Boat Documentation

A documented vessel is one that has been federally registered through an application process with the U.S. Coast Guard, via either the National Vessel Documentation Center or an authorized third party. Typically vessels over 26 feet in length may obtain a Certificate of Documentation, while vessels over 5 tons are required to have one.

If you're planning to finance your boat purchase, most lenders will require documentation to secure the mortgage. For smaller boats under 26 feet in length, a title and proof of ownership may be enough to satisfy many of the lender's requirements. However, loans for larger vessels will often require a US Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation which under Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations can help secure a “Preferred Ship Mortgage”. Some states may require both a US Coast Guard certificate and a state registration to operate a motorized vessel on public waterways.

Most if not all states require a bill of sale be signed by both the buyer and seller in order to complete the sale. In many cases, the title itself acts as the bill of sale, used to transfer ownership of the vessel from one party to another.

In most states, in order to obtain a new boat title, you’ll typically need the existing title from the previous owner - although some states may accept just a bill of sale with the existing HIN (hull identification number). If the title has been lost or misplaced you will likely have to apply for a new title through a separate process before you can move on to the registration process. Most titles have language on them that indicates the seller is releasing the vessel to the buyer.

How do you register a boat?

The laws and requirements for registering a boat also vary by state, however, most boats with mechanical propulsion will need to be registered. In many states, the existing title can be signed over to the new owner, who then takes it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (or the Department of Natural Resources, or a Fisheries and Wildlife Service) along with any relevant forms, where they can apply for a new title and registration. Any required taxes must be paid before new documents will be issued.

Can I register a boat in another state?

If you are selling or buying a boat to someone from another state, there may be a bit more paperwork involved, such as an application for boat registration of a hull number, but it’s usually not terribly difficult.

Can I get my boat registration online?

In some states, you can apply for a boat registration online, although if it is a new registration you will likely need to take the application to the facility in person along with the title and bill of sale. Renewing boat registrations can typically be done via mail or online in most states and your state’s DMV may also offer online, downloadable PDF versions of required forms.

Do you need a boat registration?

Again, this varies depending on state, but most states require any vessel with motorized propulsion to be registered. If you’re buying or selling a boat with a boat trailer, you’ll also need to transfer ownership of the trailer as well before the buyer can legally drive it away. Otherwise, the new owner will be driving the boat on the previous owner’s plates, thus making them liable in the event of an accident.