Most new boats must be registered through the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles before they can be sailed.

VESSELS THAT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

1. Any motorboat (including those using motors as secondary propelling source)

VESSELS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

1. Sailboats less than 12 feet long
2. Any boat less than 10 feet long
3. Any boat that is propelled only by oars or paddles
4. Commercial boats
5. Boats owned by the U.S. government
6. Sailboards and sailing canoes
7. Boats registered in another country/state and not being used in New Hampshire for more than 30 days

TO REGISTER IN PERSON

• You can register a boat in person by visiting the DMV Boat Desk in Concord or the Bureau of Marine Patrol in Gilford. Some DMV substations as well as some town halls, marinas and sport shops also register boats, but you need to check with them first.
• You must bring a completed boat registration application (Form DSMV 157A) and proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, previous title and registration, invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, or out-of-state title; or a Verification of Vehicle Identification Form to prove exemption.

TO REGISTER BY U.S. MAIL

The boat registration application and proof of ownership can also be mailed to:

Department of Safety
Division of Motor Vehicles
23 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
Phone: (603) 271-2251    

The fee to be paid can be ascertained by calling the division first.

FEES

Boat registration fees start from $10 upwards and depend on the age, size and type of the boat. See here for a more detailed breakdown of the registration fees. In addition, vessels registered in New Hampshire are subject to surcharges for the upkeep of the lakes, fish and game of the state.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Both the registration number and current decals must be clearly displayed on the vessel, according to New Hampshire requirements.
• The vessel's registration papers must be carried on the vessel while sailing.
• For additional information, see the New Hampshire Boating Guide.