What you need to register a boat in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires you to register any boat with a motor, regardless of size, before you use it on state waters. The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Boating Resources handles all boat registrations. You can register in person at their office in Providence, by mail, or online through their website.
The registration process is straightforward: you submit proof of ownership, pay a fee, and receive a registration certificate and decals. The certificate is valid for three years. You must display the registration decals on both sides of your boat's bow, and carry the certificate with you whenever you operate the boat.
If your boat is already registered in another state, you have 60 days after moving to Rhode Island to transfer the registration. If you do not transfer within that window, you will need to register as a new boat owner.
Key Takeaways
- All motorized boats used in Rhode Island waters must be registered with the DEM Division of Boating Resources, whether you own or rent the boat.
- You need proof of ownership (bill of sale, title, or previous registration) and must pay a registration fee that varies by boat length and type.
- Registration is valid for three years, and you must display decals on both sides of the bow and carry your certificate while operating the boat.
- You can register online, by mail, or in person at the DEM office in Providence, and the process typically takes one to two weeks by mail.
Documents you will need to bring or send
The exact documents depend on whether your boat is new, used, or already registered elsewhere. For a used boat purchase, bring a bill of sale signed by both the seller and buyer, or the previous registration certificate if you have it. If the boat has a title (some states issue them, Rhode Island does not), bring that document as well.
You will also need proof of your Rhode Island residency — a driver's license, utility bill, or lease agreement all work. If you are registering a boat you do not own (for example, if you are registering it on behalf of a business), bring documentation showing your authority to register it, such as a power of attorney or corporate resolution.
Bring your Social Security number or Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you are registering as a business. Have the boat's hull identification number (HIN) ready — it is usually on a plate on the transom or inside the boat near the helm.
Registration fees and what they cover
Rhode Island boat registration fees are based on the boat's length and whether it has an inboard or outboard motor. Fees range from roughly $30 for boats under 16 feet to higher amounts for larger vessels, but the exact amount depends on your boat's specifications. The DEM website lists the current fee schedule by boat length and motor type.
The fee covers your three-year registration certificate and two registration decals. You do not pay separate fees for decals or for renewing your registration — the three-year fee covers everything. If you lose a decal or need a replacement certificate, there is a small replacement fee.
Some boat owners may have access to for reduced fees. Non-resident owners who register boats in Rhode Island may pay a different rate than residents. If you are unsure whether your boat qualifies for a reduced fee, contact the DEM office directly before you register.
How to register online, by mail, or in person
The fastest route is online through the DEM's boat registration portal. You upload your proof of ownership, enter your boat and personal information, pay the fee by credit card, and receive your certificate and decal information by email within a few days. You then print the decals or pick them up at the DEM office.
If you register by mail, send your completed process form (available on the DEM website), proof of ownership, and a check to the Division of Boating Resources at their Providence address. Include your phone number so they can contact you if they need more information. Mail registration usually takes one to two weeks.
In-person registration at the DEM office in Providence is the fastest if you need your decals when ready. Bring all required documents and your payment method. The office is open during standard business hours, and registration is usually completed the same day. Call ahead to confirm hours, as they may vary seasonally.
Renewing your registration before it expires
Your registration is valid for three years from the date it is issued. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as initial registration. The DEM typically sends renewal notices about 30 days before your certificate expires, but you should not rely on receiving one — mark your calendar instead.
Renewing is simpler than registering a new boat: you do not need to provide proof of ownership again, only confirm that your boat information and ownership have not changed. If anything has changed (you sold the boat, changed the motor, or moved out of state), tell the DEM before renewing.
If your registration expires and you continue to operate the boat, you are operating without a valid registration. This can result in a citation and fine. If you know your registration is about to expire and you cannot renew before the date, contact the DEM to ask about an extension or late renewal.
What happens if you buy a used boat or transfer ownership
When you buy a used boat in Rhode Island, the previous owner's registration does not transfer to you. You must register the boat in your name before you operate it. Bring your bill of sale and the previous registration certificate (if available) to speed up the process.
If you are buying a boat from out of state, you have 60 days to register it in Rhode Island. During that 60-day window, you can operate the boat under the previous state's registration. After 60 days, you must have a Rhode Island registration or stop using the boat in Rhode Island waters.
If you sell your boat to someone else, notify the DEM in writing so they can remove your name from the registration. You are not responsible for the new owner's registration, but informing the DEM protects you in case the boat is involved in an incident after you sell it.
Special situations: commercial boats, rentals, and non-resident owners
If you operate a boat commercially (for charter, instruction, or passenger transport), you need a commercial registration in addition to your standard boat registration. Contact the DEM for the specific requirements and additional documentation needed.
If you rent boats to others, each renter must have a valid boating safety certificate (obtained through a boating safety course) before operating the boat. You still register the boat itself in your name as the owner. The DEM website lists approved boating safety courses in Rhode Island.
Non-resident boat owners who keep their boats in Rhode Island for more than 60 days must register them in Rhode Island, even if they are registered in another state. Non-residents who only visit occasionally can operate under their home state's registration for up to 60 days per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register a boat with no motor or a sailboat?
No. Rhode Island requires registration only for boats with motors. Sailboats without motors and non-motorized boats like kayaks and canoes do not need to be registered. However, all boat operators must carry a boating safety certificate or be supervised by someone who has one.
What if I lose my registration certificate or decals?
Contact the DEM to request replacements. There is a small fee for replacement certificates and decals. You can request them online, by mail, or in person. Do not operate your boat without displaying the decals, as you can receive a citation.
Can I register a boat I do not own?
Yes, if you have written permission from the owner. Bring a power of attorney, letter of authorization, or corporate resolution showing you are authorized to register the boat. The owner's name will appear on the registration certificate.
How long does it take to get my registration after I explore?
Online registration usually takes a few days. Mail registration takes one to two weeks. In-person registration at the DEM office is completed the same day. Do not operate your boat until you have received your certificate and decals.
What if my boat is financed or has a lien on it?
The lienholder (usually a bank or credit union) may need to be listed on the registration. Contact your lender to ask whether they require this. Bring documentation of the lien when you register, and the DEM will note it on your certificate.