Colorado boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Colorado. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and other resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of general
purpose boat and trailer registration forms on our Forms
page.
Please visit our
State page for additional
articles and information about registering or titling boats, trailers,
and outboard motors.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
Please
read our
terms of use before proceeding.
|
Boat
Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 91,424 boats registered in Colorado. This state
ranks 34th among nationwide boat registrations. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The boat
registration number prefix for Colorado is "CL". |
|
Registration Agency |
Colorado
State Parks |
|
Registration Requirements |
Any
boat with a motor or sail must be registered. Registrations must
be renewed annually. Coast Guard documented vessels are
not exempt from registration. |
|
Title Requirements |
Colorado is a
registration only state and does not issue boat titles. |
|
State Tax Requirements |
Dealers must
collect sales tax at the point of sale. Private transactions are
to be reported when tax forms are filed. |
|
Loan Perfection |
A security
interest on a non-documented boat is perfected with a UCC
financing statement. If the vessel is Coast Guard documented, a
preferred vessel mortgage must be recorded with the National
Vessel Documentation Center. |
|
Registration Records |
Boat
registration records are maintained indefinitely by the State of
Colorado. Detailed information on how to
obtain verbal and written reports can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Ownership Designations |
Joint
ownership methods are not designated on boat registrations. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may apply for a registration if the boat is located within the
State of Colorado. |
|
Hull Inspection |
The boat must
be inspected by a Colorado law enforcement official if there is
a discrepancy with the hull identification number. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
You must
notify the Colorado State Parks division within 15 days if the
vessel is transferred, stolen, abandoned, or destroyed. |
|
Outboard Motors |
Colorado does
not title or register outboard motors. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Boat trailer
registration and titling is required in Colorado. |
|
Notary Requirements |
A Colorado notary
must affix a
stamp or embossed seal on all documents notarized
in this state. |
|
Dealer Licensing |
No state
licensing is required for boat dealers or brokers in Colorado. |
|
Visitation Period |
Boats that
are registered in another state are
allowed
a visitation period of 60 days. |
