Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp
Frequently Asked Questions

What are Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and why do they matter?

Aquatic Invasive Species are non-native plants, animals and organisms that are introduced into a waterbody. The have the ability to out-compete native species by growing quickly and abundantly. Once an invasive species is established, it can disrupt the ecological balance of the waterbody and impact recreational use of the waterbody. AIS can hitchhike on vessels, trailers, fishing equipment, and other recreational gear that has not been cleaned, drained, and dried properly.

How are boaters helping to fight the spread of AIS?

In three ways:  by inspecting and cleaning their boats before moving them to or from the water as required by law (CGS Sec. 15-180); by practicing “Clean, Drain, Dry” in between boat launchings, and by paying an AIS Stamp fee to help fund the fight against the spread of AIS.

What is the AIS Stamp?

The AIS Stamp program was enacted by the Connecticut legislature in 2019 to provide funding for the "Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation Account."  Fees collected under the AIS Stamp program fund a competitive grant process out of this account for aquatic invasive species awareness, education, research and treatment on Connecticut’s lakes, rivers, and ponds. State and municipal agencies and non-profit organizations are eligible for these grants which help improve the management of natural resources throughout the state. 

How are the AIS Stamp fees used?

The AIS Stamp funds collected are deposited into the "Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation Account". This account provides funding through a competitive grant process to state and municipal agencies, as well as non-profit organizations, to conduct research on CT's lakes, rivers, and ponds, provide public education and enhance public awareness. These funds ultimately help improve the management of natural resources throughout the state.

 

Here are some examples of how the AIS fees were used in 2023:

• Education- Candlewood Lake Authority titled Candlewood Lake Steward Program to Educate Boaters on Aquatic Invasives Threatening Candlewood Lake, Candlewood Lake Launch Stewards
• Control- Connecticut River Watershed Council project titled Water Chestnut Management in the Connecticut River Watershed
• Research- City of Middletown titled Blue-Green Algae Mitigation Research Project 

Who needs to purchase the AIS Stamp?

Any person who operates a vessel required to display a registration decal on Connecticut’s inland waters must have a CT AIS Stamp. This applies to both Connecticut residents and out-of-state boaters. To determine if your vessel needs to be registered, Boat Registration (ct.gov) has additional information. 

I paid my 2024 vessel registration. Do I have to purchase an AIS Stamp for 2024?

You are all set to enjoy the 2024 boating season and do not need to purchase another AIS Stamp for 2024. We will remind you to purchase for the 2025 boating season. 

How are the AIS Stamp fees collected today?

The AIS fee collection system was originally implemented as required by Public Act No. 19-190, which went into effect on January 1, 2020. The $5.00 in-state AIS Stamp fee is currently collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles concurrent with new Connecticut vessel registrations or renewed Connecticut registrations.  Your registration validation decal provides proof of AIS Stamp purchase.  Vessels not registered in Connecticut who are operating on Connecticut’s inland waters are required to purchase a $20.00 AIS Stamp through the DEEP Online Sportsmen Licensing.
Effective October 1, 2024, the AIS Stamp fee will no longer be included with Connecticut vessel registrations. 

 

Changes Beginning October 1, 2024

How will the AIS Stamp fees be collected after October 1, 2024?

Revisions were made to the AIS fee collection system through Public Act No. 23-154. Beginning October 1, 2024, the AIS Stamp fee will no longer be attached to Connecticut vessel registrations. Persons operating a registered vessel on inland waters of Connecticut will need to purchase an “Individual AIS Stamp” or purchase a “Vessel AIS decal” through the Online Sportsmen Licensing system. Connecticut residents and out-of-state residents operating on Connecticut’s inland waters will be required to purchase their AIS Stamp through the Online Sportsmen Licensing system. 

What are the options for purchasing the AIS Stamp or Vessel AIS Decal?

Public Act 23-154 provided all boaters – both Connecticut residents and out-of-state boaters operating on Connecticut’s inland waterbodies – with two options to comply with the AIS Stamp requirement. Boaters can purchase either an individual AIS Stamp or a Vessel AIS Decal.  Here are the differences:  

Individual AIS Stamp - $7.00 
The Individual AIS Stamp covers any individual boater operating any vessel on Connecticut’s inland waters and is good for the calendar year in which it is purchased.  The AIS Stamp will print on the individual’s Sportsmen Conservation License as a privilege similar to a fishing or hunting license.    
 
Vessel AIS Decal - $25.00 ($20.00 + $5.00 processing fee) 
DEEP will mail a Vessel AIS Decal which must be affixed to the vessel (see below for where to affix the decal). The Vessel AIS Decal covers any operators of an individual vessel upon which the decal is applied while operating on Connecticut’s inland waters and is good for the calendar year in which it is purchased. The purchaser of the Vessel AIS Decal is also considered to be covered with an Individual AIS Stamp. The Vessel AIS Decal will also print on the purchaser’s Sportsmen Conservation License as a privilege similar to a fishing or hunting license. 

How do I affix the Vessel AIS decal to my boat?

Vessel AIS Decal must affix the decal to the vessel approximately amidship on the port side of the hull or at the operator’s station. It must be visible to law enforcement.

How do I prove that I paid the AIS fee? Do I receive a "Stamp"?

For the persons who purchase the Individual AIS Stamp, the “stamp” will show up as a line item on your license similar to a fishing or hunting license. For persons who purchase the (all-operators) Vessel AIS decal, the decal will be your “stamp”. The purchaser of the vessel AIS decal will also be granted an individual AIS Stamp in case you are operating another vessel. The individual AIS Stamp will print on your Conservation License as a privilege similar to a fishing or hunting license.   

