Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Vessel

Here are some additional facts about titling and registering your motorboat in Massachusetts.

• A Certificate of Number is valid for two years from the date it is issued. Owners of vessels that have already been registered will be sent a renewal notice to their residence at least one month prior to the expiration of their current registration.
• All vessels 14 feet or greater in length that require registration also must be titled. The title application must be made to the Massachusetts Environmental Police within 20 days of purchasing a vessel. The title certificate is valid for the life of the vessel or until the vessel is sold or otherwise transferred, at which time the new owner must transfer the title.
• The Massachusetts Environmental Police must be notified within 15 days of any of these events:
  • The sale, trade, or transfer of ownership of a registered vessel
  • The abandonment, destruction, loss, or theft of a registered vessel
  • The change of address of the owner of a registered vessel
  • The destruction or loss of a Certificate of Number or validation decal
• Boat trailers are registered and titled under the same requirements as passenger cars. Application is made through the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
• Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the USCG. Call the USCG at 1-800-799-8362 for more information. Documented vessels are exempt from Massachusetts registration and titling requirements.