Massachusetts Frequently Asked Questions

Massachusetts Registration and Title Information
Summary of boat registration and titling rules in Massachusetts
How do you register a boat in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you can register your boat by visiting one of our registration locations or by mail-in
Where do you register your boat in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you register your boat at the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) - MED
What boats are required to be registered in Massachusetts?
The following boats are required to be registered in Massachusetts: All boats that are powered either by gas or electric motors
What boats do not require registration in Massachusetts?
Non-powered boats are not required to be registered in Massachusetts
Are USCG documented boats required to be registered in Massachusetts?
USCG documented boats are not required to be registered in Massachusetts
How much does it cost to register a boat in Massachusetts?
To register a boat in Massachusetts, the fees are as follows:
• Boats under 16 feet - $44, valid for 2 years
• Boat length 16 feet to less than 26 feet - $66, valid for 2 years
• Boat length 26 feet to less than 40 feet - $88, valid for 2 years
• Boat length 40 feet and greater - $110, valid for 2 years
• Boat Title - $27.50, Valid until boat is sold, transferred or destroyed
• Duplicate Title - $16.50, Valid until boat is sold, transferred or destroyed
• Add a Lien Holder - $16.50 each
How much does it cost to get a duplicate boat registration in Massachusetts?
A duplicate boat registration in Massachusetts costs $11.00
How much does it cost to get a duplicate boat decal in Massachusetts?
A duplicate boat decal in Massachusetts costs $5.50
How much does it cost to transfer a boat registration in Massachusetts?
Transferring a boat registration in Massachusetts will cost you $16.50 to process a transfer or registration with time remaining
Does Massachusetts title boats?
Boats are titled in Massachusetts
Where do you title your boat in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, boats are titled through the MED - Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affair
What boats are required to be titled in Massachusetts?
All vessels designed to be powered 14 ft. or greater in length regardless of age of boat are required to be titled in Massachusetts
What boats do not require a title in Massachusetts?
Vessels that are USCG Documented, or smaller than 14ft are not required to be titled in Massachusetts
How much does it cost to title a boat in Massachusetts?
It costs $27.50 to title a boat in Massachusetts
How much does it cost to get a duplicate boat title in Massachusetts?
A duplicate, corrected, or updated boat title in Massachusetts costs $16.50
How much does it cost to transfer a boat title in Massachusetts?
Boat title transfers are treated as new titles in Massachusetts
How much does it cost to record a lien on a boat in Massachusetts?
Recording a lien in Massachusetts will cost you $16.50 to add a lien to an already existing title
Does Massachusetts issue e-titles for boats?
Massachusetts does not issue e-titles for boats.
Does Massachusetts require boat inspections?
The following boats require inspections in Massachusetts:
• If the vessel is a 1980 or newer with a non-conforming HIN
• If at any time our registration staff questions a HIN tracing or ownership validation, we send for a boat inspection.
• All homemade boats
What is the sales tax rate for boats in Massachusetts?
The sales tax rate on boats in Massachusetts is 6.25% of total purchase price
What is the sales tax cap for boats in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the sales tax cap is 6.25%
Helpful Links for Massachusetts:
Boat Registration | Mass.gov