What you need to register a boat in Rhode Island

Rhode Island requires registration for any boat with a motor, regardless of size, and for sailboats 14 feet or longer. You register through the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Marine Resources, not through the DMV. The process takes about two weeks if you submit everything correctly the first time.

You will need the boat's hull identification number (HIN), proof of ownership (bill of sale or title), and proof of Rhode Island residency. If the boat is financed, you may need a lien release or lender consent. You also need to show that any previous registration or title has been surrendered or transferred.

Registration costs vary based on boat length and whether you want a one-year or three-year registration. Three-year registrations cost less per year. You can register in person at a DEM office, by mail, or online through the Rhode Island DEM website.

Key Takeaways

  • All motorboats and sailboats 14 feet or longer must be registered with the Rhode Island DEM Division of Marine Resources, not the DMV.
  • You need the hull identification number, proof of ownership, and proof of Rhode Island residency to complete registration.
  • Registration takes about two weeks by mail and costs less per year if you choose a three-year registration instead of one year.
  • You can register online, by mail, or in person at a DEM office in Providence or other locations.

How to register online or by mail

The fastest route is the online registration system on the DEM website. You will upload a photo of your HIN, proof of ownership, and proof of residency. The system generates a registration certificate that you print and display on your boat. Processing takes about five to ten business days if all documents are clear and readable.

If you prefer to mail your registration, send the completed process form (available on the DEM website), copies of your documents, and the registration fee to the DEM Division of Marine Resources in Providence. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and boat name. Mail processing takes two to three weeks, sometimes longer if the office requests clarification on any document.

Keep a copy of your registration certificate on the boat at all times. Rhode Island law enforcement can stop you on the water and ask to see it. An expired or missing registration can result in a citation.

Registering a boat you just bought

If you bought the boat from a private seller, get a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller. The bill of sale should include the boat's name, HIN, the sale price, and the date. If the boat came with a title, the seller must sign the back of the title and give it to you.

If the boat was financed through a dealer or bank, the lender may hold the title. Contact the lender and ask for a lien release or written consent to register the boat in your name. Some lenders send this directly to the DEM; others send it to you to include with your process.

Register the boat in your name before you use it on Rhode Island waters. Operating an unregistered boat can result in fines and the boat being impounded.

Renewing or transferring a registration

If your registration is expiring, you can renew it online or by mail using the same process as initial registration. The DEM sends renewal notices to the address on file about 30 days before expiration. You do not need to resubmit proof of ownership or residency if nothing has changed—just the renewal form and fee.

If you sell the boat, the new owner must register it in their name. You do not need to do anything except provide the buyer with the bill of sale and any title documents. The buyer then follows the same registration process as a new owner.

If you move out of Rhode Island, you must surrender your Rhode Island registration and register the boat in your new state. Contact the DEM to request a registration surrender form.

What the HIN is and where to find it

The hull identification number is a unique code assigned to your boat by the manufacturer. It is usually 12 characters long and includes letters and numbers. The HIN is typically located on the starboard (right) side of the boat near the top of the transom, or on the interior of the boat near the helm.

Check your boat's documentation or bill of sale if you cannot find the HIN on the boat itself. The HIN must match exactly on your registration process. If the number on your boat does not match your paperwork, contact the DEM before submitting your process—mismatched HINs can delay registration.

Proof of residency and out-of-state owners

Rhode Island residency is required to register a boat. Acceptable proof includes a Rhode Island driver's license, a utility bill with your name and Rhode Island address, a lease agreement, or a tax return showing a Rhode Island address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days (except tax returns, which can be from the previous year).

If you do not live in Rhode Island but own property there or keep your boat at a Rhode Island marina, contact the DEM to ask about alternative registration options. Some states have reciprocal agreements, but Rhode Island's rules are strict about residency. The DEM can tell you whether you are able to register.

Registration fees and payment methods

Registration fees depend on the boat's length. Boats under 16 feet cost less than boats 16 to 25 feet, which cost less than larger boats. A one-year registration costs more per year than a three-year registration. For example, a boat 16 to 25 feet might cost around $75 for one year or around $190 for three years—the three-year option saves money over time.

You can pay by check, money order, or credit card if registering online. If registering by mail, include a check or money order with your process. Do not send cash. If paying online, the system accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a sailboat with no motor?

Only if it is 14 feet or longer. Sailboats under 14 feet do not require registration in Rhode Island, even if they have a small motor. Measure the boat from the tip of the bow to the end of the stern to determine length.

What if I cannot find the HIN on my boat?

Contact the DEM and provide the boat's make, model, year, and any other identifying information you have. They can sometimes cross-reference this with manufacturer records. Do not guess or estimate the HIN—it must be exact on your registration.

Can I register a boat I am buying from out of state?

Yes, but you must surrender any out-of-state registration first. Get a release or surrender document from the other state and include it with your Rhode Island process. The DEM can guide you on what documents that state requires.

How long does a registration last?

One year or three years, depending on which option you choose when you register. Three-year registrations expire on the same date three years later. You can renew before expiration or wait until after it expires, though operating an expired registration is illegal.

What happens if I lose my registration certificate?

Contact the DEM and request a duplicate. You will need to provide your boat's HIN and registration number. A duplicate certificate costs less than a new registration and takes about one week to arrive by mail.