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How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in Massachusetts

Updated on Fri, 6/3/2011

Most new boats must be registered through the Massachusetts Environmental Police Registration and Titling Bureau, before they can be sailed.

VESSELS THAT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

Any boat powered by a motor and used on the waterways of Massachusetts. This includes boats that might not use the motor as a primary means of propulsion like sailboats and canoes.

VESSELS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

  1. Any boat that does not have an on-board motor.
  2. Vessels documented by the U.S Coast Guard.

TO REGISTER IN PERSON

To register a boat you need to fill out the boat registration application at a registration office. You need to submit the following documents:
  • Proof of ownership (Manufacturer's statement of origin for new boats, and for used boats an MSO, previous registration or title).
  • A bill of sale.
  • Proof of sales tax payment (A 5% sales tax is payable to the Department of Revenue as a prerequisite for the registration process. You can pay the tax online ).
  • A Hull Identification Number or HIN (a pencil tracing of Hull ID serial number)
If the vessel is documented with the Coast Guard, a Termination of Documentation (Deletion Letter) can be given in lieu of the Title. This shows that there are no outstanding mortgages on the vessel. A title is not required if the vessel is less than 14 feet in length.

FEES

Boat registration fees range from $40 to $100, depending on the size of the boat. See here for a more detailed breakdown of the registration fees.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • With registration, you will receive a registration number, a registration certificate, and a decal. The number and decal must be prominently displayed at the front of the boat. The certificate must be retained on the boat at all times.
  • For boats built prior to 1972 or without the mandatory 12 digit Hull Identification Number (HIN), a boat identification may be required before the registration process. For a clarification please contact your nearest registration office.
  • You can renew your registration online.
  • For additional information, visit the Massachusetts Environmental Police website.