Online boat registration renewal allows Rhode Island boat owners to spend less time on shore waiting in government lines, and more time at sea. Befitting the Ocean State, online boat registration renewal is the first of many popular state services available on the State's website, RI.gov.

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and RI.gov offer boat registration renewals online at: http://www.RI.gov. With nearly 50,000 boats registered in Rhode Island, ranging from 60+ ft. yachts, to 35 ft. commercial boats, and everything in between, a tremendous benefit is realized by online service. DEM office hours and locations are no longer a barrier as boat owners can renew from home, office or town library any day of the week, any time of day, through the Internet.

"We are proud to be one of the first states to offer a fully operational boat registration renewal service over the Internet," stated Governor Lincoln Almond. "We recognize the value of this service, both to Rhode Islander boat owners and to the state. This service is just one example of Rhode Island's commitment to link people to government. I look forward to a future in which Rhode Islanders have the option to complete all government transactions from the Internet if they so choose."

According to Margaret McGrath, Director of the Office of Boat Licensing at the DEM, "we wanted to offer an alternative method to renewing in addition to counter and mail-in service, and we are delighted with the outcome of this application. It is easy to use, quick to complete, and allows any and all boat owners in Rhode Island to renew online; one needn't be an Internet expert to use this service."

Boat owners interested in renewing online may visit RI.gov, click on the service, and renew with the use of a credit card. A temporary registration is issued that can be printed and carried on the boat until the new registration is mailed from the DEM within ten days. The online service ensures only authorized users are requesting and renewing the registration electronically, and that all personal information including credit card numbers, name and address are kept highly secure.

"Security and privacy are always issues that are taken very seriously," stated Howard Boksenbaum, Acting Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the state of Rhode Island. "Every measure has been taken to guarantee the security of personal information submitted through RI.gov."

One of the great benefits of placing this service on the Internet is the time savings it offers Rhode Island boat owners. Prior to the online renewal service, renewals were completed in writing at the DEM office in Providence, or through mail.

As Howard Boksenbaum, Acting CIO, explained, "Making government accessible and interactive is our goal. With the boat registration renewal service, the state is building upon its visionary utilization of eGovernment by focusing on the customer - the Rhode Island citizenry. This service, among many others to be offered through RI.gov, enables Rhode Islanders to get the job done with minimum effort."

Future e-services through the DEM and RI.gov partnership are in planning and include: ATV/snowmobile registration renewals, beach passes, campground reservations, and more.

For more information about the Department of Environmental Management, please visit: WWW.DEM.STATE.RI.US. For more information about RI.gov please visit: http://www.ri.gov.

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