Boat Titling and Registration Rules Across the United States vs. Documentation Rules

Vessel Registration and Documentation Rules

Owning a boat can be an exciting adventure, whether it’s for leisurely cruises on the lake or adventurous voyages along the coast. However, along with the joys of boat ownership come a myriad of responsibilities, including adhering to state regulations regarding titling and registration.

These regulations vary significantly from state to state, making it crucial for boat owners to familiarize themselves with the specific rules governing their region.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricate landscape of boat titling and registration rules across the United States compared to vessel documentation requirements.

Whether you’re a seasoned boat owner or contemplating purchasing your first vessel, understanding these regulations is essential for staying compliant with the law and ensuring a smooth sailing experience.

Our guide aims to provide clarity on these regulations, offering insights into which vessels need to be titled, which ones require registration, and any exemptions or special considerations to be aware of.

Note below that “Non-powered” vessels are those like canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards. For more details view the videos here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE8umVHfC0Pu59LE-TdzA_FpZY0ca458z&si=n3dHtoQVCSvIyFjI

Alabama Boat Titling Rules:

In Alabama, boat titling is not necessary for non-powered vessels. Only vessels documented by the USCG require registration. Outboard motors and trailers do not require registration or titling.

Alaska Boat Titling Rules:

Non-powered vessels in Alaska do not need registration or titling. However, vessels exceeding 24 feet in length must be both registered and titled. Outboard motors do not require titling, but trailers must be registered.

Arizona Boat Titling Rules:

Arizona does not require registration or titling for non-powered vessels, vessels documented by the USCG, or outboard motors. However, trailers must be registered.

Arkansas Boat Titling Rules:

In Arkansas, non-powered vessels do not need registration. However, boats manufactured on or after January 2020 must be titled. Trailers must be registered and titled.

California Boat Titling Rules:

Non-powered vessels in California are exempt from registration or titling. However, all powered vessels must be titled. Trailers must also be titled but not registered.

Colorado Boat Titling Rules:

Colorado does not require registration or titling for non-powered vessels. However, both outboard motors and trailers must be titled.

Connecticut Boat Titling Rules:

Connecticut mandates registration for non-powered vessels and titling for vessels manufactured in 2017 and newer. USCG documented vessels must be registered. Trailers exceeding 3000 pounds must be registered and titled.

Delaware Boat Titling Rules:

Delaware does not require registration or titling for non-powered vessels. However, both outboard motors and trailers must be titled.

District of Columbia Boat Titling Rules:

In the District of Columbia, registration and titling are required for non-powered vessels. USCG documented vessels must also be registered and titled. Outboard motors do not require titling, but trailers must be titled.

Florida Boat Titling Rules:

Florida mandates registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Trailers exceeding 2000 pounds must be titled.

Georgia Boat Titling Rules:

Georgia requires registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for vessels manufactured starting July 2020. Outboard motors are titled with the boat, while trailers are only registered.

Hawaii Boat Titling Rules:

In Hawaii, only outboard motors used for vessel propulsion must be registered. Boats and trailers require registration, but titling is not required.

Idaho Boat Titling Rules:

Idaho does not require registration or titling for non-powered vessels. However, all vessels must be titled. Trailers exceeding 2000 pounds must also be titled.

Illinois Boat Titling Rules:

Illinois requires registration for USCG documented vessels and optional titling for vessels under 22 feet. Outboard motors and trailers must be titled.

Indiana Boat Titling Rules:

Indiana mandates registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Trailers must also be titled.

Iowa Boat Titling Rules:

In Iowa, registration is required for non-powered vessels exceeding 12 feet. Titling is necessary for all vessels, and trailers exceeding 2000 pounds must be titled.

Kansas Boat Titling Rules:

Kansas requires registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels except those used solely as paddle craft. Trailers exceeding 2000 pounds must be titled.

Kentucky Boat Titling Rules:

Kentucky does not require registration for non-powered vessels. However, all vessels must be titled, and trailers must be titled but not registered.

Louisiana Boat Titling Rules:

Louisiana mandates registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Additionally, outboard motors and trailers must be titled.

Maine Boat Titling Rules:

Maine does not require registration or titling for non-powered vessels. However, trailers exceeding 3000 pounds must be titled.

Maryland Boat Titling Rules:

Maryland requires registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Trailers must also be titled.

Massachusetts Boat Titling Rules:

Massachusetts does not require registration or titling for non-powered vessels. However, all vessels must be titled, and trailers exceeding 3000 pounds must be titled.

Michigan Boat Titling Rules:

Michigan mandates registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Trailers exceeding 2500 pounds must also be titled.

Minnesota Boat Titling Rules:

Minnesota requires registration for non-powered vessels exceeding 10 feet and titling for all vessels. Trailers exceeding 4000 pounds must be titled.

