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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(BOATS, ATV's, and Snowmobiles)

  

FAQ's for Boats
 
FAQ's for ATV's AND SNOWMOBILES 

 
 
 

Answers to FAQ's for Boats

Am I required to register my boat?

State law requires the registration of any boat that is powered by a motor and operated on public waterways in Massachusetts. Registration is required even if the motor is not the primary means of propulsion for that boat. Some examples of boats that require registration include fishing boats with motors, recreational motorboats, canoes or sailboats that use motors (includes electric motors), and personal watercraft such as Jet Skis or wet bikes. Boats exempt from registration requirements include those that do not use motors, and documented vessels (large boats that are issued a marine document and registration through the U.S. Coast Guard). Vessels used solely by a city, county, state, or federal agency will be issued a certificate of registration and number at no charge.

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Do I need to apply for a certificate of title?

All boats 14 feet or greater in length that are designed for use with a motor, or that use a motor at any time, must be titled. For example, sailboats 14 feet or longer with a backup motor in use, or sailboats designed for use with a backup motor, must be titled. Even canoes 14 feet or longer that use a motor of any type must be titled. Boats exempt from titling requirements include U.S. government-owned vessels; federally documented vessels; boats used solely for demonstration, testing, sales, or promotional purposes by a dealer or manufacturer; and boats registered in another state which are not located in the Commonwealth for more than 60 consecutive days.

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I haven't registered or titled my boat before. What should I do?

In Massachusetts, initial registration and titling is done by filling out the department's registration application at any of five Registration offices. The boat owner must submit proof of ownership, a bill of sale, proof of payment of Massachusetts sales tax, and the appropriate registration and/or title fees. For new boats, an original manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO) must be provided as proof of ownership. An MSO, title, or previous registration can serve as proof of ownership for used boats.

In order to complete the application, you must provide the vessel's Hull Identification Number (HIN) and the boat's year of manufacture, make, and length. State law requires that the title application must be made and the sales tax paid within 20 days of purchasing a boat. The Division also stores information such as the engine manufacturer, serial number, and horsepower for record keeping purposes.

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What about registration renewal?

Boat, ATV and Snowmobile owners will receive a registration renewal notice at least one month prior to the expiration of their current registration. For the quickest and most convenient service, mail it back in the enclosed return envelope along with a check or money order payable to the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts". Be sure to write the registration number on the check

Alternatively, you may bring the renewal card and registration fee to any of our five Registration offices. Be advised that Registration office lines are often long during the peak registration season from April through August.

For your convenience, registration renewals can now be done on the Internet! Visit our new website at www.mass.gov/massoutdoors

 

Renewing an Expired Registration

When renewing an expired boat registration, two years will be added to the expired date. Although you may not have used the boat for a period of time, in order to keep the same registration number, back fees are required.

However, if you do not mind the registration number being changed, you may renew for two years from the date of renewal. If you choose this option, please furnish us with a note authorizing the change in registration number. Don't forget to include a Check or Money Order payable to the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts". Also, please list your current registration number on the check.

The above also applies when renewing expired ATV / Snowmobile registrations, except out of state residents will have only one year added to the expired date.

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I made my own boat. What do I do about registration and titling?

The owner of a homemade boat should contact the Environmental Police (1-800-632-8075) to schedule an inspection of the vessel by an officer (EPO). Homemade boats must be inspected to establish proof of ownership and to verify the description of the vessel. The inspecting officer will affix a State assigned Hull Identification Number (HIN) to the vessel and provide the customer with an inspection certificate that must be presented when registering the vessel. In addition, the applicant must submit a completed form provided by the Department of Revenue showing that sales tax on materials used has been paid (ST-6 or ST-6E).

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What is so important about the Hull Identification Number?

All Massachusetts boats must have an approved Hull Identification Number (HIN) in order to be registered and/or titled. The HIN is unique to each boat, which allows the full history of the vessel to be traced from the manufacturer forward. The HIN is designed so that tampering will cause clear and permanent damage to the boat's hull, so it is critical in all stolen boat investigations. A vessel shall not operate on the State's waters unless the vessel displays the assigned HIN affixed by the manufacturer as required by the US Coast Guard, pursuant to Title 33 CFR, Part 181, Subpart C - manufacturer requirements, but DLE may issue HIN's for homemade boats and any manufactured vessel that does not have an assigned HIN. The number contains at least 12 characters and is permanently mounted or engraved on the upper right corner of the transom. Federal regulations require that the number is also placed in a second location which varies by manufacturer and model.

