How to Register & Title a Boat in Massachusetts

Sailing on Boston Harbor requires titling if the boat has a motor.

Massachusetts requires registration and titling for any boat that is more than 14 feet in length and that is powered by a motor -- even if the motor isn't the primary means of propulsion. When you first buy the boat, you can pay the sales taxes online, but you have to title it in your name and register it in person. Titling is a lifetime thing, or at least for as long as you own the boat. You'll have to re-register the boat every two years, either in person or online.

Instructions

1. Ask the boat's seller for a bill of sale that includes the seller's name and address, and ask the seller for the boat's current title. (See Resource 2) If you purchase the boat new from a dealer, obtain a bill of sale and a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, instead. If the bill of sale doesn't include evidence that you've paid the sales tax on the boat -- if, for example, you bought the boat from an individual, and didn't pay the sales tax to him or her -- you can go to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue website page "File Sales/Use Tax on Boat, Recreation or Snow Vehicle," and complete the Department of Revenue form ST-6E online (See Resource 1) and pay the sales tax online with a credit card. Print the computer-generated receipt.

2. Make a pencil tracing of the boat's hull identification number. The HIN is located on the starboard side of the transom or within 1 foot of the starboard stern of the boat.

3. Complete and sign an application for registration and titling and submit the form to the Massachusetts Environmental Police in person at one of their five regional offices, along with the former owner's title, the bill of sale, the MSO, the tracing of the HIN, proof the taxes were paid, and the required fee for titling and registration. Titles are a one-time expense, but you must renew the boat's registration every two years. Pay the titling fee and registration fee by check or credit card as cash is no longer acceptable.

Tips & Warnings

• When you buy a boat in a state where titling is not required, the former owner's registration is required rather than the former title. If you buy a boat in Rhode Island, for example, the title must bear the seller's notarized signature.

References

• MEP: Registration Information
• MEP: Regional Offices
• MEP: Title and Registration Fee Schedule
• Boat Safe: Hull ID Numbers
• MEP: Registration Information

Resources

• Massachusetts Department of Revenue "WebFile"
• Massachusetts Boat Registration and Titling Form
• Massachusetts Sample Bill of Sale