What Maryland requires for boat registration

Maryland requires you to register any boat with a motor, regardless of size, before you operate it on state waters. This includes boats with outboard motors, inboard motors, jet skis, and sailboats with auxiliary motors. Non-motorized boats like canoes and rowboats do not need registration.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources handles boat registration through its Boating Services program. You can register in person at a Natural Resources office, by mail, or online through the department's website. The process takes about two weeks by mail and is when ready if you register online or in person.

Registration is valid for three years from the date of issue. You will receive a certificate of registration and two decals—one for each side of the boat hull. These decals must be displayed where a law enforcement officer can see them, typically near the stern (back) of the boat.

Key Takeaways

  • Any motorized boat operating in Maryland waters must be registered with the Department of Natural Resources before use.
  • You will need the boat's hull identification number (HIN), proof of ownership, and your Maryland driver's license or ID to register.
  • Registration costs vary based on boat length and motor type, and you can register online, by mail, or in person at a DNR office.
  • Your registration is valid for three years, and you must display the issued decals on both sides of the boat hull.
  • If you buy a used boat, you must transfer the registration to your name before operating it, even if the previous owner's registration is still valid.

Documents and information you will need

Before you register, gather the boat's hull identification number (HIN). This is a unique 12-character code stamped into the hull, usually on the starboard (right) side near the stern or on the transom (the flat back section). If you cannot locate it, the seller or previous registration documents will have it.

You will also need proof of ownership. If you purchased the boat, bring the bill of sale signed by both you and the seller. If the boat was a gift, bring a signed gift letter from the previous owner. If you inherited it, bring a copy of the will or estate documents showing you as the owner.

Bring a valid Maryland driver's license or state ID. If you are registering on behalf of a business or organization, bring documentation showing your authority to do so—such as articles of incorporation or a power of attorney.

If the boat was previously registered in Maryland, you may need the old registration number. If it was registered in another state, bring that registration document or a bill of lading from the transport company if you had it shipped to Maryland.

Registration costs and what affects the price

Maryland boat registration fees depend on the boat's length and motor type. Boats are grouped by length: under 16 feet, 16 to 26 feet, 26 to 40 feet, and over 40 feet. Sailboats with auxiliary motors are charged differently than powerboats of the same length.

The Department of Natural Resources publishes current fee schedules on its website, and fees change periodically. Rather than quote a specific amount that may be outdated, check the current fee table on the DNR Boating Services page before you register. The fee covers your three-year registration and both decals.

If you register online or in person, you pay the full fee at that time. If you register by mail, include a check or money order with your process. Some county Natural Resources offices may accept credit cards in person, but this varies by location—call ahead if that matters to you.

How to register online, by mail, or in person

Online registration is the fastest route. Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, navigate to the Boating Services section, and select the online registration option. You will enter the boat's HIN, your personal information, and payment details. You can pay by credit or debit card. Your registration certificate and decals will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.

In-person registration at a DNR office is when ready. Find the office nearest you on the DNR website—there are locations in Baltimore, Annapolis, and other regions. Bring all required documents and payment. You will receive your certificate and decals on the spot. Call ahead to confirm hours, as some offices have limited schedules.

Mail registration takes longer but works if you prefer not to visit an office. read the boat registration process from the DNR website. Fill it out completely, including the boat's HIN, your information, and the registration fee. Mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the DNR receives it.

Whichever method you choose, keep your certificate of registration on the boat whenever you operate it. Law enforcement can ask to see it, and operating without it can result in a citation.

Transferring registration when you buy a used boat

If you purchase a used boat that is already registered in Maryland, the registration does not automatically transfer to you. You must submit a transfer process to the DNR with your bill of sale and proof of ownership. The previous owner does not need to sign anything—the bill of sale is sufficient.

You can transfer the registration online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as a new registration. The transfer fee is typically the same as a new registration, and your three-year period starts fresh from the date of transfer. You cannot legally operate the boat under the previous owner's registration, even if it has time remaining.

If you buy a boat registered in another state, you must register it in Maryland before operating it on Maryland waters. Bring the out-of-state registration document, your bill of sale, and proof of ownership. The process is the same as registering a new boat.

Renewing your registration before it expires

Your registration expires three years from the date it was issued. The DNR does not send renewal reminders, so mark your certificate's expiration date on a calendar. You can renew up to 90 days before expiration.

Renewal is simpler than initial registration because the DNR already has your boat's information on file. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online, the process takes minutes and your new certificate is mailed within one to two weeks. If you renew in person at a DNR office, you receive it when ready.

Operating a boat with an expired registration can result in a citation. If your registration has already expired, you must re-register rather than renew—the process is the same, but you are technically starting a new registration period.

What happens if you lose your decals or certificate

If a decal is damaged, faded, or lost, contact the DNR to request a replacement. You will need to provide your registration number and boat information. Replacement decals are usually mailed within one to two weeks. Until they arrive, do not operate the boat on public waters—the decals are a legal requirement.

If you lose your certificate of registration, you can request a duplicate from the DNR. Bring your boat's HIN and identification to a DNR office, or submit a request by mail with the same information. A duplicate certificate costs less than a new registration and is valid for the remainder of your three-year period.

Keep your certificate in a waterproof container on the boat. Law enforcement can ask to see it at any time, and you are required to have it with you while operating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a sailboat with no motor?

No. Maryland only requires registration for motorized boats. A sailboat with no auxiliary motor does not need to be registered. However, if your sailboat has an outboard or inboard motor, even one you rarely use, it must be registered.

Can I register a boat I do not yet own?

No. You must own the boat or have a signed bill of sale before you can register it. The registration is tied to ownership, and the DNR will not issue a certificate without proof that the boat is yours.

What if my boat's HIN is damaged or missing?

Contact the DNR directly. In rare cases, a boat's HIN may be illegible or absent due to damage. The DNR can work with you to verify ownership through other documentation, such as a manufacturer's certificate of origin or previous registration. This process takes longer than standard registration.

Do I need to register my boat if I only use it in a private pond?

If the pond is entirely on your property and you do not access public waters, registration is not required. However, if the pond connects to any public waterway or if you ever plan to use the boat on public water, you must register it first.

What should I do if I move out of Maryland?

If you move to another state, you should register your boat in your new state of residence. Contact that state's boating authority for their registration requirements. You do not need to formally cancel your Maryland registration, but you should not renew it once it expires.