Guam Boat Registration Overview

All you should know about registering and titling a boat in the Territory of Guam.

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

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Registration Agency

Boat registration and titling in Guam are administered by the Guam Police Department (GPD) from their office in Tamuning. Registration services are handled exclusively thorough this office.
Registration Statistics: There are approximately 726 boats currently registered in Guam. USCG vessel documentation records indicate 65 documented owners with a Guam address and 67 documented vessels that display a Guam hailing port.
Uniform Titling: Guam has not yet adopted the Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act (UCOTVA) which basically sets the same nationwide standards for boat titling similar to those for vehicles. There are accordingly no provisions for title branding in Guam.
Vessel Identification System: Guam participates in the Vessel Identification System (VIS) where boat registration data is shared among government agencies throughout the nation.

Registration Requirements

Guam requires registration on all 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 overview.
Motor Boats: Registration is required on all motorized boats and watercraft in Guam.
Sailboats: Sailboats 8 feet or less are exempt from registration if manfully propelled.
Canoes and Kayaks: Canoes and kayaks are exempt registration in Guam if manually propelled.
Inflatable Boats: Inflatable boats are exempt from registration in Guam if manually propelled.
Dinghies and Tenders: Dinghies and tenders are exempt from registration in Guam if manually propelled.
Lifeboats: Lifeboats are exempt from registration in Guam if used exclusively for such purpose.
Documented Vessels: Coast Guard documented vessels are exempt from registration in Guam.
Visiting Boats: Boats registered in another state or USCG documented may visit Guam for not more than 60 consecutive days before having to register. Foreign registered boats are allowed a 90 day visitation privilege.
Boat Titles: Boat titles are issued on registered boats Guam. This was confirmed by the Guam Boating Law Administrator in July of 2025.
Outboard Motors: Outboard motors are noted when registering a boat in Guam but not issued a separate registration or title certificate.
Boat Trailers: Boat trailers are registered in Guam through the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Registration Application

Persons who wish to register and title any boat in Guam must complete the appropriate applications. In doing so, you will need to provide proof of ownership, pay the necessary fees and evidence of paid taxes.
Application Forms: Boat registration and title application may be obtained from the Guam Police Department.
Manufacturer's Statement: When a new boat is to be registered for the first time, you must present a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin 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: In order to register a foreclosed boat, the lender will need to provide evidence of compliance with the respective laws.
Mechanic's Liens: In order to register a boat foreclosed on towing, storage and service possessory liens you must provide evidence of compliance with the respective lien laws.
Abandoned Boats: In order to register an abandoned boat you must provide evidence of compliance with abandoned property laws.
Registration Bonding: Contact the Guam Police Department for further information when there is insufficient proof of ownership for registration purposes.
Registration Fees: The most current list of boat registration fees may be found by visiting the GPD website.
Registration Renewals: Boat registration renewals in are available in person or by mail from the GPD office.

Numbering Requirements

Boat registration numbers in Guam begin with an "GM" 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 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 Guam Police Department for a hull number assignment. These are prefixed with the letters "GMZ" in place of the manufacturer's identification code. Boats must be inspected by a law enforcement official whenever their is a missing or questionable hull identification number.

Lien and Security Interest Recordings

The available options for securing loans, liens and claims against boats registered in Guam 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 titled boats are typically shown on the certificate of title. Those on non-titled boats must recorded as UCC filings with the Department of Revenue and Taxation. If a boat qualifies for USCG documentation, the lender must obtain a preferred vessel 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 Guam registration records. However these may be listed for informational purposes on a USCG documented vessel's underlying abstract of title. Our boat lien claims registry also serves as a proprietary source of exposing such information to the general public.
Stolen Boats: Although stolen boats are not usually viewed 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 Guam other than by filing a report with the Guam Police Department. These will in turn become listed in their stolen boat database and perhaps the National Crime Information Center database. Our stolen boat registry also serves as a proprietary database for the boating industry.

Registration and Lien Searches

Registration and lien search methods for Guam registered boats will vary according to the type of lien and whether the boat is USCG documented.
Registration Database Searches: Registration records for Guam are maintained in a database administered by the Guam Police Department. Access to such data is available for owners and certain qualified parties as prescribed by regulatory standards. Comprehensive guidelines about boat record searches in Guam can be found in the references for this overview.
UCC Searches: Uniform Commercial Code filing searches in Guam are available from the District Court of Guam.
USCG Documentation Searches: Ownership, mortgage and lien information on USCG documented vessels can be obtained by ordering an abstract of title from the National Vessel Documentation Center.
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 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.
Non-Recorded Liens: 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 that are related to the boat itself. This type of research can only be determined through personal investigation, owner disclosures, and boat history lookups.
Lien Claim Searches: Additional information about boat lien claim searches can be found in the resources and guidelines sections of our website.
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. A thorough background check to ensure the owner's inclination and ability for making good on any hidden liens or title deficiencies is recommended. Information on how to go about this can be found in the referrals for this page.
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. Business information in Guam can be obtained from the Department of Revenue and Taxation's Business License & Registration Branch.
Stolen Boat Search: Guam does not provide a list of boats that have been stolen within its jurisdiction. You will need to contact the GPD for such information. You will also find detailed information about stolen boat searches in the resources and guidelines sections of our website. Visit the resources and guidelines sections of our website for additional information about stolen boat detection.

Taxes and Insurance

Sales and Use Tax: Sales tax is not applicable to boats in Guam although use taxes my apply.
Personal Property Tax: Recreational boats are not subject to personal property tax assessments in Guam.
Insurance Requirements: Boat liability and collision insurance are not required in Guam. However, you should check with a local insurance agent as this may be subject to change without notice. In any event, insurance is highly recommended and you may also need this for moorage purposes or when making a loan on the boat.

Operator Requirements

Operator Requirements: Age limitations and boater education requirements apply to boat operators in Guam. Visit the referrals for this summary for the most current age and boater education requirements.
Accident Reporting: Boating accidents must be immediately reported to the Guam Police Department.
Notifications: The Guam Police Department must be notified whenever a registered or titled boat has been transferred, stolen, lost, abandoned. This also applies to ownership and address changes.
Enforcement Agency: The Guam Police Department is primarily responsible for boating law enforcement within its jurisdiction. 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 consult directly with the appropriate agency or a qualified attorney before taking any actions based on this overview.

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References and Referrals
Comments - Suggestions - Corrections

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