Which Boats Require Registration?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Vermont, you must have a Vermont Certificate of Registration and validation stickers to operate any vessel propelled by a motor legally on public waters. The only exceptions are:

• Non-motorized vessels
• Vessels registered legally in another state or country if the vessel has not been within Vermont for more than 60 days
• Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

Vessels documented by the USCG or registered legally in another state or country must validate their registration numbers by obtaining a validation sticker from the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if the vessels are on Vermont waters for at least 60 days in a calendar year.