Boat Registrations in USA - How And Where To Register Your Boat

How and where to register your boat varies greatly by state. In general, dealers will usually deal with registering a new boat, while it will be up to you to register a boat you have purchased from a previous owner. And unlike cars, not every state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles boats. It may be states park, tax commission, natural resources, fisheries and wildlife department that oversees boat registration. If you are buying a brand new boat using a dealer they will typically take care of the registration process for you upon purchase.

While boat registration in some states is covered by the DMV, but that may not always be the case. In fact, the agency responsible for boat registration varies from one state to another.

Paperwork Required To Register A Vessel

• Proof of ownership/bill of sale;A copy of a receipt, bill of sale or consignment note that includes the following details, full name and signature of the seller, full name and address of the buyer, date of sale and the words 'received payment in full', or similar;


• Title (if applicable);


• Full description of the vessel;


• Hull identification number;

What Vessels Are You Required To Register?

>When Do You Have To Register A Vessel?

Fees To Register Your Boat Vessel

1. State sales tax (typically around 4%);


2. Vessel title fee;


3. Processing/admin fees;


4. The boat registration decal fee.

Find Out What Agency Is Responsible For Boat Registrations By State

Written by: Carol Cronin

Carol Cronin has published several novels about the Olympics, sailing, hurricanes, time travel, and old schooners. She spends as much time on the water as possible, in a variety of boats, though most have sails.