What to Do and Where to Go
Register & Title Your Vessel
Frequently Asked...
How do I know if my vessel must be registered in Maryland?
Your vessel, whether commercial or recreational, must be registered in Maryland if it is:
- Equipped with any kind of primary or auxiliary mechanical propulsion; and
- Used in Maryland most in a calendar year.
Note: US Coast Guard documented vessels using Maryland waters are NOT exempt from the vessel excise tax. When used principally in Maryland, documented vessels must display a documented use decal.
If your vessel was purchased in Maryland and will use Maryland waters a majority of the calendar year, you
are liable for vessel excise tax and must register the vessel within 30 days of purchase to avoid assessment of penalty and interest.
If your vessel was purchased elsewhere or previously registered in another jurisdiction, is now in Maryland waters, and will use Maryland waters more than any other single jurisdiction during the calendar year, you
are liable for vessel excise tax and must register the vessel within 30 days of entering Maryland waters.
If your vessel is duly registered in another jurisdiction but remains in Maryland waters more than 90 days in a calendar year, you
may be liable for vessel excise tax unless you can prove
principal use in another jurisdiction.
What is "principal use?" 8-701 of the State Boat Act
“State of principal use” means the jurisdiction on whose waters a vessel is used or to be used most during a calendar year, which is the period from January 1 through December 31.
“Use” means to operate, navigate, or employ a vessel. A vessel is in use whenever it is upon the water, whether it is moving, anchored, or tied up to any manner of dock or buoy. A vessel is also in use if it is kept in any structure in readiness for use.
When must I apply?
Vessel excise tax must be paid within 30 days of Maryland tax liability to avoid the assessment of penalty (10% of vessel excise tax due) and interest (1.5% per month).
Vessel in Disrepair at time of Purchase
If you are given a boat because it is no longer operational or is in very poor condition, or the purchase price is much lower than fair market value because of the boat’s current condition, be sure to title the boat in your name within 30 days of purchase. Refer to the
What documents will I need? section on this webpage to ensure you have all of the required documents. The certified bill of sale should detail the condition of the boat and list the items that are not operational on the vessel. Photographs of the poor vessel condition may be required to confirm a much lower Fair Market Value. If you wait to title until work on the vessel is completed, vessel excise tax will be assessed against the higher value of the restored boat.
What documents will I need?
All documents must clearly identify the vessel by hull identification #, assigned boat # (ex: MD 1234 AB), or USCG documentation #.
Vessel is currently titled in Maryland
- Original Maryland title (properly assigned – purchaser name, seller’s signature and date, purchase price)
- Section 2 – taxes/fees – must also be calculated and entered
- Sections 4 through 7 must also be completed, all purchaser’s must sign in section 7
- Original Certified/Notarized Bill of Sale if purchaser’s name, sale date or price is missing from assignment of title
- A
bill of sale must include the names of the buyer and the seller, date of sale, seller’s signature, amount of sale and vessel description (year, manufacturer, hull identification number and/or current registration number).
- Original lien release if seller’s title shows a recorded lien
New Vessel
-
DNR Form B-240
- Original Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, and
- Original Certified / Notarized Bill of Sale if the Certificate of Origin does not contain the purchaser, purchase price and date of sale and signature of all owners.
A certified bill of sale is a bill of sale that contains the following statement: "I declare and affirm under penalty of perjury that the facts in this bill of sale are true and correct". A bill of sale must include the names of the buyer and the seller, date of sale, seller’s signature, purchase price and vessel description (year, manufacturer, hull identification number and/or current registration number).
New Vessel Purchased via Internet
When a vessel is purchased via the Internet, and is shipped with a manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO) that contains no signature or a preprinted signature, or purchaser is directed to a website to create the MCO, the following is required to establish ownership:
Vessels 12’ in length and smaller
-
DNR Form B-240
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
- Pencil tracing or photograph of Hull identification number
- Evidence of payment
Vessels greater than 12’ in length
-
DNR Form B-240
- Original Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin Fully executed by the manufacturer
- Original Certified / Notarized Bill of Sale if the Certificate of Origin does not contain the purchaser, purchase price and date of sale and signature of all owners.
A certified bill of sale is a bill of sale that contains the following statement: "I declare and affirm under penalty of perjury that the facts in this bill of sale are true and correct". A bill of sale must include the names of the buyer and the seller, date of sale, seller’s signature, purchase price and vessel description (year, manufacturer, hull identification number and/or current registration number).
