How to Register a Vessel

To legally employ a vessel while residing on waters located within the state of Rhode Island, the boat must have required registration with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. All boats propelled by a motor or sail must be registered, other than the following individual cases:

• Vessels to be utilized in the state for less than nine successive days that have current registration in another state or country.
• Vessels exclusively used for racing purposes.
• Emergency lifeboats.
• Passenger ferries.
• Vessels retained by a state or federal government entity.

As a separate obligation, any boat propelled by motor or sail to be used in Rhode Island, as its prime location, must be titled by the state governing authorities. The following watercraft are exceptions to this mandate:

• Boats with a total length of 14 feet or fewer.
• Boats registered and/or titled in another state or county to be used for 90 consecutive days or fewer.
• Emergency lifeboats.

To properly apply for registration and/or title, obtain the following necessary materials for submission as follows:

• A fully completed and notarized Rhode Island Boat Registration Application.
• A finalized and notarized Rhode Island Outboard Motor Registration Application.
• New boats will require:
  • Manufacturer’s certificate of origin.
  • A notarized bill of sale with associated dealer information.
  • Proof of sales tax paid.
• Used boats purchased from a private party will require the following:
  • A notarized assigned title and/or prior registration.
  • A notarized bill of sale or formal statement of the gift.
  • Receipt of sales tax only on vessels purchased before July 29, 1993. (Tax can be paid at the Rhode Island Division of Taxation.)
  • A clear photo of the hull identification number or tracing by pencil.
• A filled-out Rhode Island Application for Initial Vessel Certificate of Title, should your boat need to be titled.
• Sufficient monetary compensation for all taxes and fees.

You can then send the filings in a stamped envelope to the Rhode Island DEM location as follows:

Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade St.
Room 360
Providence, RI 02908