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Boat Registration
and Titling FAQ
What are the state requirements for registration
and titling?
All states require pleasure boats to be registered and/or
titled in order to operate them legally in their jurisdiction.
Unfortunately at this time there is no national standardized
format or procedure, so the requirements and fees vary from
state to state. Many states require payment of one-time
sales or use tax at the time of registration.
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Who can help me register/title my
new boat?
When purchasing a new boat, the dealer will
generally handle the initial registration and/or titling
and sales tax payment for you. If you are financing your
purchase, the lender will be listed as lienholder on the
registration/title documents. It will be your responsibility
to renew annually by return mailing the registration form
along with the proper fee.
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What if I buy a used boat?
A used or pre-owned boat will have an ownership
history and it’s important you check with the proper
state authorities where the boat is currently registered
and/or titled for a lien search. This will tell you if the
boat is financed, and in some cases may indicate any other
claims that may be filed against it or the current owner.
Any questions or concerns should be addressed with an attorney
or a registration agent to be certain you understand the
ownership status. You will need to gain clear title to the
boat, while transferring it into your name. Any sales or
use tax payment due at registration will also be your responsibility.
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How do I find the registration office
for my state?
For a directory of registration and titling
contact information by state, please visit the National
Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ Website
at www.nasbla.org and go to the “Boating Law Administrators”
page.
If you are financing your purchase, the lender
(or its agent) may take the lead role in ordering and reviewing
the lien search, paying off any outstanding claims, and
transferring ownership into your name.
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Should I document my boat with the
US Coast Guard instead?
Most boats over 30’ in length are registered
at the federal level, by documenting the vessel with the
U.S. Coast Guard. For more information, please go to the
“Understand U.S. Coast Guard Documentation of Your
Boat” section of this Website. Financing .
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