First-time boat registration

Here's how to register your boat.

Boat, ATV, and Snowmobile Registration Bureau

The Details   of First-time boat registration

What you need   for 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 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.

 

    Fees   for First-time boat registration

    Name Fee Unit
    Boats under 16 feet $44 2 years
    Boat length 16 feet to less than 26 feet $66 2 years
    Boat length 26 feet to less than 40 feet $88 2 years
    Boat length 40 feet and greater $110 2 years
    Boat Title $27.50 Valid until boat is sold, transferred or destroyed
    Duplicate Title $16.50 Valid until boat is sold, transferred or destroyed
    Add a Lien Holder $16.50 each

    How to register   First-time boat registration

    Visit one of our 5 convenient registration offices.  Make sure to bring all of the required documents and a check or money order (made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts) or Credit Card / Debit Card.  No cash accepted.

    Mail in your required documents to one of our registration offices along with a check or money order for the appropriate fee made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

     

    More info   for First-time boat registration

     

      Downloads   for First-time boat registration

      Contact   for First-time boat registration

      Address
      Boston Registration Office
      136 Blackstone Street, 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02109
      Fall River Registration Office
      99 South Main Street, Suite 250, Fall River, MA 02721
      Hyannis Registration Office
      75 Perseverance Way, Suite 207A, Hyannis, MA 02601
      Springfield Registration Office
      1 Federal Street, Building 101, Springfield, MA 01105
      Worcester Registration Office
      67 Millbrook Street, Suite 350, 3rd Floor, Worcester, MA 01606
      Fax
      Boston Registration Office Fax (617) 626-1630
      Fall River Registration Office (508) 679-0066
      Hyannis Registration Fax (508) 771-2334
      Springfield Registration Fax (413) 733-2154
      Worcester Registration Fax (508) 752-6132

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