How to Register a Boat in New York State
The administrative aspect of getting a new boat can seem daunting, but it’s crucial to ensure that you are in compliance with state law before getting out on the water. To help demystify the process, Drive a Boat USA has created this handy guide to registering a boat in New York.
New York boat registration requirements
In New York State, all boats that are equipped with an electric or fuel-driven motor must be registered with the DMV, regardless of their size. There are just a few types of boats that are exempt from this requirement:
- Lifeboats
- Commercial vessels
- Boats used exclusively for racing
- Boats that are registered in another state and are not in New York for more than 90 days
Vessel registrations must be renewed every 3 years. There are age requirements for operating a boat in New York, but no age restrictions for owning or registering one.
How to register a boat in New York
The steps to take and fees to pay to register your boat in New York will vary slightly depending on factors such as the boat’s size and model year and whether you obtained it from a dealer, an individual or built it yourself.
Required registration documents
Here are the documents generally required to register a vessel with the New York DMV. For further details, take a look at the instructions provided by the DMV. Note that all documents must be originals, not copies.
- A completed Boat Registration/Title Application form
- Proof of ownership (this may be a statement of origin from the manufacturer, a title certificate from New York or another state, a transferable registration or a document from the US Coast Guard)
- A bill of sale (if procured from a dealer, this document can also serve as proof of sales tax clearance)
- A sales tax clearance form or proof of sales tax clearance
- Proof of identity (NYS driver’s license, non-driver ID card, etc.)
- Payment for applicable registration fees and sales tax if not already paid
Registration fees
Registration fees are based on the length of the boat.
- Less than 16 ft: $22.50
- 16 ft to less than 26 ft: $45.00
- 26 ft or longer: $75
Until recently, a surcharge was added to every registration fee to contribute to boating safety initiatives. However, recent legislation has rescinded the surcharge, and those who have paid it as part of their registration or renewal fee since 4/8/22 will be refunded.
Note that you may also be required to pay a $50 title fee if your boat meets the criteria to be issued a title certificate.
Title certificates
The DMV issues title certificates for boats that are at least 14 ft long, a 1987 model or newer, and are registered in New York State. For boats that meet the criteria, the title certificate is used as proof of ownership instead of registration.
How to transfer ownership of a boat
The method for transferring ownership of a boat from one individual to another depends on whether or not the vessel meets the criteria for a title certificate.
For boats that are a 1987 model or newer and at least 14 ft long, a title certificate is considered the acceptable proof of ownership. To transfer ownership, the seller whose name appears on the title must sign it over to the new owner. If the seller has a title certificate that was transferred to them by someone else, they cannot use that certificate to transfer ownership again. Instead, they must apply for a new title certificate and then transfer the new one.
For boats that are a 1986 model or older or less than 14 ft long, a transferable registration is considered the acceptable proof of ownership. The owner can use the registration and a bill of sale to transfer ownership as long as the registration document is marked as transferable.
How to register a homemade boat in New York
All boats that are a 1973 model or newer are required to have a 12-digit Hull Identification Number (HIN) in order to be registered with the DMV. Since homemade boats do not come with a HIN, you will need to apply for one with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation before proceeding with registration.
This involves filling out an application form and sending it to the Office along with pictures of the boat. After receiving the application, the Office will call to set up an appointment to inspect the boat. Receipts and/or proof of ownership of the major material components used to build the boat will need to be provided during the inspection.
Once you pass the inspection and are assigned a HIN, you can register the boat with the DMV.
Where to place the registration number and stickers
According to New York boating regulations, you are required to display your registration number and stickers on your vessel. The registration number must be painted or printed in block letters at least 3 inches high and displayed on both sides of the vessel’s bow. Registration stickers must also be displayed on both sides of the bow in line with the registration number and no more than 3 inches aft from it.
Can you register a boat online in New York?
The New York DMV does not currently offer the option of registering boats online. You can register your boat in person at your local DMV office or send in your registration documents by mail. Once your boat is registered, you can renew your registration online.
Comply with New York boating regulations and get your safe boating certificate from Drive a Boat USA!
Registering your boat isn’t the only step you need to complete before you can take it out on the water! Depending on your age, you may also need to take a boating safety course in order to legally operate your boat on state waters.
New York is phasing in this requirement by age—as of 2022, everyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 needs to take a course and obtain their New York safe boating certificate to operate a recreational vessel, and all New Yorkers regardless of age will be required to do so by 2025.
Drive a Boat USA offers a US boat safety course that you can complete online. Learn everything you need to know to pass the exam and obtain your certificate with us!