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What do I do with the registration certificate, number, and decal?

The registration certificate is proof that the boat is registered. It also serves as proof of ownership if the boat is not titled or documented. The registration certificate should be available for inspection on board the motorboat whenever it is in operation.

The registration number is assigned when you register your boat for the first time. It should be painted or attached to each side of the forward half of the boat. It should read from left to right, be in block letters not less than three inches high, and contrast with the color of the boat's hull. The number consists of the letters MS followed by no more than four numbers and two capital letters. A two-inch space or hyphen must separate the letters and the numbers. The registration number is issued to the boat owner and not the vessel. Therefore, it can be transferred to different boats for a given owner, but it cannot be transferred to a new owner.

The registration decal should be placed in line with and three inches to the stern of the registration number on the port side of the boat. The decal is issued with the initial registration and each registration renewal; it indicates the month and year that the registration expires.

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How long are the registration and title good for, and how much do they cost?

Title Certificates cost $25. This is a one-time charge.

A boat registration certificate is valid for two years from the date of issuance. Cost is based on the length of the vessel:

Under 16'..........................................$40.00
16' to 26'...........................................$60.00
26' to 40' ......................................... $80.00
40' + ................................................$100.00

Other related costs:

Duplicate Registration....................... $10.00
Duplicate Title >>>>>...................... $15.00

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I live in another state but sometimes boat in Massachusetts. Do I need to register and title my boat?

Visiting boat owners who are registered in another state are allowed to boat in Massachusetts for up to 60 consecutive days without obtaining a Massachusetts registration and title. If you plan to keep the boat in Massachusetts for more than 60 consecutive days, you must obtain a Massachusetts registration and title certificate.

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What should I do if I am buying or selling a boat?

In order to execute a boat transaction, the following items are necessary:

  • Bill of sale
  • 12-character serial number (HIN) pencil tracing
  • Proof of payment of Massachusetts' sales tax
  • A completed application
  • Appropriate fees
  • Title from seller if applicable

Massachusetts sales tax is now payable online. For more information visit the Department of Revenue website or call (800) 392-6089.

In addition to the previous requirements, if the boat is 14 feet or greater in length and uses a motor either temporarily or permanently, or if it is designed for use with a motor, the certificate of title must be signed over from the seller to the buyer. The buyer then presents this information and documentation to DLE's Registration & Titling Bureau to obtain a new registration card and certificate of title.

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What should I do if I lose my registration or title?

If your registration or title certificate is lost, destroyed, or mutilated, you can apply for a duplicate.  Cost: Duplicate Registration $10.00 and Duplicate Title $15.00

Just fill out the proper form and mail to the nearest registration office with appropriate fee.  Duplicate registration does not come with a decal.  Decal replacement cost is $5.00 and the request must be mailed with an explanation as to the reason a duplicate decal is being requested.

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What if I am in a boating accident, or my boat is stolen?

The operator of a vessel is required to submit a written report to the Division of Law Enforcement's Bureau of Boating and Recreational Vehicles whenever an accident results in:

  • The death of a person.
  • The disappearance of a person under circumstances which suggest any possibility of death or injury.
  • Any injury requiring medical attention.
  • Property damage exceeding $500.

Accidents resulting in death or serious injury must be reported within 48 hours. Other accident reports must be submitted within five days. If a boat is lost, stolen, abandoned, or destroyed, the owner must notify the Division of Law Enforcement in writing within 15 days. (See Marine Theft Bureau)

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Do I have to register my boat trailer?

Boat trailers are registered under the same requirements as passenger cars. Apply at any Registry of Motor Vehicles office or call 617-351-4500 for information. Some smaller trailers need not be titled only registered.

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Where can I take a Boating Safety Course?

Boating Safety Course instruction is administered through the Boating and Recreational Vehicle Education/Safety Bureau. To register for a course in your area, please contact the Bureau at (617) 727-8760 or (508) 790-9360.

