Massachusetts Boat Registration Overview
All you should know about registering and titling a boat in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts 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 State of Massachusetts. This includes essential references for the most detailed and accurate information currently available.
Registration and Titling Agency
Boat registration and titling in Massachusetts are
administered by the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) which is headquartered in
Boston. Applications may be processed at the home office or one of the
regional offices.
Registration Statistics: There are approximately 127,685 boats
currently registered in the State of Massachusetts which accounts for 1.1
percent
nationwide. USCG vessel documentation records indicate 12,723 documented
owners with a Massachusetts address and 12,125 documented vessels that
display a Massachusetts hailing
port.
Uniform Titling: Massachusetts has not yet fully adopted the
Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act (UCOTVA) which basically sets
the same nationwide standards for boat titling as those for vehicles. There
are accordingly no provisions for title branding in Massachusetts.
Vessel Information System: Massachusetts participates in the Vessel Identification System (VIS) where boat registration data is shared among government agencies throughout the nation.
Registration and Titling Requirements
Massachusetts requires registration and titling 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: All Motorized boats and
watercraft must be registered in Massachusetts.
Sailboats:
Sailboats must be registered in Massachusetts if mechanically powered.
Canoes and Kayaks: Manually propelled canoes and kayaks are exempt
from registration in Massachusetts.
Inflatable Boats:
Inflatable boats must be registered in Massachusetts if powered.
Dinghies and
Lifeboats: Dinghies and lifeboats must be registered in
Massachusetts if mechanically powered.
Documented Vessels: Coast Guard documented vessels are not subject
to registration in Massachusetts.
Visiting Boats:
Foreign boats and those registered in another state may visit Massachusetts for not more than
60
consecutive days before having to register.
Boat Titles:
Boat titles are required in Massachusetts on all registered boats 14 feet
and longer.
Outboard Motors: Titling is not available for outboard
boat motors in Massachusetts. However, the serial numbers may be listed on
the registration records.
Boat Trailers:
All boat trailers must be registered in Massachusetts regardless of weight.
Registration Application
Boat registrations and titles are available from
the Massachusetts Environmental Police, boat registration
division. In
doing so, you will need to provide evidence of ownership, fees and taxes.
Application Forms: The titling and registration form in
Massachusetts is one in the same as titling and registration go
hand in hand. Other forms can be found on the MEP website.
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 state 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 state lien laws.
Abandoned Boats: In
order to register an abandoned boat you must provide evidence of
compliance with state abandoned property laws.
Title Bonding: Boat title bonding in Massachusetts is
available where sufficient proof of ownership is unavailable.
Contact the MEP for additional information.
Registration Fees:
The most current list of boat registration fees may be found by
visiting the MEP website.
Registration Renewals:
Boat registration renewals in are available online at the MEP
website. However, you will need to establish an account.
Numbering Requirements
Boat registration numbers in Massachusetts begin
with an "MS" 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 MEP for a hull number
assignment. These are prefixed with the letters "MSZ" 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 Massachusetts are determined
by various factors. These include the type of debt, obligation
or liability and whether the boat is USCG documented or state
titled.
Loan Security Interests: Boat loan security interests on
titled boats in Massachusetts are listed on the certificate of title. Security interests
in non-titled and non-documented boats must recorded as UCC
filings with the respective Secretary of the Commonwealth. 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
Massachusetts boat 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 typically 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 Massachusetts other than by filing a report with the
DWF. 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.
Title and Lien Searches
Title and lien search methods for Massachusetts registered
boats will vary according to the type of lien and whether the
boat is USCG documented.
Registration Database Searches:
Registration and title records for Massachusetts are maintained
in a database administered by the MEP. Access to such data is
available for owners and certain qualified parties as prescribed
by regulatory standards. Comprehensive guidelines about boat
record searches in Massachusetts can be found in the references
for this overview.
UCC Searches:
Uniform Commercial Code filing searches in Massachusetts are
available online from the Secretary of the Commonwealth website.
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.
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.
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 which are related to the
boat itself. This type of research can only 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. 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.
An online search portal for doing so is maintained by the
Secretary of the Commonwealth which can be accessed from the referrals for
this page.
Stolen Boat Search: Massachusetts does not maintain a
list of boats that have been stolen within the state. You will
need to contact the MEP for such information.
Proprietary Searches: Our
proprietary lien claims and stolen boat registries may prove
helpful and are free if charge. These can be accessed from the
referrals for this page.
Taxes and Insurance
Sales and Use Tax: Sales and use taxes
apply to Massachusetts registered boats and must be
paid at the time of registration.
Personal Property
Tax: Boats are subject to personal property tax assessments
in Massachusetts.
Insurance
Requirements: Boat liability and collision insurance are not required in Massachusetts. 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
Massachusetts. Visit the MEP website for the most current age
and boater education requirements
Accident Reporting:
Boating accidents in Massachusetts must be immediately reported
to the MEP.
Notifications: The MEP 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: MEP officers are primarily responsible for
boating law enforcement in Massachusetts. 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.
References and Referrals
Comments - Suggestions - Corrections