Used Vessel
Vessel is registered in a title state:
-
DNR Form B-240
- Original title (properly assigned – purchaser name, seller's signature and date, purchase price)
- Original Certified / Notarized Bill of Sale if purchaser's name, sale date or price is missing from assignment of title
- A bill of sale must include the names of the buyer and the seller, date of sale, seller’s signature, amount of sale and vessel description (year, manufacturer, hull identification number and/or current registration number).
- Original lien release if seller's title shows a recorded lien.
Vessel is registered in a non-title state:
-
DNR Form B-240
- Copy of out-of-state registration card or a true test copy of that state’s official vessel record
- Original Certified / Notarized Bill of Sale
- A bill of sale must include the names of the buyer and the seller, date of sale, seller’s signature, amount of sale and vessel description (year, manufacturer, hull identification number and/or current registration number).
- Original lien release if card or record shows a recorded lien
When previously U. S. Coast Guard documented
-
DNR Form B-240
- Original/Certified Notarized Bill of Sale
- A bill of sale must include the names of the buyer and the seller, date of sale, seller’s signature, amount of sale and vessel description (year, manufacturer, hull identification number and/or current registration number).
- Photocopy of seller’s Certificate of Documentation
- USCG Abstract of Title (contact U. S. Coast Guard at 1-800-799-8362)
- Release of ship’s mortgage (if applicable)
Documented Vessel (for use decal and/or tax payment)
- USCG stamped Bill of Sale that includes the selling price.
- Photocopy of current Certificate of Documentation.
-
DNR Form B-240.
Please Note: The National Vessel Documentation Center (U S Coast Guard) is aware that there are commercial entities that offer to manage the certification/renewal process on behalf of vessel owners for a fee. The Coast Guard does not endorse any of these companies, and they do not operate on behalf of the Coast Guard in any way. Any fees charged or agreements offered by such companies are in no way associated with the NVDC certification process. In addition, these companies are not authorized to issue any form of documentation, including travel letters and/or permits that authorize operation of ANY vessel. In order to operate any vessel in Maryland waters, you must have registration, either state registration and decals or the documented use decal.
IMPORTANT NOTE (ALL BOATS): Verify that the hull identification number (HIN) engraved or embossed on the hull of your vessel matches the HIN recorded on your ownership documents. If they do not agree, contact a
DNR Service Center for instructions.
Abandoned Boat
8-722 of Maryland’s State Boat Act prescribes the process by which an individual may claim title to a vessel that has been abandoned on their property for more than 180 days (complete
DNR Form B-117).
Instructions for Abandoned Boat Process
This process is
not a remedy for an individual who has lost a vessel title or was not given a title when the vessel was purchased. In those instances, the purchaser should (a) contact the owner of record to secure a replacement title, which can then be duly signed over to the purchaser, or (b) contact a
DNR Service Center for further instructions.
Homebuilt Boat
Complete
DNR Form B-104 and
DNR Form B-240 – See
criteria for registering a floating platform.
Where do I title/register my newly acquired vessel?
Title/Registration documents can be mailed to or presented in person (by appointment only) to one of the Maryland
DNR Service Centers.
How do I renew my vessel registration?
There are now several options to renew your vessel registration:
- Online, either through the DNR Compass Portal or Motor Vehicle Administration eStore by clicking one of them below
- In person (by appointment only) or via mail at one of the Maryland
DNR Service Centers
- Motor Vehicle Administration Kiosk
Please note if you renew your vessel registration online or through the MVA eStore or Kiosk you will have the ability to print a receipt that you will need to keep on the vessel that will be good for up to 30 days. You should however, receive your registration/decals within approximately 10 business days of purchase.
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to renew using one of the online options listed and to also see if your vessel meets the criteria of eligibility to renew online.
The
DNR Form B-201 A should be used when renewing the registration for boats already registered in Maryland
only when the official renewal application cannot be located.
How do I get replacement title, registration card or decals?
In order to obtain a replacement title, replacement registration card or replacement registration decals the
DNR Form B-108 - Application for Replacement or Corrected Title, Registration or Decals will need to be completed and forwarded to any
DNR Service Center either by mail or in person by appointment only.
How do I correct the information on my boat title or registration card?
