Local Boater Option: A Hassle-Free Way to Enter the U.S. by Boat
Learn how the Local Boater Option (LBO) allows U.S. boaters to re-enter the U.S. by phone instead of in person. Find out eligibility, sign-up details, and benefits.
Local Boater Option (LBO): A Convenient Way to Enter the U.S. by Boat
The Local Boater Option (LBO) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program designed to streamline the entry process for private boaters returning to the U.S. from foreign waters. Instead of reporting in person, registered boaters can phone in their arrival, making re-entry faster and easier while still complying with customs regulations.
Who is Eligible for the Local Boater Option?
✔️ U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
✔️ Boaters aged 14 and older (Younger children can be included under a parent’s registration)
✔️ Private, non-commercial boaters
Who is NOT eligible?
❌ Non-U.S. citizens
❌ Paying passengers (e.g., charter boat guests)
❌ Paid crew on cargo boats
Why Should You Sign Up for the Local Boater Option?
✅ Skip in-person reporting – Call CBP instead of visiting a port of entry
✅ Save time – If all passengers have a Boater Registration Number (BR#), no inspection is required (unless CBP requests it)
✅ Meet agricultural requirements over the phone
How to Sign Up for the Local Boater Option
🔹 Make an appointment at a CBP port of entry
🔹 Bring required documents, including:
- U.S. Passport OR
- U.S. Military ID OR
- Driver’s license & birth certificate
🔹 Receive a Boater Registration Number (BR#)
📍 LBO Enrollment Locations
U.S. Virgin Islands:
- St. Thomas: (340) 774-6755
- St. Croix: (340) 773-1011
- St. John: (340) 776-6741
Puerto Rico:
- San Juan: (787) 729-6600, (787) 289-7963
- Fajardo: (787) 863-0950, -0102, -4075
- Ponce: (787) 841-3130, -3131, -3132
- Mayaguez: (787) 831-3311, -3368, -3440, -3369
South Florida:
- Key West: (305) 296-2233
- Port Everglades: (954) 761-2000
- West Palm Beach: (561) 848-6922
- Port of Miami: (305) 536-4758
What Happens if You Don’t Participate?
❌ LBO is voluntary, but failing to report your return to the U.S. can lead to:
- Fines of $5,000 – $10,000
- Seizure of your vessel
- Possible jail time
⚠️ LBO makes compliance easy and is completely free of charge!
If you have questions, contact your local CBP port of entry for more details.
J. Summer Westman has written for ALL AT SEA since 2005.
Worth your time?
Thanks — noted.
can we renew our local boaters option card online if it expired? Or do we have to make another appointment to go in to the Port in order to receive the card.
Bruce
Good morning Bruce,
I’m not aware of an online option unfortunately.
If you find out differently, please let us know!