Which Boats Require Registration?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Maryland, you must have a Certificate of Vessel Number (registration) and registration decals to operate a vessel legally on Maryland’s public waters. Exceptions to registration are:

• Vessels without any kind of mechanical propulsion (that is, vessels propelled only by sail or manually)
• Vessels properly registered in another state
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard