What You Need to Register a Boat in Maryland

Maryland requires you to register any boat with a motor, regardless of size, before you operate it on state waters. Registration happens through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the process takes about two weeks once you submit everything. You'll need proof of ownership, a completed process form, and payment of the registration fee, which varies based on your boat's length.

If your boat is brand new and you have a manufacturer's certificate, that serves as proof of ownership. If you're buying used, you need a bill of sale signed by the previous owner. Either way, the state will issue you a registration number that must be displayed on both sides of your boat's hull.

Key Takeaways

  • All motorized boats in Maryland must be registered with the Department of Natural Resources before use, whether you own or rent them.
  • You need proof of ownership (manufacturer's certificate or signed bill of sale), a completed process form, and the registration fee to register.
  • Registration fees depend on your boat's length and range from under $100 for smaller boats to several hundred dollars for larger vessels.
  • You can register by mail, in person at a Natural Resources office, or through an authorized agent like a boat dealer or marine service center.
  • Your registration number must be painted or attached to both sides of the hull in characters at least three inches tall.

Documents and Fees You'll Need

Start by gathering your proof of ownership. If the boat is new, the manufacturer provides a certificate of origin. If you're buying from another person, get a bill of sale that includes the seller's printed name, signature, the sale price, and the date. Some dealers provide their own bill of sale forms, which works fine as long as both parties sign.

You'll also need the process form, which is the "process for Boat Registration" (Form 12-205). read it from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or pick one up at any office that handles registrations. Fill in your name, address, the boat's description (hull material, color, length), and the motor information if you have it.

Registration fees are based on boat length. A boat under 16 feet costs less than one between 16 and 26 feet, and fees increase for larger vessels. The state website lists the exact fee schedule by length. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on how you submit your process.

Where and How to Register

You have three ways to register: by mail, in person, or through an authorized agent. Mailing is the slowest but most convenient if you live far from an office. Send your completed form, proof of ownership, and payment to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Licensing and Registration Division. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want them to mail your registration back to you.

Registering in person is faster. Visit any Maryland Department of Natural Resources office or a regional licensing office during business hours. Staff will review your documents on the spot, process payment, and you'll walk out with your registration. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Authorized agents—boat dealers, marinas, and marine service centers—can handle registration for you. They charge a small service fee on top of the state fee, but they handle the paperwork and submission. This is useful if you're buying a boat from a dealer and want everything done at once.

What Happens After You Register

Once approved, you'll receive a registration certificate and a set of registration numbers. The certificate is your proof of registration and must be on board whenever you operate the boat. Keep it in a waterproof container in the cabin or a storage locker.

The registration numbers are decals or metal plates that you must display on both sides of the hull, forward of the midship point. Characters must be at least three inches tall, in a contrasting color to the hull, and clearly visible. If you don't display them correctly, you can be cited by a natural resources officer.

Registration is valid for three years. You'll receive a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration. Renew by mail or in person using the same process, though renewal is usually simpler because the state already has your information on file.

Special Cases: Rentals, Trailers, and Non-Resident Boats

If you're renting a boat, the rental company handles registration—you don't need to register it yourself. However, you're responsible for following all boating laws while operating it.

Boat trailers do not require separate registration in Maryland if they're under 3,000 pounds. Heavier trailers must be registered with the Motor Vehicle Administration as regular trailers, not through the Department of Natural Resources.

If you're a non-resident visiting Maryland with your boat, you do not need to register it in Maryland as long as it's registered in your home state. However, you must carry proof of registration from that state and follow Maryland boating laws. If you plan to keep the boat in Maryland for more than 90 days, you'll need to register it here.

Common Registration Problems and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent mistake is submitting a bill of sale that isn't signed by both the buyer and seller. The state won't process it without both signatures. Before you hand over money, make sure the seller signs the bill of sale in front of you and you sign it too. Take a photo of the signed document for your records.

Another common issue is providing incomplete boat information. The state needs the hull identification number (HIN), which is usually on a metal plate on the transom or inside the cabin. If you can't find it, the seller should have it on their registration certificate. Leaving this blank delays processing.

Displaying registration numbers incorrectly—too small, wrong color, or in the wrong location—won't stop you from registering, but it can result in a citation if a natural resources officer spots it. Measure the characters and use high-contrast paint or decals. The state website has diagrams showing exactly where numbers must go.

Transferring or Selling Your Boat

If you sell your boat, notify the Department of Natural Resources in writing. Include your registration number, the buyer's name and address, and the date of sale. This removes you from liability if the new owner operates the boat illegally or gets into an accident.

The new owner must then register the boat in their name using the bill of sale you provide. They cannot legally operate it until they have their own registration certificate and display their own registration numbers.

If you're buying a used boat, ask the seller for written proof that they've notified the state of the sale. This protects you from inheriting any fines or violations tied to the previous registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a boat with no motor?

No. Maryland only requires registration for motorized boats. Sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats without motors do not need to be registered. However, all boats must display a capacity plate showing the maximum number of people and weight they can safely carry.

What if I lose my registration certificate?

Contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and request a duplicate. Bring your boat registration number or hull identification number. They'll issue a replacement for a small fee, usually processed within a week.

Can I register a boat that's still being financed?

Yes. The lender's name may appear on the registration as a lienholder, but you can still register and operate the boat. The lender has a financial interest, but registration is in your name. Check with your lender about their specific requirements.

What if my boat is damaged and I'm not using it?

You still need to keep it registered if you own it. If you don't plan to use it for an extended period, you can let the registration expire and renew it later when you're ready to operate it again. There's no penalty for letting it lapse as long as you don't use the boat.

Do I need boat insurance to register?

No. Maryland does not require insurance to register a boat. However, if you finance the boat through a lender, they will require you to carry insurance as a condition of the loan. Check your loan agreement.