First-time boat registration

Documents Required

• Bill of Sale - Name, address and signature of the seller must be on the bill of sale.
• If you purchased your boat from a business, the bill of sale must be written up on company letterhead.
• If your boat is purchased brand new from a  dealer, department store, or internet sale, you will need to provide the original Manufacturer's Statement of Origin.
• Proof of sales tax paid.  You can pay your sales tax online by visiting the Department of Revenue "MassTaxConnect" website (click this link to pay sales tax online). Print out your receipt as proof of payment.  For instructions on using MassTaxConnect, click this link to view video tutorials.
• Pencil tracing of the hull ID number (serial number). 
  • If your boat was manufactured prior to 1972, or does not have a proper Coast Guard conforming 12 character hull ID number, your boat may require a boat inspection.  If you have any questions prior to submitting your paperwork, please call us.
• Completed Registration and Titling Application.
• Required fees - check or money order (made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts) or Credit Card / Debit Card.
• No cash accepted

• For Boats 14 feet and over - Title from the seller signed over to the new buyer.  If the boat is documented with the U.S. Coast Guard, you will need to provide a Deletion Letter. You can contact the Coast Guard at 1 (800) 799-8362

Please note:

1. When a boat is purchased from a private party sale or dealer from a non-title state, the seller's previous boat registration is required in lieu of a title.
2. If you have purchased a boat from Rhode Island, the seller's signature on the Rhode Island title must be notarized.
3. If you are a Commercial Fisherman and registering your vessel strictly for commercial fishing, you must submit a copy of your commercial fishing license.
4. If your boat requires a state assigned HIN (Hull ID serial number) at the time of registration, you must show us proof of the HIN placement on your boat before you will receive your registration card and decal.
5. Sales tax is due on the 20th day of the month following the date of purchase. (For example, if you purchase a boat on Jan. 15, sales tax is due on Feb. 20.) Massachusetts sales tax is 6.25% of the total purchase price. If sales tax is late, you will be subject to interest and penalties. Questions on sales tax should be directed to the Department of Revenue at  617-887-6400.
6. Electronic signatures are accepted on a bill of sale/purchase agreement only when accompanied by a printed email chain giving approval of these type signatures between the buyer and seller or broker and client.