North Carolina boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
North Carolina. 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 392,566 boats registered in North
Carolina. This state ranks 10th among nationwide boat
registrations. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The boat
registration number prefix for North Carolina is "NC". |
|
Registration Agency |
North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. |
|
Registration Requirements |
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.
|
|
Title Requirements |
Titling is
required in North Carolina for all registered boats except those which are documented with
the Coast Guard. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
North
Carolina does not have provisions for bonded boat titles or
conditional boat registrations when there is insufficient proof of
ownership. |
|
Abandoned Boats |
North
Carolina has a definitive procedure for taking ownership of abandoned boats.
Detailed information for abandoned boats can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Boat Registration Records |
Boat
registration records are maintained indefinitely. Detailed
information on how to obtain verbal and written reports can be
found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Tax Requirements |
Sales tax
applies to boat transactions in North Carolina. |
|
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. |
|
Ownership Designations |
North
Carolina does not designate joint ownership methods on boat
registrations. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may apply for registrations if the boat is located within the state. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
Ownership
transfers, abandonments, destructions, and thefts must be
reported to the Wildlife Resources Commission within 15 days. |
|
Hull Inspections |
North
Carolina does not require hull inspections. |
|
Outboard Motors |
North
Carolina does not issue titles and
registrations for outboard motors. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Boat trailer
registrations and titles are issued in North Carolina. |
| Notary
Public |
North
Carolina notary
commissions are for 5 years, no bonding required, and the notary
must affix an embosser or stamp seal to all notarized documents. |
| Visitation
Period |
A visitation
period of 90 days is allowed for boats that are registered in another state,
Coast Guard documented, or registered in a foreign country. |