If any information on your boat title or registration card needs to be corrected the
DNR Form B-108 - Application for Replacement or Corrected Title, Registration or Decals will need to be completed and forwarded to any
DNR Service Center either by mail or in person by appointment only.
What fees will be due?
5% VESSEL EXCISE TAX imposed by 8-716 (c) (3) (ii) of the State Boat Act on the purchase price or fair market value of all vessels used principally in Maryland. Excise tax must be paid within 30 days of Maryland tax liability to avoid assessment of penalty and interest. There is a minimum tax of $5 and effective July 1, 2024, a maximum tax of $15,900.
When the sale occurs through a licensed boat dealer, 8-716(a)(3)(i) of Maryland’s State Boat Act allows credit for a traded vessel. Vessel excise tax is assessed against the purchase price less the value of any
vessel traded in as part of the consideration for the sale. Credit may
not be given for any other trade (e.g. RV, motorcycle). The trade-in value may not exceed the value for the trade-in vessel as shown in the national publication of used vessel values adopted by the Department – the BUC Book.
When purchased within the last 3 years, the Bill of Sale or reassigned title establishes the purchase price of the vessel (including motors, spars, sails and accessories, but not the trailer). When more than 3 years have elapsed, the department uses the BUC Book to determine current fair market value, using an average of the low and high retail value.
All vessel excise tax is deposited into the Waterway Improvement Fund, dedicated to improving Maryland’s waterways through dredging, the placement of navigational aids, the construction of boating access facilities, boater safety education and law enforcement.
8-716(f) of the State Boat Act allows reciprocity credit for excise or sales tax previously paid to another jurisdiction if:
- The vessel was formerly titled or numbered in another jurisdiction; or
- The vessel was formerly federally documented and principally used in another jurisdiction; and
- The present owner paid a sales or excise tax on the vessel to the other jurisdiction (proof required – validated receipt, etc.); and
- The jurisdiction to which the tax was paid would allow an equivalent exemption or credit for vessel excise tax formerly paid to the State of Maryland.
A member of the armed services serving on active duty in the state is exempt for one year. The exemption applies only to vessels currently registered elsewhere and brought into Maryland because of the duty transfer. New purchases are not exempt.
A vessel transfer between immediate family members is exempt from vessel excise tax as defined in Natural Resources Article, §8-716(e) 
DNR Form B-105.
A vessel transfer between immediate family members is exempt from vessel excise tax including the $5 minimum tax when:
The family members meet the definition of ‘immediate family’ as described below; and:
- Vessel is currently titled in the State of Maryland
-or - - The out of state vessel was previously titled in Maryland by the family member
-or - - USCG Documented Vessel owner has previously paid Maryland Excise Tax
COMAR 08.04.01.01(B)
(16) "Immediate family" means spouse, son, daughter, mother, father, sister, brother, grandmother, grandfather, son-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandson, granddaughter, stepfather, stepmother, halfbrother, halfsister, stepson, or stepdaughter. The term includes persons so related by virtue of adoption.
A vessel placed with a Maryland licensed dealer or broker for resale is exempt from vessel excise tax provided (a) the vessel is titled or numbered in another state or is federally documented, and (b) the owner signs an affidavit that there will be no use of the vessel on the waters of the state other than for a sea trial.
$2 TITLE FEE
$24 REGISTRATION FEE
Vessels 16 feet in length or less and/or propelled by a motor of 7.5 hp or less must display a 2-year registration decal but are exempt from the fee.
The 2-year registration decal is valid for the calendar year in which it is issued and the subsequent year, expiring on December 31.
$10 DOCUMENTED DECAL (required of USCG documented vessels in lieu of the registration fee)
$15 SECURITY INTEREST FILING FEE (if a lien is to be recorded)
Checks or money orders payable to the "Marland Department of Natural Resources" must be for the exact amount due.
How do I get replacement title, registration card or decals?
In order to obtain a replacement title, replacement registration card or replacement registration decals the
DNR Form B-108 - Application for Replacement or Corrected Title, Registration or Decals will need to be completed and forwarded to any
DNR Service Center either by mail or in person by appointment only.
How do I correct the information on my boat title or registration card?
If any information on your boat title or registration card needs to be corrected the
DNR Form B-108 - Application for Replacement or Corrected Title, Registration or Decals will need to be completed and forwarded to any
DNR Service Center either by mail or in person by appointment only.
