Boat Registration and Licenses in Rhode Island

What to Register

All motorized boats, sail boats and personal watercraft.

What Not to Register

• Non-motorized canoes.

• Non-motorized kayaks.

• Rowboats less than 12 feet in length.

Exemptions

• Lifeboats.

• Boats used only for racing.

• Any boat registered in another state and not kept in Rhode Island for more than 90 consecutive days.

Requirements and Procedures

Titles and registrations are handled by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

New Boat Registration

1. Bill of sale on dealer's letterhead.
2. Manufacturer's Statement of Origin.
3. Complete a Boat Registration Application.
4. Complete an Outboard Motor Registration Application.
5. Complete an Initial Vessel Certificate of Title Application (boats 14 feet or less are exempt).
6. Pay all applicable fees.
7. Either mail or drop off at the address on the registration application.

Used Boat Registration

1. A notarized Bill of sale or a notarized gift statement.
2. A notarized title signed by seller, or, if the boat was bought in a non-title state, the most current registration certificate in the seller's name.
3. Complete a Boat Registration Application.
4. Complete an Outboard Motor Registration Application.
5. Complete an Initial Vessel Certificate of Title Application (boats 14 feet or less are exempt).
6. Pay all applicable fees.
7. Either mail or drop off at the address on the registration application.

Fees

• 1-15 feet: 1-15 feet: $30

• $40

• $60

• $100

• $200* $200*

• $250

• 41-45 feet: $300*

• 46-50 feet: $400*

• $600*

• Title: $25

Renewals and Replacements

Boat registrations are valid for two years, expiring on the last day of February. Boats more than 30 feet in length can be registered on an annual basis* (pay half the above posted fees).

Renew Online

Renew online using Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

Renew by Mail

Mail to the address on your renewal notice.

Renew in Person

Drop off your renewal notice at the DEM's Office of Boat Registration and Licensing (Room 360), located at 235 Promenade St. in Providence.

Replace Lost Registration

Complete a Duplicate Boat Registration form. Either mail or drop off at the address on the application. Cost: $5

Boater License

Completion of a boating safety class is mandatory for:

• Anyone born after January 1, 1986 who operates operates a boat with a horsepower of more than 10 horsepower.

• Any operator, regardless of age, who operates a personal watercraft (Wave Runner, Jet Ski).

Boater Safety Courses

• Online: State-approved courses.

• Classroom: Available through the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Call (401) 333-7070 for a course schedule.

• Boating Safety Challenge Exam: No course involved, only an exam. Call (401) 222-2284 to have a home study packet mailed to you.

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