Buying a new boat is always an exciting experience, but proud owners can’t just tow the boats of their dreams to the water and start motoring. First, they need to have the new boats registered. Although there are different rules governing how the process is
completed depending on the type of watercraft being registered and where it will be operated, there’s one thing all boats have in common. All of them are required by law to be registered, and, thankfully, the basics of how to do that are similar across locales.
The fact that the registration process is similar across different states and municipalities doesn’t mean new boat owners don’t sometimes get a little overwhelmed. Anyone who has concerns about registering a new boat should read on to find answers to ten of their peers’ most frequently asked questions. They may find answers that make it easier to get the vessel registered or transfer the registration to a new state.
1. Is There a Difference Between Registering a Boat and Documenting a Vessel?
There is a difference between registering a boat and documenting a vessel. Generally speaking, the latter process is reserved for ships that weigh at least five net tons and are owned by U.S. citizens. These larger vessels must be documented federally through
the U.S. Coast Guard so that they will receive legal recognition as a U.S. vessel in foreign waters and receive appropriate protections.
2. Where Can Boaters Buy Registration Numbers?
While average boaters don’t need to document their vessels with the Coast Guard, they do need to prove that they have completed the necessary paperwork and other requirements by installing registration numbers for boats. These stickers can be
purchased at hardware stores and marine equipment outlets, but they’re more affordable online. Boat owners will also have a greater selection of high-quality stickers when they buy online.
3. Is There Such a Thing as a Boating License?
Some states have boating licenses, which are similar to driver’s licenses. In these cases, boat owners usually need to take licensing courses or complete safety classes before they are allowed to operate new boats. However, this process is separate from
that of registering a vessel, and it’s only applicable in certain states.
4. Do All Boats Need to Be Registered?
While not all boat owners need to have licenses, all boats that are not federally documented as vessels must be registered. That includes all motorized vessels operating on public waterways. Even a dinghy with an outboard motor is considered a
personal vessel and must be registered with the state before it can be taken out on public waterways.
5. Do Boaters Need to Register Trailers?
Boat trailers usually need to be registered. The process is separate from that of registering a boat in most states because the two items can be used separately from each other. Not all states require boat trailers to be registered, but it’s still a smart move.
Boat owners who travel to other states can get in trouble if they fail to have their trailers registered. If another state requires boat trailers to be registered, drivers can still experience problems regardless of the laws in their home states.
6. Do Boats Need to Be Re-Registered When Owners Move?
When boat owners move to different states, their boats must be re-registered, usually within 60 days of the move. It’s best for boat owners to start researching relevant laws and guidelines before moving to ensure they have all of the information required to
complete the new registration readily available. Requirements vary by state, and some make the process harder than others.
7. How Much Does Boat Registration Cost?
The cost of registering a boat varies depending on where it will be operated. Some states charge as little as $25, while others charge up to $250. Prices may also vary depending on the type and size of the boat. This may sound complicated, but the
information is usually available on states’ websites. When in doubt about how or how much to pay for a new boat registration, check with the local DMV or the state fish and wildlife department.
8. Do Boat Owners Have to Pay Property Taxes?
Every boat owner has to pay property taxes, regardless of whether the boats are registered or documented. In some cases, documented boats have lower state property taxes, but in others, they are viewed as being the same for tax purposes. Some locales
also waive personal property taxes for certain boat owners, so it can pay to do some research.
9. What Documents Are Required to Register a Boat?
No matter what state they live in, boaters will need to provide some documentation before they can get their boats registered. It usually includes a completed registration form, proof of ownership in the form of a title or a bill of sale, and proof of payment of
the registration fee. Some states allow this documentation to be submitted online, while others offer mail-in options or in-person registrations.
10. Do Boats Need Titles?
Drivers need to title their cars in every state, but the laws governing boat titling are more variable. In some states, short boats don’t require titles. In others, every motorized craft needs a title to be sold legally, bought, or registered. There has been a recent trend towards loosening boat title requirements, but that doesn’t mean boaters shouldn’t check both their local laws and the laws in the state of purchase before buying a new boat.
Still Have Questions?
Any new or soon-to-be boat owner with additional questions should contact their local or state agencies. In most cases, boat registrations are handled by either the DMV or the fish and wildlife department. It can be frustrating trying to navigate the bureaucracy to get a boat registered, but remember that it’s never smart to operate an unregistered vessel. It could lead to sometimes substantial fines and other penalties, so it’s not worth the risk. Do the research and register the boat, and the trailer if applicable, before taking it out on the public waterways.