REGISTRATION, NUMBERING, AND DOCUMENTATION
Registration
Every type of motorized craft, other than a seaplane on the water must be registered in New York State unless it falls within one of the following categories.
- Boats that have a US Coast Guard Document and are being used for commercial purposes. (Boats documented for pleasure purposes (recreational, not commercial) must also be registered with NYS.)
- Boats designed and used only for racing.
- Boats not equipped with a motor. However, if you use a motor (electric or fuel-driven) on a canoe or sailboat, no matter how small, you must register your boat.
- Boats registered in another state do not need to be registered in NYS as long as they are not in New York for more than 90 consecutive days.
- Boats owned by a person from a foreign country and using the water of NYS temporarily.
- Boats owned by a government agency or its subdivision.
- Boats used as lifeboat. This does not include a vessel tender that a person uses to come and go from a larger boat – they must still be registered.
Numbering and State Validation Decal
A certificate of number (registration card) and a registration validation sticker will be issued upon registering the vessel. The numbers assigned on the card must be properly displayed on your vessel. The owner/operator of a vessel must carry a valid registration certificate whenever the vessel is underway.
The number must be displayed in the following manner:
|
- Numbers must be permanently attached to the forward half of the vessel, generally the port and starboard area of the bow.
- At least 3" in height. Block letters and numbers.
- Contrasting in color to the hull (black/white, dark red/white, etc)
- Properly spaced. There must be a separation, greater than the width of one number or letter, between the prefix (state abbreviation), the numbers, and the suffix.
- Numbers must be painted or permanently attached. With the exception of the state decal, no other registration letters or numbers may be displayed nearby.
|
The registration validation decal shows the month and the year that the registration expires. Attach each sticker in line with the registration numbers on each side of the hull, and three inches toward the stern of the boat.
Hull Identification Number
If you have a boat that does not have a hull identification number (HIN), you must get one before you can register the boat if:
- you made the boat
- you got a boat that was manufactured after November 1, 1972 and it does not have a HIN.
- You can get an application form from the DMV or from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). Send the completed form to the OPRHP. The OPRHP arranges your boat inspection for you. Visit the OPRHP web site section on boats.
The DMV issues title certificates for boats that are:
- model year 1987 and newer,
- at least 14 ft. long, and
- registered in New York State.
The title certificate is used for proof of ownership for these boats instead of the registration. Title certificates are not issued for boats that do not match the description above or for boats documented with the Coast Guard. For a boat that does not receive a title certificate, the transferable registration is proof of ownership.
Registration Fees
Boat registrations are issued for three (3) years. Fees are based on the length of the boat.
Renewing a Boat Registration
You cannot renew a boat registration on-line. Use your renewal notice to renew by mail. If you do not have a renewal notice, apply for the renewal with form MV-82B or visit your local DMV office.
Defacing or removing serial numbers or identification marks on outboard motors
It is illegal to alter in any way the serial number of an outboard motor or to buy, sell, receive, dispose of any outboard motor, from which the manufacturer’s serial number or any other distinguishing mark or identification mark has been altered in any way. If a serial number is altered, contact law enforcement.
15-Day Rule - Changes to a Numbered Vessel
The owner of a vessel must notify the agency which issued the certificate of number within 15 days if:
- The vessel is transferred, destroyed, abandoned, lost, stolen or recovered.
- The certificate of number is lost, destroyed or the owner's address changes.
- If the certificate of number becomes invalid for any reason, it must be surrendered in the manner prescribed to the issuing authority within 15 days.
Documented Boats
Boats Documented for pleasure by the US Coast Guard
 If your boat was documented by US Coast Guard, you do not receive a NYS registration number. You receive NYS registration decals only. Attach the decals in the position where the registration numbers are normally located (forward half of the bow area).
- Official Documentation MUST be carried onboard a documented vessel at all times.
- A Document serves as a certificate of nationality and an authorization for a trade.
- Documented vessels must comply with all state and federal laws.
- Registration fee and display of validation sticker is required in some states.
- Official number must be permanently affixed to an integral structure of the boat. This number is referred to as the “main beam” number.
- The main beam number must match the official number on the document.
- Name and hailing port of the boat must be displayed at least once anywhere on the hull (most boater display this information on the transom) - at least 4” in height, contrasting in color to the hull.
- Name and hailing port must match information on the official document.
Periodically check to see that the numbers and decals are in good condition. A missing number, or having them improperly displayed is a good reason for a law enforcement officer to stop you.
|