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My boat is pre-1972. How do I obtain a hull identification number to register my boat?

Boats built prior to 1972 or any vessel that does not have a 12 character hull identification number (HIN) must have the state issue one. Boat inspections are performed by the Massachusetts Environmental Police. Call 1-800-632-8075 to arrange an inspection.

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What are the age requirements for operating a jet-ski?

You must be 16 years of age or older.

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I purchased my boat from a car dealer. Will I have any difficulty registering my boat?

Car dealers that are not registered boat dealers must first title the boat in the car dealer's name before legally selling the boat. The car dealer must also pay a sales tax to the Department of Revenue before titling the boat. Once the car dealer has applied for and received the title from the state, the sale can be made.

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Do I need insurance verification on my boat before I register it?

The state of Massachusetts does not require insurance on a boat before registering. It is entirely up to the boat owner whether or not the boat is insured.

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I have a small motorized tender to my Coast Guard documented or state registered vessel. Does this tender require a registration or can I label this boat "Tender To "?

Any boat powered by an electric or gas motor must be state registered. Only ship lifeboats are exempt from registration.

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Can I keep the same registration numbers that the previous owner had on the boat?

Each boat owner will get a new registration number assigned to their boat that is computer generated. The computer system does not allow for the same number to be utilized by two names.

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I am a commercial fisherman and I want to register my fishing vessel in Massachusetts. What documents will I need to register my boat commercially?

A copy of you valid Commercial Fishing License will be required along with the required documents needed to register a boat in Massachusetts; bill of sale, title or Coast Guard deletion letter, sales tax exemption form and a pencil tracing of the serial number on the transom of the boat.

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What is the procedure for renewing an expired registration?

When renewing an expired boat registration, the computer will add two years to the expired date. Although you may not have used the boat for a period of time, in order to keep the same registration number, back fees will be necessary. If you do not mind the registration number being changed, you will be able to renew for two years from date of renewal. Mail in the appropriate fee, list the current registration number and a note authorizing the change of number in order to have registration go for two years from the date of renewal.

When renewing ATV / Snowmobile registrations, the same applies except out of state will only have one year added to the expiration date.

Requesting a change of registration number can only be done in person or through the mail.

Call any of the registration offices for assistance with this question.

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Other information:

Vessel owners who move are required to notify DLE in writing within 15 days of an address change. The new address should be written on the registration certificate and sent to any of the Registration offices listed below. If you have any other questions about boat registration or titling, please feel free to call or write the nearest Registration office.

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Registration Offices

  • 251 Causeway Street, Boston, 02114 (617) 626-1610
  • 165 Liberty Street, Springfield, 01103 (413) 733-1642
  • 40 Southbridge Street, Worcester, 01608 (508) 753-0603
  • 218 South Main Street, Fall River, 02721 (508) 679-8287
  • 60 Perseverance Way, Hyannis, 02601 (508) 771-8382

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Answers to FAQ's for ATVs and Snowmobiles
 

Am I required to registered to register my ATV or snowmobile?

State law requires the registration of any ATV or Snowmobile in accordance with the provisions of the law (Chapter90B) except on land owned by the owner of such recreational vehicle.

 

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Where can we ride trail bikes and four-wheelers in the state of Massachusetts?

For information on trails in the state of Massachusetts please call the following phone numbers:

 

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If I purchase a go-cart, does this cart have to be registered?

Yes, if the vehicle will be used off-road.

 

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Is my Massachusetts ATV/Snowmobile registration valid in other states?

Your Massachusetts ATV or snowmobile registration is only valid in Massachusetts. You must register in any other state you decide to ride in.

 

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Do I have to carry my registration with me while riding?

Yes. Your registration card must be carried while riding your ATV or snowmobile. The card should be on your person or in the vehicle and shown upon demand to a law enforcement officer.

 

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David Barber, Registration Bureau Chief
Email Questions to:  Allen.Millner@State.ma.us
 
Registration Bureau--Main Office
251 Causeway Street, Suite 101
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 626-1610
Fax: (617) 626-1630
 
Page last update:  03/21/2008  
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