Our boat
registration summary contains a quick overview of boat titling, registration, loan
perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Massachusetts. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and a complete
listing of resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state.
You will also find an extensive listing of generic state level boat registration,
boat trailer, and general purpose forms on our Forms Page .
Please visit our
State Page for additional
articles and information regarding state level boat registration, titling,
and operational requirements.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
State numbering.
The boat
registration number prefix for Massachusetts is "MS".
Title certificate.
All
registered boats over 14' are titled except those which are Coast Guard
documented.
Registration certificate.
Registration
is required on all motorized boats. Coast Guard documented boats
are exempt from documentation. Registration certificates are
renewed every 2 years.
Sales &
use tax.
Sales tax is
levied on boat transactions.
Loan perfection.
On Coast
Guard documented boats a security interest is perfected with a
preferred vessel mortgage. If the boat is not documented and has a
state title, it is perfected on the state title records. On
non-documented boats without a state title, it is perfected with
a UCC financing statement.
Registration agency.
Massachusetts
Environmental Police, Division of Law Enforcement.
Boat record search.
The Division
of Law enforcement will provide telephone verifications of hull
numbers and certificates in hand. Detailed reports must be
obtained from a public record provider.
Ownership designations.
Multiple
owners are designated as either "Co-owner" or "Joint Owner".
Residency requirements.
Non-resident
owners may obtain a title if the boat is located within the
state.
Hull number inspection.
Required if
there is a hull number discrepancy.
Reporting requirements.
Ownership
transfers must be reported within 15 days.
Outboard motors.
Titling and
registration do not apply to outboard motors.
Boat trailers.
Registration
and titling is required for boat trailers.
Notary
public.
Commissions
are for 7 years, no bonding is required, and the notary
must use an embossed or inked seal.
Visitation period.
60 days.
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and vessel transaction needs.
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