Most new boats must be registered through the Washington DC Metropolitan Police (MPDC) Department's Harbor Patrol they can be sailed. All vessels have to be titled before registration.
[edit] VESSELS THAT REQUIRE REGISTRATION
- All vessels plying on DC waters.
[edit] VESSELS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION
- Any boat that is propelled only by oars or paddles.
- Boats registered in another state and not being used in DC for more than 50 days.
- A ship's lifeboat.
- Boats registered in another country temporarily plying in DC waters.
- Boats owned by the United States, a solitary state, a county, or a municipality for official purposed and identifiable as such.
- Boats registered with the US Coast Guard.
- Racing boats brought into the State for racing.
[edit] REGISTRATION
- You can register a boat in person by visiting the Harbor Master of the MPDC Harbor Patrol Unit.
- You must bring a completed boat registration application and proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, previous registration, invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, or out-of-state title.
[edit] FEES
Boat registration fees range from $10 to $60, depending on the propelling source as well as the size of the vessel. See here for a more detailed breakdown of the registration fees. In addition, vessels registered in DC are subject to a $2 titling fee at the time of registration.[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Both the vessel registration number and current decals must be clearly displayed on the vessel, according to according to Washington DC requirements.
- Vessels, 32 feet or longer, can be documented with the US Coast Guard.