New York boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
New York. 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.
|
Boar Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 498,000 boats registered in the State of New York. |
|
Boat Registration Numbering |
The boat
registration number prefix for New York is "NY". |
|
Registration Agency |
State of New
York - Department of
Motor Vehicles |
|
Registration Requirements |
Registration
is required on all motorized boats in New York. Coast Guard
documented boats are not exempt from registration. Registration
certificates are renewed every 3 years. |
|
Title Requirements |
All
registered boats 14' and longer which are newer than 1986 are
subject to titling in New York. Coast Guard documented boats are exempt from
titling. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
New York has
no provisions for bonded titles where sufficient proof of
ownership not otherwise available. However, conditional
registrations may be issued at the Department of Motor Vehicle's
discretion. |
|
Electronic Titles |
New York does
not employ electronic boat titles. |
|
Boat record search. |
Boat records
are purged after 4 years of inactivity. Detailed information on
how to obtain verbal and written reports can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
State Tax Requirements |
Sales tax
applies to all boat transactions in New York. |
|
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 |
New York does
not recognize joint ownership designations. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may obtain titles if the boat is located in the State of New
York. |
| Hull
Inspection |
The hull
identification number must be inspected by a law enforcement
official if there is a discrepancy. |
|
Outboard Motors |
New York does
not issue titles or registrations for outboard motors. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Boat trailer
registration is required in New York. Titles are issued on those
weighing over 2,000 lbs. |
|
Boat Dealers |
Dealers must
handle the titling and registration of all boats sold to New
York residents. |
|
Notary Regulations |
Notaries in
New York are
commissioned for 4 years, no bonding is required, use of notary
seals is optional. |
| Visitation
Period |
A visitation
period of 90 days is allowed for boats that are Coast Guard
documented, foreign titled, or registered in another state. |
