Massachusetts
boat registration summary presents an overview of boat titling,
registration, loan perfection, and operational requirements for the
State of Massachusetts. 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 and
trailers.
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 144,319 boats registered in the State of
Massachusetts.
Boat registration statistics by county and city are also
available from this state. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The boat
registration number prefix for Massachusetts is "MS". |
|
Registration Agency |
Division of
Law Enforcement, Registration Bureau |
|
Registration Requirements |
Registration
is required on all motorized boats in Massachusetts. Coast Guard
documented boats are exempt from registration. Registration
certificates are renewed every 2 years. |
|
Title Requirements |
All
registered boats over 14' are titled in Massachusetts except
those which are Coast Guard documented. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
Massachusetts
does not have provisions for bonded boat titles or conditional
boat registrations where sufficient proof of ownership is not
available. These situations are handled on a case-by-case basis
through the Registration Bureau. |
|
Abandoned Boats |
Massachusetts
has defined procedures for registering abandoned boats.
Additional information on abandoned boats can be found in our
boat registration kit for this state. |
|
Tax Requirements |
Sales tax is
levied on boat transactions in Massachusetts. |
|
Loan Perfection |
Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on the state title records. On Coast Guard documented
vessels, a preferred mortgage must be recorded on the vessel's
abstract of title. A UCC financing statement must be filed if
the boat is neither titled or documented. |
|
Registration Records |
Detailed
information on how to obtain verbal and written reports can be
found in our
boat registration kit for this state. |
|
Ownership Designations |
Multiple
owners are designated as either "Co-owner" or "Joint Owner" on
Massachusetts boat records. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may register a boat in Massachusetts if this is the state of
principal usage. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
Ownership
transfers of boats registered in Massachusetts must be reported
within 15 days. |
|
Hull Inspection |
A boat must
be physically inspected by a Massachusetts law enforcement
officer if there is a hull number discrepancy. |
|
Outboard Motors |
Massachusetts
does not issue title or registration certificates for outboard
motors. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Registration
is required for boat trailers in Massachusetts. Titles are
required on boat trailers weighing over 3,000 lbs. |
|
Notary Regulations |
Massachusetts
notary commissions are for 7 years, no bonding is required, and
the notary must use an embossed or inked seal. |
|
Visitation Period |
A visitation
period of 60 days is allowed for boats that are registered in
another state, Coast Guard documented, or registered in a
foreign country. |
