Delaware boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Delaware. 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 59,000 boats registered in the State of Delaware. |
|
Boat Registration Numbering |
The boat
registration number prefix for the State of Delaware is "DE". |
|
Registration Agency |
Delaware
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife. |
|
Registration Requirements |
Registration
is required on all motorized boats except those which are Coast
Guard documented. Delaware boat registrations are available on a 1 to 3 year
basis. |
|
Title Requirements |
Boats are not titled in Delaware. This is a registration only
state. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
Delaware does not have provisions for conditional or bonded boat
registrations where sufficient proof of ownership can not be
provided. |
|
Abandoned Boats |
Delaware does
not have provisions for registering abandoned boats. |
|
State Taxes |
No sales,
excise, or
personal property taxes are levied on boats in Delaware. |
|
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
Delaware. 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 not defined on boat registrations in Delaware. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Boat
registration is available to non-residents if the boat's
principal area of operation is within the State of Delaware. |
|
Hull Inspections |
The hull
number must be inspected by an enforcement official if there is
a related discrepancy. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
Ownership
transfers, thefts, destructions, and abandonments must be
reported within 15 days. |
|
Outboard Motors |
Delaware does
not issue titles or registrations on outboard motors. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Registration
and titling of all boat trailers is required in Delaware. |
| Notary
Public |
An embossed
seal or black-ink rubber stamp must be affixed to all documents
notarized within the State of Delaware. |
|
Dealer Requirements |
Professional
licensing is not required for dealers or brokers in Delaware. |
|
Visitation Period |
Boats that
are Coast Guard documented or registered in another state are
allowed
a visitation period of 60 days. |
