Our boat
registration summary contains a quick overview of boat titling, registration, loan
perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
North Carolina. 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 North Carolina is "NC".
Title certificate.
Titling is
optional for all boats except those which are documented with
the Coast Guard.
Registration certificate.
All motorized boats are subject to registration except for
sailboats 14 feet or less in length. Vessels documented with the
Coast Guard are exempt from registration.
Sales &
use tax.
Sales tax
applies to boat transactions.
Loan perfection.
Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on state titling records. A UCC financing statement is
necessary if the boat is non-titled and non-documented. On Coast
Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be recorded
on the vessel's abstract of title. Registration certificates are
renewed every one or three years at the owner's option.
Registration agency.
North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Boat record search.
The Wildlife
Resources Commission will verify hull numbers and certificates
in hand by telephone. Detailed reports must be obtained from a
public record provider.
Ownership designations.
Multiple
ownership designations do not apply.
Residency requirements.
Non-residents
may apply for titles if the boat is located within the state.
Reporting requirements.
Ownership
transfers, abandonments, destructions, and thefts must be
reported within 15 days.
Abandoned boats.
North
Carolina has procedures for passing title to an abandoned boat.
Hull number inspection.
None
required.
Outboard motors.
Titles and
registrations are not available for outboard motors.
Notary
public.
Notary
commissions are for 5 years, no bonding required, a notary
embosser or stamp must be affixed to all notarized documents.
Visitation period.
90 days.
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and vessel transaction needs.
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