New Hampshire Boat Registration Summary
New Hampshire boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
New Hampshire. 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.
Please
read our
terms of use before proceeding.
|
Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 94,773 boats registered in New
Hampshire. This state ranks 33rd among nationwide boat
registrations. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The boat
registration number prefix for New Hampshire is "NH". |
|
Registration Agency |
Division of
Motor Vehicles. |
|
Registration Requirements |
Registration is required on motorboats of any size, and
sailboats or sailboards 12 feet in length or longer. The only
exceptions are sailboats and sailboards under 12 feet in length,
other small, non-motorized vessels such as canoes and kayaks.
Coast Guard documented vessels are subject to registration.
Registration certificates are renewed on an annual basis. |
|
Title Requirements |
New Hampshire
is a registration only state and does not issue boat titles. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
New Hampshire
does not have provisions for bonded or conditional boat
registrations. |
|
Registration Records |
Boat
registration records are maintained indefinitely by the State of
Alabama. Detailed information on how to
obtain verbal and written reports can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Tax Requirements |
Sales and use
tax do not apply to boat transactions. |
|
Loan Perfection |
A security
interest on a non-documented boat is perfected with a UCC
financing statement. If the vessel is Coast Guard documented, a
preferred vessel mortgage must be recorded with the National
Vessel Documentation Center. |
|
Ownership Designations |
Joint
ownership terms are are not defined on boat recordings in New
Hampshire |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may apply for a registration if the boat is located within the
State of New Hampshire |
|
Reporting Requirements |
Transfers of
ownership, abandonments, destructions, and thefts must be
reported within 15 days. |
|
Hull Inspection. |
The boat must
be inspected by a law enforcement official if there is a
discrepancy in the hull identification number. |
|
Outboard Motors |
New Hampshire
does not issue registrations or titles on outboard motors. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Boat trailer
registration is required in New Hampshire. Titles are required
for those weighing over 3,000 lbs. |
|
Notary Regulations |
Notary
commissions in New Hampshire are for 5 years, no bonding is required, and the
notary must affix an embossed or inked stamp to all notarized
documents. |
|
Visitation Period |
Boats that
are Coast Guard documented or registered in another state are
allowed
a visitation period of 30 days. |
|
New Hampshire Boat Registration
Division of Motor Vehicles
|
