Connecticut boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Connecticut. 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 108,078 boats registered in Connecticut. This
state ranks 32nd among nationwide boat registrations. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The
registration number prefix for Connecticut is "CT". |
|
Registration Agency |
Department of
Motor Vehicles. |
|
Title Requirements |
Connecticut
does not issue boat titles, it is a registration only state. |
|
Registration Requirements |
All boats with a
motor, regardless of size must be registered. Boats that are 19
1/2 feet or larger, with or without a motor, must also be
registered. Registration is required for Coast Guard documented
boats. |
|
State Tax Requirements |
Sales tax is
levied on boat transfers and first time registrations in
Connecticut. |
|
Loan Perfection |
A security
interest on a non-documented boat in Connecticut 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 |
Inactive records are maintained for 4
years. 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 terms are defined as "and" or "or" on boat recordings
in Connecticut. |
|
Abandoned Boats |
Connecticut has provisions for registering abandoned
boats.
Instructions, forms, and contact information can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Foreclosed Boats |
Connecticut has provisions for registering a boat that has been
repossessed. Instructions, forms, and contact information can be
found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Hull Inspections |
The boat must
be inspected by a Connecticut law enforcement official if there is a
discrepancy in the hull identification number. |
|
Residency Requirements |
You do not
have to be a Connecticut resident to register your vessel in
Connecticut. If the vessel is being used in Connecticut waters
for more than 60 days, you must apply for a certificate of
decal. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
Ownership
transfers and abandonments must be reported to the Department of
Motor Vehicles within 15 days. |
|
Outboard Motors |
Connecticut
does not issue title and registration certificates for outboard
motors. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Registration
is required for boat trailers in Connecticut. Titling is
required on all boat trailers weighing over 3,000 lbs. |
|
Notary Regulations |
A Connecticut notary
may affix a seal as an option, but this is not required. |
| Visitation
Period |
Boats that
are Coast Guard documented or registered in another state are
allowed
a visitation period of 60 days. |
