Massachusetts requires boat registration through the Division of Marine Fisheries, and the process depends on whether your boat has a motor, where you'll keep it, and whether you own it outright or are financing it
Most boats in Massachusetts need a registration number and certificate, even if they stay in the water year-round. The state issues these through the Division of Marine Fisheries, which is part of the Department of Fish and Game. Non-motorized boats under 16 feet do not need registration, but anything with a motor or anything 16 feet or longer must be registered before you use it on state waters.
You can register in person at a Marine Fisheries office, by mail, or online through the state's licensing system. The process takes about two weeks by mail and a few days online. You will need proof of ownership, a completed process form, and payment of the registration fee, which varies based on boat length and motor type.
Key Takeaways
- Motorized boats of any size and all boats 16 feet or longer must be registered with Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries before use.
- You need a bill of sale, title, or other proof of ownership, plus a completed process for Boat Registration form (available online or at Marine Fisheries offices).
- Registration fees range based on boat length and motor horsepower; a 20-foot boat with a 100-horsepower motor costs more than a 16-foot boat with a 50-horsepower motor.
- Online registration through the state licensing portal is the fastest method and typically takes three to five business days.
- Once registered, you receive a certificate and a registration number that must be displayed on both sides of the boat's hull.
What documents you need to bring or submit
The state requires proof that you own the boat. This can be a bill of sale, a manufacturer's certificate of origin, a previous registration certificate from another state, or a title document. If you financed the boat, bring the loan agreement or a letter from the lender showing the boat's description and your name. If someone else holds a lien on the boat, the lender's name and address must be included on the registration.
You also need a completed process for Boat Registration (Form 1A), which you can read from the Division of Marine Fisheries website or pick up at any Marine Fisheries office. The form asks for your name, address, the boat's make and model, hull identification number (HIN), motor type and horsepower, and where you plan to moor or store the boat. If you do not know the HIN, you can find it on the boat's hull, usually on the starboard (right) side near the waterline, or on the manufacturer's documentation.
Bring or include a check or money order for the registration fee. The state does not accept cash by mail. If you register online, you can pay by credit or debit card.
Registration fees based on boat size and motor type
Massachusetts charges different fees depending on the boat's length and whether it has a motor. Non-motorized boats are cheaper to register than motorized ones. The fee structure changes annually, so confirm the current rates on the Division of Marine Fisheries website before submitting payment.
| Boat Type | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Non-motorized boats (16 feet and over) | Lower fee tier |
| Motorized boats under 20 feet | Mid-range fee |
| Motorized boats 20 feet and over | Higher fee |
| Commercial fishing boats | Separate commercial rate |
The exact dollar amount depends on the year and the boat's specifications. Contact the Division of Marine Fisheries directly or check their website for the current fee schedule. If you are registering a boat you bought used, you pay the same fee as a new registration—there is no discount for transfers.
How to register online, by mail, or in person
Online registration is the fastest route. Go to the state's online licensing portal, create an account if you do not have one, and select boat registration. Upload images or scans of your proof of ownership and completed process form. Pay by credit or debit card. You will receive a temporary registration number by email within a few business days and the physical certificate by mail within two to three weeks.
Mail registration takes longer but works if you prefer not to use the online system. Send the completed process for Boat Registration form, proof of ownership, and a check to the Division of Marine Fisheries at the address listed on the form. Include a cover letter with your phone number and email so the office can contact you if there are questions. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the office receives your packet. Mail can be delayed, so send it early if you plan to use the boat soon.
In-person registration at a Marine Fisheries office is the quickest if you need the certificate the same day. Bring the original or certified copy of your proof of ownership, the completed process form, and payment. Offices are located in Boston, New Bedford, Gloucester, and other coastal towns. Call ahead to confirm hours and to ask whether you need an appointment.
What happens after you register
Once the Division of Marine Fisheries approves your registration, you receive a certificate and a registration number. The number is typically a two-letter code followed by numbers (for example, MA 1234 AB). You must paint or attach this number to both the port (left) and starboard (right) sides of the boat's hull in characters at least three inches tall. The letters and numbers must be in a contrasting color so they are clearly visible from the water.
The registration certificate is valid for three years. You do not need to renew it every year, but you must renew it before the expiration date if you want to continue using the boat. The Division of Marine Fisheries will send you a renewal notice by mail about 30 days before expiration. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process as initial registration.
Keep the registration certificate on board the boat or with you when operating it. A Marine Fisheries officer can ask to see it during a water safety inspection. If you sell the boat, the new owner must register it in their name before using it.
Special cases: Trailered boats, out-of-state boats, and transfers
If you keep your boat on a trailer and move it between different launch sites, you still need a Massachusetts registration. The registration is tied to the boat itself, not to a specific mooring or storage location. When you register, you list where you plan to moor or launch the boat, but you can change that location without re-registering.
If you bought a boat registered in another state, you must register it in Massachusetts before using it on state waters. Bring the out-of-state registration certificate along with your proof of ownership. The state will issue a new Massachusetts certificate and number. You do not need to keep the old registration.
If you inherit a boat or receive one as a gift, you need a bill of sale or a gift letter signed by the previous owner stating the boat's description and that ownership has transferred to you. This counts as proof of ownership for registration purposes. If the boat has a lien from a previous loan, contact the lender to have the lien removed before registering in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register a kayak or canoe?
No. Non-motorized boats under 16 feet do not need registration in Massachusetts. This includes kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and sailboats without motors. If you add a motor to any of these boats, you must register it.
What if I lose my registration certificate?
Contact the Division of Marine Fisheries and request a duplicate. Bring proof of identity and the boat's hull identification number. You can also request a duplicate online or by mail. There is a small fee for a replacement certificate, and processing takes one to two weeks.
Can I register a boat I am still paying off?
Yes. If the boat is financed, include the lender's name and address on the registration form. The lender's name will appear on the certificate as a lienholder, but you can still register and use the boat. Once you pay off the loan, you can request an updated certificate without the lien.
What if my boat does not have a hull identification number?
Most boats built after 1972 have a HIN, but older boats may not. If your boat has no HIN, contact the Division of Marine Fisheries before registering. They may require additional documentation or a boat inspection to verify ownership and the boat's specifications.
How much does it cost to register a boat in Massachusetts?
Fees vary by boat length and motor type and change annually. Non-motorized boats cost less than motorized ones. Contact the Division of Marine Fisheries or check their website for the current fee schedule for your boat's size and type.