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How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in Maine

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Submitted by deniz on Tue, 12/02/2008 - 02:50

Most new boats must be registered through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife before they can be sailed. Excise taxes must be paid the in town of residence before registration.

[edit] VESSELS THAT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

  1. Any motorboat sailing on Maine waters

[edit] VESSELS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

  1. Boats registered in another country/state and not being used in Missouri for more than 60 days
  2. Any boat that is propelled only by oars or paddles
  3. A ship's lifeboat
  4. Boats owned by the United States Government used for official purposes
  5. Racing boats brought into the State for racing (having a number given by a known racing organisation)
  6. Military or public watercraft

[edit] TO REGISTER IN PERSON

  • You can register a boat only in person for the first time by visiting the central boat registration office in Augusta or through Recreational Agents (some town clerks or municipal tax collection agents) for the Fish and Wildlife department.
  • You must bring a completed boat registration application and proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, or out-of-state title, and proof of excise tax payment.

[edit] FEES

Boat registration fees range from $10 to $29, depending on the power of the motor. See here for a more detailed breakdown of the registration fees In addition, vessels registered in Maine are subject to a $10 Lake and River Protection Sticker fee if they are to sail on inland waters. This fee is used to preserve the Maine waters. If registration is being done through an agent, there may be an additional $2 fee.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Both the vessel registration number and current decals must be clearly displayed on the vessel, according to Maine requirements.
  • A valid Lake and River Protection Sticker is needed to be clearly displayed on all motorboats to sail on inland waters.
  • Commercial vessels of five net tons or more must be registered with the U.S. Coast Guard only, and not with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
  • For additional information, see Maine Boating Law.