. Some states charge paddlers for an AIS sticker or require stops at inspection stations. We found a paddlecraft AIS rule on the official pages of 8 states; the rest are listed as not found, which isn't a guarantee there is none.
Clean, drain, dry
- Clean off plants, mud and animals from your boat, paddle, PFD and trailer before you leave.
- Drain every bit of water, including hatches, bilge and bladders.
- Dry everything before you launch on a new water.
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Clean, Drain, Dry · FWS aquatic invasive species program.
State by state
| State | Paddlecraft AIS rule |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Alaska | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Arizona | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Arkansas | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| California | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Colorado | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Connecticut | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Delaware | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Florida | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Georgia | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Hawaii | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Idaho | An Invasive Species Fund sticker is needed on any canoe, kayak, paddleboard or raft before launching. Exempt only if it's under 10 feet, non-motorized AND inflatable. Non-motorized sticker: $7 a year (expires Dec 31). |
| Illinois | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Indiana | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Iowa | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Kansas | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Kentucky | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Louisiana | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Maine | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Maryland | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Massachusetts | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Michigan | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Minnesota | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Mississippi | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Missouri | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Montana | Nonresident non-motorized watercraft (canoes, kayaks, rafts, SUPs and more) need a $10 Vessel AIS Prevention Pass before launching. Stop at open inspection stations. |
| Nebraska | The nonresident AIS stamp applies to motorized boats registered in another state, not paddlecraft. |
| Nevada | Nevada sells AIS decals, including a non-motorized decal option, and says an AIS decal is required to operate a boat on Nevada waters. Check with NDOW for your craft. |
| New Hampshire | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| New Jersey | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| New Mexico | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| New York | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| North Carolina | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| North Dakota | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Ohio | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Oklahoma | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Oregon | Funded through the Waterway Access Permit, which also pays for boat inspection stations. |
| Pennsylvania | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Rhode Island | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| South Carolina | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| South Dakota | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Tennessee | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Texas | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Utah | Everyone launching a kayak, canoe, paddleboard or other non-motorized craft must complete the annual Utah Mussel-Aware Boater course and carry proof. Non-motorized boats don't pay the AIS vessel fee. |
| Vermont | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Virginia | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Washington | Out-of-state registered boats need a WDFW AIS prevention permit. Non-motorized watercraft being transported must stop at mandatory inspection stations (free). |
| West Virginia | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Wisconsin | No paddlecraft sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked |
| Wyoming | Most watercraft need a Wyoming AIS decal. Exempt: non-motorized inflatables 10 feet or less and all paddleboards (paddleboards still need inspection). |
From the official sources on each state page, checked Oct 26, 2026. Inspection station locations change by season; check the state agency before you drive.
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Rules
- State paddling rules Registration, permits and life jackets, from official sources
- Permit checker Registration, launch permits and invasive-species stickers for your boat; see also the AIS sticker guide by state
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