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Connecticut Boat Registration Overview

All you should know about registering and titling a boat in Connecticut.

The Connecticut boat registration and titling overview is a public service designed to inform boaters about operational requirements, recording methods, and record search lookups for the State of Connecticut. This includes essential references for the most detailed and accurate information currently available.


Registration Agency

Connecticut boat registrations and titles are administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles which is headquartered in Wethersfield. Field offices are also situated throughout the state. Location and contact information for these can be found in the Referrals for this page.
Registration Services - Boat registration services are available from the DMV home and field offices. Applications must be implemented by mail or personal visitations as there are no online portals for such purpose. Automobile dealerships are also authorized to register boats on behalf of the DMV.
Renewal Services - Renewals may be implemented online from the DMV boat registration website, by regular mail or at any field office. A link for online renewals can be found in the Referrals for this page.
Registration Statistics - There are approximately 89,172 boats currently registered in the State of Connecticut which accounts for 0.8% nationwide. USCG vessel documentation records indicate 4,608 owners with a Connecticut address and 4,108 documented vessels that display a Connecticut hailing port.

Registration Requirements

Connecticut requires registrations on non-exempt boats that operate within its jurisdictional waters. The following are basic requirements and exemptions with further details available from the Referrals for this page .
Motor Boats
- All motorized boats must be registered in Connecticut regardless of size.
Sailboats - All sailboats must be registered in Connecticut if longer that 19 1/2 feet.
Dinghies and Lifeboats - Boats less than 19 1/2 feet that are not powered by motor or sail are exempt from registration in Connecticut.
Documented Vessels - Coast Guard documented vessels are not exempt from registration in Connecticut.
Visiting Boats - Boats currently registered in another state or country are allowed visitation privileges in Connecticut for 60 days without registering.
Boat Titles - Boat titles are issued on all boats registered in Connecticut with a model year of 2017 or greater.
Residency Requirements - Connecticut must  be the state of principal operation in order to register a boat..
Outboard Motors - Titling and registration are not available for outboard boat motors in Connecticut.
Boat Trailers - Titles and registrations are required for boat trailers in Connecticut. These are administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Marking Requirements

Boat registration numbers in Connecticut begin with an "CT" designation which is followed by four numbers and then two letters. These must be displayed on all registered boats along with the current registration decals. State boat numbering configuration, size and placement requirements are actually dictated by federal regulations. More detailed information can be found in the Referrals for this page.
Hull Numbers - All vessels built after 1972 are required to have a properly formatted 12 digit hull identification number. Although typically assigned and installed by the manufacturer, owners with older, homemade, or imported boats may apply to the Connecticut DMV for a hull number assignment. These are prefixed with the letters "CTZ" in place of the manufacturer's identification code (MIC). An application form for doing so can be found in the Referrals for this page. Boats must be inspected by a Connecticut law enforcement official whenever their is a missing or deficient hull identification number.

Application Requirements

Boat registrations in Connecticut are implemented by filing an Application for Registration form which can be found in the referrals for this page. This must be presented to one of the DMV offices. Auto dealerships are also authorized to register boats on behalf of the DMV. The application must be accompanied by sufficient evidence of ownership and registration fees.
Manufacturer's Statement - When a new boat is to be registered for the first time, you must present a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) or Builder's certification. The statement or certification must be properly assigned into your name or accompanied by a bill of sale.
Previous Title - When a boat was previously state titled, you must present a properly assigned title certificate or one that is accompanied by a bill of sale.
Previous Registration - If a boat was registered in a non-title state, it will be necessary to present an assigned registration certificate or one that is accompanied by a bill of sale.
Loan Foreclosures - Evidence of compliance with the respective repossession and foreclosure statutes must be presented when registering a foreclosed boat in Connecticut.
Mechanic's Liens - Mechanic's and storage liens may be foreclosed upon if a boat is still in the possession of the lien holder and all provisions of Connecticut mechanic's lien laws have been fulfilled. Evidence of this must be provided upon registering the boat.
Abandoned Boats - Connecticut has procedures for claiming abandoned boats on private property. Further information is available from the Referrals for this page.
Title Bonding - Boat title bonding is available in Connecticut. The process is the same as that for vehicles. A link to the bonding form and instructions can be found in the Referrals for this page.
Registration Fees - The most current list of boat registration fees for Connecticut can be obtained by visiting the Referrals for this page.

