When you buy a car, you're required to register it with the local authorities. This mandate is important for several reasons, including promoting safety and adding more accountability for drivers. But is it necessary to register a boat that you purchase? And if it’s not necessary, is it wise to register your boat anyway?
Boat Registration Basics
If you're familiar with motor vehicle registration, you should know that boat registration is very similar. The process involves formally verifying your ownership of a motor-powered vessel with a governmental authority; in exchange, you'll typically receive a unique identification number, appropriate paperwork and stickers for your vessel, and official recognition by the state.
There are several reasons why governments have an interest in registering boats:
- Safety and security. First, and arguably most importantly, states are concerned with safety and security, including the safety and security of boat owners as well as the people around them. Registering boats in an official capacity grants the state some measure of control over who has a boat and who can use one. It's also a way of validating transactions and reducing the prevalence of theft, fraud, and other crimes. Boat registration is also an important component of maintaining safe, secure international relations.
- Facilitation of transactions. Registering a boat also facilitates smoother transactions. Boat registration can serve as official recognition of ownership; if you're purchasing a used boat from a private seller, the registration information can help validate that person's existing ownership. Furthermore, registering your boat ensures the boat is recognised as your property.
- Fees and revenue. When you register a boat, you'll usually have to pay a small fee, and if you must renew your registration regularly, you'll likely pay a fee with each renewal. These fees, individually, don't amount to much, but they still represent a source of revenue for the state.
- Official recognition. Boat registration gives the state the authority to officially recognise or decline vessel ownership in various capacities. It introduces more legitimacy to these transactions.
Though boat registration works differently in different areas, the general process you'll follow is usually the same:
- Complete the required forms. You'll be required to fill out some paperwork, providing your name, contact information, and information about the boat you've recently acquired. These forms are usually short and simple, so you shouldn't have any trouble completing them in a timely manner.
- Show proof of ownership. Most authorities require you to show some sort of proof of ownership. For example, you might provide the bill of sale. If you can't prove you own the boat, you probably won't be able to register it.
- Pay a fee. Finally, you'll be required to pay a fee. This is usually a relatively small amount.
Is Boat Registration Legally Required?
Motorised boats in the United States are legally required to be registered with your state. Each state in the country does things a little differently, so there isn't a singular, unifying standard across state lines. Find the governing body in your state responsible for boat registration to make sure you're registering with the proper authority and following the right process.
When you register with your state, you'll be assigned a unique identification number, which you can display on the structural hull of your craft. This is usually a short and easy process, and as long as you can demonstrate adequate proof of ownership, you shouldn't have any headaches. You'll be required to renew your registration on an annual basis in most cases.
It's also possible to register a vessel with the U.S. Coast Guard at the federal level instead of the state level. This is a slightly more involved process, but it's a necessary one if you ever plan on using your vehicle for commercial or international purposes.
Note that non-motorised boats are generally not required to be registered.
In the European Union (EU), each member country has the authority to regulate their own boat registration processes. Like with individual states in the United States, member states of the EU sometimes have very different registration processes and requirements. It's important to review the requirements of your country, specifically, to make sure you're following proper procedures.
The European Boating Association (EBA) states: “The EBA and the European pleasure boating community support the EU Commission and the member states’ Governments in their efforts to prevent terroristic attacks. However, the EBA believes that an EU wide registration scheme would not improve security, believing instead that the most effective security is achieved by engaging with the recreational boating community rather than by alienating them.”
Accordingly, it's unlikely that the EU will have overarching requirements or standards in the near future.
In the UK, whether boat registration is optional, or mandatory depends on several factors such as size and type of boat, usage, the number of passengers it will carry and where it will be used. You can find out more about the requirements of registering a boat in the UK here.
The Benefits of Registering Your Boat
There are several individual benefits of registering your boat.
- Complying with the law. The obvious benefit is that registering allows you to comply with the law. You can avoid paying fees or facing penalties by registering your boat on time.
- Access to financing. Some financial institutions may require you to register your boat before or shortly after procuring financing.
- Insurance purposes. Insurance companies may mandate that any boats they insure must be formally registered. Boat insurance is not always legally required, but it’s still an important piece of financial protection to have.
- Formal recognition. Registering a boat also grants you formal recognition of ownership.
In most places, registration with the state is a requirement for motorised vessels. However, the standards differ from state to state and from member country to member country. If you're planning on buying or acquiring a boat in the near future, it's important to make plans for registration; the process is easy and inexpensive, but it's still important to consider.
If you haven't yet made-up your mind about whether you want to purchase a boat, it's a good idea to spend more time shopping around to see what's out there. At TheYachtMarket, we make it easy for you – check out what we have to offer here!