Maryland boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Maryland. 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.
|
Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 204,000 boats registered in the State of Maryland. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The boat
registration number prefix for Maryland is "MD". |
|
Title Requirements |
Maryland
issues titles all boats that require registration. |
|
Registration Requirements |
Registration
is required for all motorboats in the State of Maryland. Registrations are issued on a 2
year cycle. Registration is not required for Coast Guard
documented vessels, but a special use decal must be obtained. |
|
State Tax Requirements |
Excise tax is
due within 30 days of the purchase date or entry into the State
of Maryland. |
|
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 Agency |
Department of
Natural Resources |
|
Registration Records |
Boat
registration
records are maintained indefinitely in Maryland. Information and
forms for ordering record print-outs can be found in our
Boat Registration Kit for this state. |
|
Ownership Designations |
Maryland does
not indicate joint ownership methods on boating records. |
|
Residency requirements. |
Non-residents
may apply for boat registration and titling if Maryland is to be
the state of Principal use. |
| Bonded
titling or registration. |
Not applicable. |
| Electronic Titles. |
Maryland does
not issue electronic titles. |
|
Hull Inspection |
None
required. |
|
Sale or Disposal |
Maryland must
be notified within 30 days of the sale or disposal of a boat. |
|
Abandoned Boats |
This state
has a process for claiming title to an abandoned boat. |
|
Outboard Motors |
Maryland does
not issue titles for outboard motors. |
|
Boat trailers. |
Registration
is required for boat trailers in Maryland. |
|
Notary Regulations |
Maryland
notaries must affix a seal or stamp on all notarized documents. |
|
Dealer Licensing |
State
licensing is required for boat dealers and brokers. Bonding
requirements range from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on annual
sales volume. |
|
Visitation Period |
A visitation
period of 120 days is allowed for boats that are Coast Guard
documented, foreign titled, or registered in another state. |
