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.
How were the AIS Stamp fees collected prior to 2025?
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 to the AIS Stamp pursuant to PA 23-154 that began on 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 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.
Do I have to purchase the Individual AIS Stamp and the Vessel AIS Decal?
You only need to purchase the Individual AIS Stamp or the Vessel AIS Decal. You do not need to purchase both.
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 have more than one vessel. Can I purchase more than once Vessel AIS Decal?
Yes, through your individual Conservation Identification number on the Online Sportsmen Licensing System, you can purchase multiple AIS vessel decals for your privately owned vessels. If you are a company registering a fleet of vessels, please email deep.boating@ct.gov or call 860-434-8638 for further assistance.
How do I get an Individual AIS Stamp or Vessel AIS Decal for 2025?
- 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 past licenses and boating certificate 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.
- Once you have your CID, log into the Online Sportsmen Licensing system then proceed with the following steps:
- If prompted, update personal information.
- Select "Boating" tab,
- Select the “AIS Stamp – Individual” or “AIS Stamp individual and Vessel Decal” by clicking the “Add” button.
- The product will be added to the cart. If you purchase the vessel decal you will be prompted to add your vessel registration number.
- Click on your cart to check out.
To create a NEW CID:
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 Individual AIS Stamp or Vessel AIS Decal to operate on Connecticut's inland waters?
Yes. Anyone operating an out-of-state registered vessel on Connecticut’s inland waters, must purchase an AIS Stamp. Operators with out-of-state registrations are eligible to purchase the individual AIS Stamp for $7 or the vessel AIS decal for $25.
The AIS Stamp may be purchased through the Online Sportsmen Licensing system or in person at one of DEEP's Processing Office or at a vendor such as town halls or bait stores. 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.).
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.