What You Need to Register a Boat in Maine

Boat registration in Maine is handled by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW), and the process depends on what kind of boat you own and whether it has a motor. Most motorized boats — anything with an engine of 10 horsepower or more — must be registered. Sailboats without motors do not need registration. Canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized vessels are also exempt. If your boat is motorized, you will register it either in person at a DIFW office, by mail, or online through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website.

The registration itself is not expensive, but you will need to gather specific documents before you start. Maine requires proof of ownership (a bill of sale, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or previous registration), proof of your identity, and proof that you live in Maine. You will also need the boat's hull identification number (HIN), which is permanently stamped into the hull, usually near the stern on the starboard side.

Key Takeaways

  • Only motorized boats with 10 horsepower or more need to be registered in Maine; sailboats and non-motorized vessels do not.
  • You will need a bill of sale or proof of ownership, a valid Maine ID, and the boat's hull identification number before you register.
  • Registration can be done online through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, by mail, or in person at a DIFW office.
  • Registration fees vary based on boat length and motor horsepower, and the certificate is valid for three years.

Gathering Your Documents Before You Register

Start by collecting proof that you own the boat. This can be a bill of sale from the previous owner, a manufacturer's certificate of origin if the boat is new, or your previous Maine registration. If you are buying from a private seller, ask them to sign and date a bill of sale that includes the boat's HIN, the sale price, and both your names. The bill of sale does not have to be fancy — a signed statement with those details is enough.

Next, locate your boat's hull identification number. This is a 12-character code stamped into the hull, usually on the starboard (right) side near the stern. It looks similar to a vehicle identification number. Write it down exactly as it appears. You will also need a valid Maine driver's license or state ID card to prove residency. If you have recently moved to Maine, bring your lease or a utility bill with your current address.

If the boat has a motor, you will need to know its horsepower. Check the manufacturer's plate on the motor or your bill of sale. This information determines your registration fee.

Registering Online Through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles

The fastest route for most people is online registration through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. Go to maine.gov/bmv and look for the boat registration section. You will create an account, enter your personal information, the boat's HIN, the motor horsepower, and upload images of your proof of ownership and ID. The system will calculate your fee based on the boat's length and motor size.

Online registration takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have all your documents ready. You will pay by credit or debit card. Once approved, you can print your temporary registration certificate when ready, and your permanent certificate will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Keep the temporary certificate with you on the water until the permanent one arrives.

Registering by Mail or In Person

If you prefer not to register online, you can mail your documents to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Send your completed registration form (available on the DIFW website), a copy of your proof of ownership, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the registration fee. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes three to four weeks.

You can also register in person at any DIFW regional office. Locations are listed on the DIFW website, and most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Bring your original proof of ownership, your ID, and payment. In-person registration is usually processed the same day, and you will receive your certificate before you leave.

Understanding Registration Fees and Renewal

Maine registration fees are based on your boat's length and motor horsepower. A boat under 16 feet with a motor under 10 horsepower costs less than a 25-foot boat with a 150-horsepower engine. The DIFW website has a fee calculator where you enter your boat's dimensions and motor size to see the exact cost. Fees range from around $20 for small boats to several hundred dollars for larger vessels, but these amounts vary year to year.

Your registration certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 30 days before expiration. Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person using the same process as initial registration. If you sell the boat, the new owner must register it in their name — your registration does not transfer.

What to Do If Your Boat Was Previously Registered Out of State

If you are moving to Maine with a boat that was registered in another state, you have 30 days to register it in Maine. Bring your out-of-state registration certificate along with your proof of ownership and Maine ID. The DIFW will issue a Maine certificate, and you can use your old certificate until the new one arrives. There is no penalty for registering within the 30-day window, but operating an unregistered motorized boat after that period can result in a fine.

If your out-of-state registration is still valid, you do not need to pay a new fee when ready in some cases — check with the DIFW office to see whether you can credit the remaining time on your old registration toward your Maine certificate.

Operating Your Boat Legally After Registration

Once registered, you must display your registration number on both sides of the boat's hull in characters at least three inches tall. The number is printed on your certificate. Use paint, decals, or other permanent marking that contrasts with the hull color so it is clearly visible from the water. Failure to display the number can result in a citation.

Keep your registration certificate on board whenever you operate the boat. A game warden or law enforcement officer can ask to see it at any time. If you lose your certificate, you can request a replacement from the DIFW for a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a sailboat without a motor?

No. Maine does not require registration for sailboats that have no motor, or for canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized vessels. If you add a motor to a sailboat later, you will need to register it at that point.

What if I cannot find my boat's hull identification number?

The HIN is stamped into the hull and cannot be removed or altered. Check the starboard side near the stern, the transom, and inside the cabin if your boat has one. If you still cannot locate it, contact the boat's manufacturer with the model and year, or bring the boat to a DIFW office and staff can help you find it.

Can I register a boat I am still paying off?

Yes. You can register a boat even if you have a loan on it. The lender may require proof of registration, but that does not affect your ability to register. If the lender has a lien on the boat, that information may appear on your certificate.

How long does it take to get my registration certificate?

Online registration produces a temporary certificate you can print when ready, with the permanent certificate arriving by mail in two to three weeks. In-person registration at a DIFW office is usually processed the same day. Mail registration takes three to four weeks.

What happens if I operate a motorized boat without registering it?

Operating an unregistered motorized boat in Maine is a violation. You can receive a fine and may be required to register the boat before operating it again. Register within 30 days if you are new to Maine to avoid penalties.