Boat Title vs Registration - What You Actually Need

Boat ownership paperwork is more confusing than vehicle paperwork because there are two parallel systems: state titling and registration, and federal Coast Guard documentation. Most private buyers and sellers only deal with the state system. Here is how to tell which applies to you.

State title vs state registration: not the same thing

In most states, a boat title is a legal ownership document, similar to a car title. Not all boats need one: small boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards usually only need a registration sticker, not a title. The cutoffs vary by state and are usually based on length, engine horsepower, or both.

A registration is a permit to operate on state waters. Every motorized boat operated on state waters must be registered, even if it does not need a title. The registration number (a letter-number combination like TX4567CD) goes on the hull.

Coast Guard documentation: a separate federal system

Boats of 5 net tons or more (roughly 26 feet or longer for typical recreational vessels) can optionally be documented through the US Coast Guard. Documented vessels are identified by a USCG documentation number instead of a state hull registration number.

Documentation is popular with:

Commercial boat operators (Coast Guard documentation is required in many cases)
Liveaboards who travel between states frequently
Boat owners who finance through a lender (some lenders prefer documented vessels)
Sailors who want to fly the US flag commercially

For most private buyers and sellers of recreational boats under 26 feet, state titling and registration is all you need.

The hull identification number (HIN)

The HIN is the boat equivalent of a VIN. It is 12 characters long and is permanently attached to the starboard (right) side of the transom (the back flat surface of the hull). For boats manufactured after November 1, 1972, a HIN is required by federal law.

Before any purchase, verify:

The HIN matches the title or documentation certificate
The HIN plate has not been removed or tampered with
The HIN matches any history reports you pull

A missing or altered HIN is a serious red flag, similar to a tampered VIN on a car.

In-water transfers: practical steps

Buying a boat in the water adds a wrinkle: you may not be able to do a detailed hull inspection without hauling it out. Consider:

Hiring a marine surveyor (the boat equivalent of a pre-purchase mechanic inspection)
Reviewing the boat's maintenance log if available
Checking for blistering, osmotic damage, or waterline staining that suggests chronic problems
Testing the engine under load (not just at idle in the slip)

Create a Boat Bill of Sale - $5 →

Our boat bill of sale includes the HIN field, engine details, and all required fields for private watercraft sales. State-specific.

The trailer: a completely separate transaction

When you buy a boat on a trailer, the trailer has its own title and registration, completely separate from the boat. You will typically walk away with two separate ownership documents. See our guide on trailer titling for details on the trailer side of the transaction.

What goes on the boat bill of sale

Hull Identification Number (HIN)
Year, make/manufacturer, model, length, hull material
Engine: year, make, model, horsepower, serial number (if included in sale)
State registration number or USCG documentation number
Sale price and date
Full legal names and addresses of both buyer and seller
Signatures (notarized if your state requires it)

Use our Notarization Checker to confirm whether your state requires notarization for a boat bill of sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every boat need a title?

No. In most states, motorized boats and sailboats above a certain length (often 14 to 16 feet, or above a horsepower threshold) require a state title. Smaller non-motorized boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards typically only need registration. Check your state's boating agency or DMV for the exact rules.

What is the difference between state registration and Coast Guard documentation?

State registration is required for most boats that operate on state waters. The state issues a registration number (like FL1234AB) that must be displayed on the hull. Coast Guard documentation is a federal certificate of title available for boats 5 net tons or larger (roughly 26 feet or longer for most vessels). Documented vessels carry a federal USCG documentation number instead of a state registration number for the hull itself, though they may still need a state decal. Documentation is popular for commercial vessels and liveaboards, and is required to fly a US flag commercially.

What is a hull identification number (HIN)?

The HIN is the boat's equivalent of a VIN. It is a 12-character number permanently affixed to the starboard (right) side of the transom (back of the boat). Every boat manufactured after 1972 must have one. Always verify the HIN matches the title or documentation and that it has not been altered or removed.

What does a bill of sale need to include for a boat sale?

The HIN, year, make, model, length, hull material, engine details (if included), registration or documentation number, sale price, date, and both parties' full legal names and addresses. Notarization is required in some states.

Is the trailer part of the boat title?

No. The boat and trailer are titled and registered separately in virtually all states. When you buy a boat on a trailer, you should receive (or create) separate documents for each. The trailer follows normal vehicle titling rules; see our guide on trailer titling for details.

Can I buy a boat and immediately re-register it in my state?

Yes. After the sale, take the seller's signed title (or a signed bill of sale if no title was required), your bill of sale, and payment for fees to your state's boating agency or DMV. Most states give you 30 to 90 days to transfer registration. Operating under the seller's registration after a sale is risky: the seller's liability insurance and registration are in their name, not yours.

What if the boat has a Coast Guard documentation number instead of a state title?

Documented vessels transfer through the USCG National Vessel Documentation Center, not through a state DMV. The seller must complete a USCG bill of sale form and submit it with the buyer's new documentation application. The USCG processes these by mail or online. The state registration sticker (required in most states even for documented vessels) is handled separately.