Our boat
registration summary contains a quick overview of boat titling, registration, loan
perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Rhode Island. 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
registration number prefix for this state is "RI".
Title certificate.
Titling is
required on all registered boats, except for those which are
Coast Guard documented.
Registration certificate.
All boats over 13' must be registered except ship's lifeboats, vessels
used only for racing, rowboats less than 12 feet long, and a
canoe or kayak.
Coast Guard documented vessels must be registered. Registrations
must be renewed every two years.
Sales &
use tax.
Sales tax
does not apply to boats.
Loan perfection.
Security
interests are recorded on the titles of non-documented boats. A
preferred vessel mortgage is required for Coast Guard documented
vessels.
Registration agency.
Department of
Environmental Management, Division of Registration and
Licensing.
Boat record search.
The Division
of Registration and Licensing will confirm documents in hand by
telephone. Written reports must be obtained from a boat record
vendor.
Ownership designations.
Joint
ownership is designated by the "AND" term.
Residency requirements.
There are no
owner residency requirements for titling or registration, but
the boat must be primarily located within the state.
Reporting requirements.
Transfers of
ownership must be reported within 15 days.
Hull number inspection.
Required if
there is a discrepancy.
Outboard motors.
Outboard
motors are registered in this state, but not titled.
Boat trailers.
Registration
is required.
Notary
public.
Seals are not
required for documents notarized in Rhode Island.
Visitation period.
90 days.
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and vessel transaction needs.
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