How to Register a Boat

Residents who wish to use a boat propelled by a motor on a Delaware waterway must register the vessel within 60 days of acquiring it. Those not residents of the state are allotted 60 days before they are required to register as long as the watercraft is appropriately registered in another state. Suppose you deploy a boat in the state for fewer than 60 days. In that case, you must fill out a Non-resident Tidal Access Boat Ramp Certificate Application and mail it along with a $35 payment to the indicated address on the form. Remember that the 60-day period applies to using the boat and storage or docking within the state.

To register your vessel in person, make an appearance at your nearest Delaware Boat License Agent with the specified substantiated materials:

• A Delaware Boat Registration Application, thoroughly filled out and endorsed.
• A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or a completed bill of sale (including the Hull ID Number), along with the previous vessel title, signed by the seller and/or registration.
• A lien release is required if obligated to transfer the title if necessary.
• Proper payment for fees applicable to registration.