Mississippi Boat Titling Rules:

Mississippi does not mandate registration for non-powered vessels, and titling is optional. Outboard motors and trailers exceeding 5000 pounds must be titled.

Missouri Boat Titling Rules:

Missouri requires registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Additionally, outboard motors and trailers must be titled.

Montana Boat Titling Rules:

Montana does not require registration or titling for non-powered vessels. However, all vessels must be titled, and trailers must be titled but not registered.

Nebraska Boat Titling Rules:

Nebraska only requires registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. However, trailers must be registered but not titled.

Nevada Boat Titling Rules:

Nevada mandates registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Trailers must also be titled.

New Hampshire Boat Titling Rules:

New Hampshire requires registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels except those exempted for use in state parks. Trailers exceeding 3000 pounds must be titled.

New Jersey Boat Titling Rules:

New Jersey mandates registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Trailers exceeding 2500 pounds must also be titled.

New Mexico Boat Titling Rules:

New Mexico does not require registration or titling for non-powered vessels. However, all vessels must be titled, and trailers must be titled but not registered.

New York Boat Titling Rules:

New York mandates registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Trailers exceeding 1000 pounds must also be titled.

North Carolina Boat Titling Rules:

North Carolina requires registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Trailers must also be titled.

North Dakota Boat Titling Rules:

North Dakota mandates registration for USCG documented vessels. Titling is not required for vessels, outboard motors, or trailers.

Ohio Boat Titling Rules:

In Ohio, registration is required for non-powered vessels over 14 feet. Titling is necessary for all vessels, and outboard motors exceeding 9 horsepower must be titled. Trailers exceeding 4000 pounds must also be titled.

Oklahoma Boat Titling Rules:

Oklahoma mandates registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Additionally, outboard motors exceeding 10 horsepower must be titled.

Oregon Boat Titling Rules:

Oregon requires registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Trailers exceeding 1800 pounds must also be titled.

Pennsylvania Boat Titling Rules:

Pennsylvania does not require registration for non-powered vessels unless they are used in state parks. Titling is not required for vessels, but all must be registered. Trailers must also be titled.

Rhode Island Boat Titling Rules:

Rhode Island mandates registration for non

-powered vessels over 12 feet and titling for those over 14 feet. All vessels must be registered and titled. Trailers exceeding 3000 pounds must be titled.

South Carolina Boat Titling Rules:

South Carolina does not require registration for non-powered vessels. However, all vessels must be titled, and outboard motors exceeding 4 horsepower must be titled. Trailers are not required to be titled.

South Dakota Boat Titling Rules:

South Dakota requires registration for non-powered vessels exceeding 18 feet. Titling is necessary for all vessels, and trailers exceeding 2000 pounds must be titled.

Tennessee Boat Titling Rules:

Tennessee does not mandate registration or titling for vessels, outboard motors, or trailers.

Texas Boat Titling Rules:

Texas mandates registration and titling for vessels over 14 feet. Both registration and titling are required for outboard motors and trailers exceeding 4000 pounds.

Utah Boat Titling Rules:

Utah requires registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Additionally, outboard motors exceeding 25 horsepower must be titled, and trailers exceeding 750 pounds must be titled.

Vermont Boat Titling Rules:

Vermont does not require registration or titling for non-powered vessels. However, all vessels must be titled, and trailers exceeding 1500 pounds must be titled.

Virginia Boat Titling Rules:

Virginia does not require registration or titling for non-powered vessels. Optional registration is available for USCG documented vessels. However, all vessels with motors exceeding 25 horsepower must be titled. Trailers must also be titled.

Washington Boat Titling Rules:

Washington mandates registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. However, outboard motors do not require titling. Trailers must be titled.

West Virginia Boat Titling Rules:

West Virginia does not require registration or titling for non-powered vessels. However, all vessels must be titled, and trailers must be titled but not registered.

Wisconsin Boat Titling Rules:

Wisconsin mandates registration for USCG documented vessels and titling for all vessels. Trailers exceeding 3000 pounds must also be titled.

Wyoming Boat Titling Rules:

Wyoming does not require registration or titling for non-powered vessels. However, all vessels must be titled, and trailers must be titled but not registered.

Wyoming Boat Titling Rules:

Wyoming does not require registration or titling for non-powered vessels. However, all vessels must be titled, and trailers must be titled but not registered.

For more details view the videos here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE8umVHfC0Pu59LE-TdzA_FpZY0ca458z&si=n3dHtoQVCSvIyFjI

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These regulations are essential for ensuring compliance with state laws regarding the ownership and operation of boats, outboard motors, and trailers. Understanding these rules helps boat owners navigate legal requirements and ensures the safety and proper documentation of watercraft and related equipment. If you have any further questions or need assistance with specific state regulations, feel free to ask!

Source: BHR.