Connecticut is a beautiful state with a vast coastline and numerous water bodies, making it a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. If you are planning to own and operate a boat in Connecticut, you need to register your vessel with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Registering your boat is not only mandatory but also ensures that you can legally operate your vessel on Connecticut waterways. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of registering a boat in Connecticut.
Before you begin the boat registration process, ensure that you have all the required documentation. You will need the following:
· An official form of ID, such as a driver’s license or passport
· Bill of sale for the boat
· Title, if the boat is from 2017 or newer
· Previous registration, if the boat is from 2016 or older
· Previous owner’s signature on the previous registration, if the bill of sale was not signed by the seller
· Completed and signed Connecticut Application for Vessel Registration and Certificate of Number (form B-148)
· Payment for registration fees and any applicable taxes
The next step is to fill out the Application for Vessel Registration and Certificate of Number (form B-148). This form is available online on the DMV website here, or you can also get a copy at any DMV office or participating town clerk's office. Ensure that you fill out the form completely and accurately, providing all necessary information, such as the boat's make, model, year, and hull identification number (HIN).
Once you have completed the application form, you need to pay the registration fees and any applicable taxes. The registration fee breakdown is available for reference on the DMV website here. You can pay the fees using a credit or debit card, check, or money order made payable to Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.
Boats can only be registered in person at the DMV. In order to complete your registration, you’ll need to make an appointment at your local DMV branch by following the link here.
When you are submitting your application in person at the DMV, be sure to bring all required documentation, including a copy of your completed application form, payment for registration fees and taxes, and any additional documents, such as proof of ownership.
Once the DMV processes your application and approves your boat registration, you will receive your Certificate of Number and Validation Decals in the mail. The Certificate of Number must be kept on board the vessel at all times, and the Validation Decals must be affixed to both sides of the bow. These decals indicate that your boat is registered and legally allowed to operate on Connecticut waterways.
In conclusion, registering a boat in Connecticut is a simple and straightforward process. By following the steps outlined above and providing all necessary documentation, you can legally operate your vessel on Connecticut waterways and enjoy all the beauty that this state has to offer.