What do I do when I sell my boat?
Vessel owners must notify the department within 15 days if a vessel is sold or destroyed. Notification should include date and circumstances (purchaser name and address, amount of sale) and be forwarded to a
Licensing & Registration Service Center either in person (by appointment only), by fax, by mail or by emailing
customerservice.dnr@maryland.gov. Registration decals should be removed from the vessel if you will be requesting a refund of the second year’s registration fee ($12). Contact any
Licensing & Registration Service Center for Form 158-A Application for Refund, and submit along with the registration card and both decals to any
Licensing & Registration Service Center in the first year of the vessel’s two-year registration.
FAQ’s – Why the Boat Title is Important
Maryland Natural Resources Code, 8-715(i) states a person may not sell, assign, or transfer a vessel titled by the State without delivering to the purchaser or transferee a certificate of title with an assignment on the certificate showing title in the purchaser or transferee. A person may not purchase or otherwise acquire a vessel required to be titled by the State without obtaining a certificate of title for the vessel in the person’s name.
Question: On Facebook's Marketplace, there is a vessel for sale without a title. How do I get it registered in Maryland?
Answer: Unfortunately, the Department has noticed an increase in advertising on social media platforms of vessels for sale without a title. These types of sales do not exempt you from following the law as written. A Certificate of Title is required for you to obtain legal ownership and without it the Department will not accept the transfer of ownership. This also includes out of state numbered vessels; the legal documents of transfer are required.
Question: I purchased a vessel, and the seller stated they do not have the title. What do I do?
Answer: In Maryland, selling a vessel without providing the purchaser with the certificate of title issued in the seller’s name is illegal. You will need to contact the seller and advise them that they must apply for a duplicate title. Contact any of our DNR Service Centers for the duplicate title application or
https://dnr.maryland.gov/Documents/B108.pdf to download the application.
Question: The seller did not title the vessel when they purchased it, and now I have purchased it from the non-titled owner. What can I do?
Answer: Again, it is illegal to sell or purchase a vessel without the Certificate of Title. You will need to contact the seller, and the seller will first need to obtain ownership and provide you with their Certificate of Title to complete the transfer of ownership into your name. They will be liable for the 5% Maryland Vessel Excise Tax and late fees may be due.
Question: The seller advised that they do not have a title in Delaware. Is this true, and how do I obtain my title and registration in Maryland?
Answer: That is correct, Delaware is a non-titling state for their vessels. There is a handful of States that do not title vessels. You will need a legible copy of the current Delaware registration card and an original signed, certified bill of sale from the Delaware registered owner(s). Feel free to download
MD’s DNR bill of sale form. You will also need a signed original Lien Release, if a lien is recorded on the Delaware registration card.
Question: Can I complete the abandoned boat process if I do not receive a title from the seller?
Answer: No. This type of ownership transfer does not qualify as an abandoned boat in Maryland. An abandoned vessel, as defined by Natural Resources Article 8-722 (a) Annotated Code of Maryland, has remained at a location without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property more than 180 days.
Question: The seller stated he does not have the title. He purchased it to cut the length down and did not receive a title. It’s a hull only now. Can I submit my application as a custom-built or homemade boat?
Answer: No. Neither you nor the seller built the hull. The manufactured hull was initially assigned a hull identification number under the guidance of the United States Coast Guide or authorized State Agency. It is against the law to remove or tamper with a hull identification number. The seller is required to provide you with a Certificate of Title issued in their name.
Question: How do I get a salvage title because the seller did not have a title?
Answer: Maryland does not have a vessel salvage title.
Unfortunately, not all sellers are going to comply. Without the legal document of ownership, the Department cannot provide ownership to you. Each state has its own rules and regulations to establish ownership.
When you purchase a boat it must be in writing for the Department to transfer ownership. Ideally, you would have an actual signed Bill of Sale to accompany the Certificate of Title. Verify the boat number displayed on the bow and the hull identification number that appears on the transom against the documents provided to you by the seller.
For more information, please refer to:
https://dnr.maryland.gov/boating/Pages/registration.aspx
Or contact one of our DNR Service Centers at:
https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/service_centers.aspx
(These are Adobe Acrobat files and require the
free Acrobat Reader.)
What about my boat trailer?
Boat trailers are registered with the
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration 1-800-950-1682.
