Most new boats must be registered through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before they can be sailed. You must register within 30 days of purchase or entry into Maryland water.

VESSELS THAT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

1. Any boat using primary or supplementary mechanical propulsion.
2. Any boat that will remain in Maryland for the major part of the calendar year.

TO REGISTER IN PERSON

• You can register a boat in person by visiting your local DNR office.
• You must bring a completed boat registration application (DNR Form B-240), original certificate of origin. If the certificate of origin does not include the purchase details and price then a certified and/or notarized bill of sale is required.
• For registration of used vessels, you need the above mentioned documents along with the certificate of title assigned to you and an original letter of lien release if the title mentions a recorded lien.

TO REGISTER BY U.S. MAIL

The boat registration application and proof of ownership can also be mailed to any of the local DNR office.

FEES

Boat registration fees include a 5% excise tax based on the purchase price or the estimated fair market value of the vessel. See here for a more detailed breakdown of the registration fees and the exemptions allowed under various conditions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Ascertain that the hull identification numbers displayed on the boat correspond to the HIN on the documents.
• Your boat registration is valid for two years.
• Failure to register within the period of 30 days entails a penalty of 10% of excise tax and 1.5% interest for each month.
• For additional information, see the Maryland DNR Page