Rhode Island boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Rhode Island. 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.
|
Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 45,930 boats registered in Rhode
Island. This state ranks 47th among nationwide boat
registrations. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The
boat registration number prefix for Rhode Island is "RI". |
|
Registration Agency |
Department of
Environmental Management, Division of Registration and
Licensing. |
|
Title Requirements |
Titling is
required on all registered boats in Rhode Island, except for those which are
Coast Guard documented. Instructions, forms, and contact
information for titling can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Registration Requirements |
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. Instructions, forms, and
contact information for registration be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
Rhode Island
has provisions for registering boats where the necessary proof
of ownership is not otherwise available. These consist of bonded
boat registrations or superior court awards. Information and
examples of such procedures be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Abandoned Boats |
Rhode Island
does not have provisions for registering abandoned boats. In
this case, it will be necessary to apply for a bonded title or
obtain an award from the Superior Court. |
|
Registration Records |
Boat records
are maintained indefinitely in Rhode Island. Instructions,
forms, and contact information on how to obtain verbal and
written reports can be
found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Lien Records |
Boat liens
and security interests for titled boats in Rhode Island are
listed on the state title records. If the boat is not
titled or documented, these are filed with the Secretary
of State as Uniform Commercial Code recordings. On Coast Guard
documented vessels, liens and mortgages will be recorded on the
abstract of title. Information on how to conduct lien research
in Rhode Island can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Tax Requirements |
There is no sales tax on boats unless purchased
prior to July 29, 1993. If sales tax is due, it must be paid
prior to registration.
|
|
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 |
Joint
ownership methods are not designated on Rhode Island boat
records. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may title and register a boat in Rhode Island if this is the state of
principal usage. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
A change of address or transfer of interest in the vessel, or if
the vessel is abandoned, destroyed, or stolen, the Rhode Island Department of
Environmental Management must be notified within 15 days.
|
|
Hull Inspection |
A Rhode
Island law enforcement official must inspect the boat if there
is a discrepancy in the hull identification number. |
|
Outboard Motors |
Outboard
motors are registered in Rhode Island, but not titled. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Registration
is required on all boat trailers in Rhode Island. Titling is
required on all 1973 and later year models weighing over 3,000
lbs. |
|
Notary Regulations |
Notaries in
Rhode Island are not required to affix seals to 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. |