Why is the AIS fee-collection system being changed?

Public Act 19-190, initiated in January 2020, implemented a system that in some ways conflicted with established federal regulation.  The system was changed to eliminate the conflict effective October 1, 2024.  

I registered my boat in Connecticut and/or paid the fee this year. Do I need to pay the AIS fee again in October 2024?

Connecticut boaters with current vessel registrations, paid by September 30, 2024, do not need to do anything as your AIS Stamp fee is included with your registration fee paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles.  Out-of-state boaters need to purchase their AIS Stamp through the DEEP Online Sportsmen Licensing system. 

How do I get an AIS Stamp or Vessel AIS Decal after October 1, 2024?

All boaters who need an AIS Stamp should follow the instructions below AFTER October 1, 2024: 

• Obtain or create a Conservation Identification (CID) number on the Online Sportsmen Licensing system. If you have a Connecticut boating certificate or have ever had a Connecticut fishing or hunting license, you already have a CID. Please search for yourself in the system. If you cannot find your CID, please contact the Boating Division at deep.boating@ct.gov or 860-434-8638. If you create a duplicate CID your boating certificate and past licenses will not be in your new profile.
• If you do not have a Connecticut boating certificate or never held a Connecticut fishing or hunting license, create a CID on the Online Sportsmen Licensing system prior to purchasing your AIS Stamp (or vessel AIS decal after October 1, 2024). 

Visit the Online Sportsmen Licensing system and follow the instructions below: 

To search for your CID on mobile devices, you can use the instructions below, however, we suggest switching to the desktop version. The desktop version allows additional search options. 

To create a NEW CID on a phone or tablet: 

1. Select "Start" 

2. Click on the section “Search by Personal Info” 
• Click “Select Identity” and choose “Driver’s License #” 
• In the spaces provided enter your Date of Birth, your Last Name and under “Identity Value” enter 0000000.  
• Click the appropriate year under “Season” 
• Click “Next” 

3. If your CID isn’t found and you know that you have one, please contact DEEP Boating. If you do not have a CID, you can click on “New Customer” 
• Click “Save” 

4. On the next window, click on your name on the top left. 
• Your Conservation ID number will be displayed. 

To create a NEW CID on a computer: 

1. Under “New Customer”, click on "Create an Account" 
• Enter your legal name and date of birth. 
• Season defaults to current year 
• Select "Continue" 

2. Complete each of the sections “Personal Information,” “Residence Address,” “Mailing Address,” and “Contact Information" and when completed, click on 'Submit" 

3. In the next window, click on your name on the top left. 
• Your Conservation ID number will be generated. Use this Conservation ID number to purchase your AIS Stamp.

Do out-of-state registered vessels need an AIS Stamp to operate on Connecticut's waters?

Yes.  Anyone operating an out-of-state registered vessel on Connecticut’s inland waters, must purchase an AIS Stamp. The AIS fee through September 30, 2024, is $20. After October 1, 2024, operators with out-of-state registrations are eligible to purchase the individual AIS Stamp for $7 or the vessel AIS decal for $20.  

The AIS Stamp may be purchased through the Online Sportsmen Licensing system or in person at one of DEEP's Processing Office. There are only a few DEEP processing Offices, so we recommend that you purchase your stamp through the Online Sportsmen Licensing system, a town hall that has opted to sell sportsmen licenses, or at a number of other vendors offering access to the Online Sportsmen Licensing system. You can view a complete list of vendors on the DEEP website or call DEEP Licensing and Revenue at 860-424-3105 for the vendor list. Once the AIS fee is paid, you will be issued a Conservation License through the Online Sportsmen Licensing system that can be printed or downloaded to an electronic device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc.). This will serve as your AIS "stamp". Whether you opt to have it electronically or on paper - keep it with you - while on our inland waters you'll need to have your "stamp" available on the boat.  

How to Purchase your AIS Stamp (instructions valid through September 30, 2024) 

Visit the Online Sportsmen's Licensing system. 

1. Under "Returning Customer" 
2. Select Identity Type "Conservation Id" 
3. Enter your Conservation Id for the Identity Value 
4. Select "2024(Season)" 
5. Click on "Login" 
6. Click on "Next" 
7. Select "Boating" 
8. Select "Add AIS Stamp" 
9. Click on "Next" to Check out. 

Print your Conservation License- this will serve as your individual AIS Stamp.  
Instructions for purchasing the new vessel AIS decal or individual AIS Stamp will be posted by October 1, 2024. 

How long is the AIS Stamp Valid?

The AIS Stamp is valid only for the calendar year for which it was purchased. 

What is the penalty for non-compliance?

Non-compliance is an infraction, subject to a fine of $85.00.   

What other ways can I contribute to keeping Connecticut's waters clean?

Follow the Clean, Drain, Dry method, to prevent damaging aquatic invasive species from invading waters of Connecticut.  

 

History of the AIS Stamp

The AIS Stamp was originally implemented through Public Act No. 19-190, which went into effect on January 1, 2020. Revisions were made to the AIS Stamp through Public Act No. 23-154 that go into effect on October 1, 2024. With the passing of PA 19-190, an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Stamp fee is collected from any person who registers a vessel or renews a vessel registration in Connecticut. Boaters with out of state registrations who boat on Connecticut inland waters will also be required to pay an AIS fee. 

PA 23-154 enables boaters to purchase an individual AIS Stamp or a vessel AIS decal through the Online Sportsmen Licensing System. The AIS Stamp will no longer be associated with the vessel registration but with the operator. 

 

If you have additional questions about the AIS Stamp, please contact the Boating Division at 860-434-8638 or deep.boating@ct.gov.