Lien Recordings

The available options for securing loans, liens and claims against boats registered in Connecticut are determined by various factors. These include the type of debt, obligation or liability and whether the boat is USCG documented.
Loan Security Interests - Security interests in Connecticut titled boats are listed on the certificate of title. Security interests in non-titled and non-documented boats must recorded as UCC filings with the Secretary of state. Information for doing so can be found in the References for this page. If a boat qualifies for USCG documentation, the lender must obtain a preferred mortgage in order to perfect or prioritize its security interest. These are recorded with the National Vessel Documentation Center.
Tax Liens -Tax liens are sometimes flagged in the state's boat registration database, recorded as Uniform Commercial Code filings, shown on state revenue records, or filed with a county clerk's office.
Mechanic's Liens - There are no means of recording mechanics or storage liens on Connecticut state boat registration records. However these may be listed for informational purposes on a documented vessel's underlying abstract of title. Our website also facilitates the nation's only proprietary boat lien claim registry that exposes such encumbrances to the general public. This may be accessed by visiting the References for this page.
Stolen Boats - Although stolen boats do not actually qualify as maritime liens, the true owner may have rights of recovery regardless of a subsequent owner's awareness. There are no methods for recording stolen boats in Connecticut other than by filing a report with a local law enforcement agency. However, our website does facilitate a proprietary stolen boat registry that exposes such events to the general public. This may be accessed by visiting the References for this page.

Ownership and Lien Searches

Ownership and lien search lookup methods for boats registered in Connecticut may vary depending on the type of lien and method of ownership.
Registration Searches - Connecticut boat registration and title records are maintained in a database administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Access to such data is available for owners and certain qualified parties as prescribed by regulatory standards. A comprehensive overview about boat record searches in Connecticut can be found by visiting the Registration Search link in the References for this page.
UCC Searches - Uniform Commercial Code filing searches in Connecticut are available online from the Secretary of State's office. Visit the Referrals for additional information.
Tax Lien Searches - State and Federal tax liens on boats are not always recorded in a consistent manner and are therefore difficult to identify. They may show up as a red flag on state registration records, as UCC filings, in state revenue records, in a county clerks records, or on a vessel's abstract of title for documented boats. Given these disparities, it may be worth obtaining the services of a public record vendor that has access to a broad range of personal lien recordings.
USCG Documentation Searches - Ownership, mortgage and lien information of USCG documented vessels must be obtained by ordering an Abstract of Title from the National Vessel Documentation Center.
Non-Recorded Lens - Non-recorded maritime liens may also be a factor in conducting lien searches. These may include liabilities for items such as services, equipment, fuel, storage, parts, supplies, and damages which are related to the boat itself. This type of research must be determined through personal investigation, owner disclosures, and boat history lookups.
Owner Background Checks - Yacht brokers, documentation companies, and attorneys do not warrant or guarantee titles. There is moreover no such thing as boat title insurance in the marine industry. It is therefore incumbent on the owner to stand behind any such representations. This will of course be of no consolation if a guarantor is insolvent, non-cooperative, or can not be subsequently located. This calls for a thorough background check to ensure the owner's inclination and ability for making good on any hidden liens or title deficiencies.
Business Entity Search - You should run a business entity search when dealing with a boat registered to an entity such as a corporation or limited liability company. This will help confirm the legitimacy of such enterprise and identify those authorized to act on its behalf. An online search portal for doing so is maintained by the Secretary of State which can be accessed from the Referrals for this page.
Proprietary Searches - Our website offers a proprietary lien claims registry and a stolen boat registry which are free of charge. These may be accessed by visiting the References for this page.

Taxes and Insurance

Sales and Use Tax - Sales and use tax may apply when a boat is purchased, owned, or operated in Connecticut. You may visit the Department of Revenue for further information by visiting their link in the referrals for this page.
Personal Property Tax - Personal property tax is not applicable to boats in Connecticut.
Insurance Requirements - Although highly recommended, boat liability and collision insurance are not otherwise required in Connecticut.

Operator Requirements

Operator Requirements - All boat operators in Connecticut must carry a valid boating certificate.
Accident Reporting  - The operator or owner of every boat involved in a collision, accident or other casualty with property damage must immediately contact a law enforcement agency. A written report must also be filed with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Additional information is available from the Referrals for this page
Notifications - The DMV must be notified within 15 days whenever a registered boat has been stolen, lost, abandoned. This also applies to ownership and address changes.
Enforcement Agency - The DEEP is primarily responsible for boating law enforcement in Connecticut. However, all law enforcement agencies are authorized to enforce boating laws.

Conclusion

The information provided herein is gathered from various sources and may be subject to errors, omissions or changes without notice. You should always consult directly with the appropriate agency or a qualified attorney before taking any actions based on this overview.


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