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State Boat Registration Advisor

Frequently asked questions about state level boat registration and titling.

Our state boat registration advisor is a free public resource dedicated to answering common questions about state level boat registration and titling. Further information about each subject can be found on the respective pages of this website.


Can I do my own state boat registration?

A majority of state boat registration agencies have now established online resources that cover the entire process from start to finish, so completing it yourself has never been easier. These will provide you with all the necessary instructions, forms and resources for registrations, renewals and titling. You will also find a wealth of state registration information in the References for this page.

How do I know if a boat is state registered?

The most visible clue would be the state assigned boat registration numbers on either side of the bow. These start with a state designation consisting of two letters, followed by four numbers and two more letters. The year of registration is shown by the tabs that accompany the markings. State assigned numbering may not be visible on Coast Guard documented boats, although registration tabs are required in certain jurisdictions. Knowing what kinds of boats are excluded from registration could also be useful. Checking the hull number in a jurisdiction where the boat has been docked or operated will be necessary if there is no visible evidence.

Where can I find the owner of a state registered boat?

Boat owner information is now prohibited in most states due to privacy laws. This means that only the owner and certain authorized persons have access to such information. This generally includes law enforcement agencies, lenders, insurers, and those having an equitable interest. Information on how to access boat registration records from each state and U.S. territory can be found in the References for this page.

Where can I find historical state boat registration information?

The availability of earlier boat ownership records will vary by state. However, such data is typically purged within a few years. This makes is difficult to construct a complete chain of ownership on older boats unless they were Coast Guard documented. Gathering of other historical data, such as salvaging or damages, has yet to be implemented in most jurisdictions.

How can I check for state boat registration liens?

Security interests on state titled boats are generally listed on the title certificate itself. In non-title states, they are recorded as Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. If a state registered boat is also Coast Guard documented, lien claims and mortgages will appear on its abstract of title. Tax liens are not typically shown on title or documentation certificates, but may be flagged on underlying records or listed as UCC filings. More detailed information about liens, security interests, and mortgages can be found in the References for this page.

What is the difference between state boat registrations and titles?

Boat registration is a process in which each state enrolls different types of watercraft for use on its waters. This culminates in the issuance of a periodic and renewable certificate of registration, which must be kept on the boat while underway. Most jurisdictions will usually provide a title certificate along with the registration. This is a one-time issue that should be stored in a secure location. There are, however, "non-title" states that do not provide boat titling. For further information on state-specific titling practices, see the References for this page.

Are documented vessels exempt from state registration?

Vessel documentation does not preclude a boat from becoming state registered. However, federal law prohibits the issuance of a state title on documented vessels. This is because the Coast Guard does not look upon these as actual titles. Accordingly, some jurisdictions may require the registration of documented vessels whereas others my consider them as exempt. A state by state listing of such exemptions can be found by visiting the References for this page.

Can I accept state boat registrations and titles at face value?

What you see is not always what you get when it comes to state title and registration certificates. There are known cases where prior certificates were still in circulation subsequent to transfers of ownership or the addition of lienholders. There may also be red flags in the state's system which do not show up on the certificate itself. It is always prudent to verify existing certificates unless you have full confidence in the owner's representations. Contact information for every state and U.S. territory can be found in the References for this page.

Are state boat titles branded for salvage and damages?

The practice of branding boat titles when a boat has been salvaged or damaged has not yet been embraced by most states. Although various efforts are underway to standardize boat titling and registration systems, this has yet to become widely implemented in most jurisdictions. It highlights the need for a careful hull inspection, perhaps by a qualified marine surveyor.

Are boats registered in U.S. territories?

United States territories all engage in the practice of registering boats. They are subject to the same federal numbering regulations which are imposed on regular states. There is however, a wide variation in the manner by which territorial registration systems are administered. Language differences are also a barrier in some jurisdictions. Visit the References for this page for more information about U.S. territories.

Are state titles issued on boat motors?

Outboard boat motors are separately titled in certain states. They may also become listed on the underlying boat's registration certificate in some instances. This practice is offered not only as a convenience and for theft protection, but to enhance the financing of such units. The reason is obvious because outboards can be easily detached and mounted on different boats. Visit the Referrals for this page to determine the applicability of outboard motor registration and titling.


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Visit our database page for the nation's premier boat history report with a full compliment of title search resources. Includes eight maritime databases all rolled into one convenient interface. A must-have service for any prospective buyer, marine lender, or maritime professional.

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