Boating is a great way to explore the waterways and enjoy the outdoors. If you own a boat in the District of Columbia, it is important to register it with the proper authorities. Registering your boat is a legal requirement and ensures that you are able to operate your boat safely and legally. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps required to register a boat in the District of Columbia.
Before you can register your boat, you will need to gather some documents. These documents include:
· Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale, including manufacturer, model, hull identification number (HIN), length, year, date of sale, purchaser(s) name, price of the boat (not including trailer price)
· If the boat is new, a Manufacturer Statement of Origin (MSO) or Certificate of Origin (CO)
· Valid government-issued identification
· Payment for registration fees and taxes
Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can complete the Application of Boat Certificate of Title/Registration (PD330) sections A through E. This application can be obtained online from the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Online Vessel Registration System (OVERS), or in person at the MPD Boat Registration Office at 550 Water St SW, Washington, DC, 20024. The application will ask for information about the boat, such as the make, model, HIN, length, purchase price, date of sale
In the District of Columbia, boat owners are required to have liability insurance. When registering your boat, you will need to provide proof of insurance. The insurance policy should cover at least $100,000 in liability.
To complete the registration process, there are a number of fees that you are going to have to pay. The largest will be the 6% title tax. This fee is equal to 6% of the purchase price of the boat. Next, you will have to pay a $2 title fee for a DC Certificate of Number. Finally, you will have to pay a registration fee. This fee varies depending on the length of the boat. The registration fee breakdown is listed below.
· Non-powered (of any length): $10
· Less than 16’: $15
· Between 16’ and 26’: $25
· Over 26’ and up to 40’: $35
· Over 40’: $60
After you have completed the registration process, you will be issued a registration decal. This decal should be affixed to the front third of the hull on either side, just below the gunwale, directly behind the registration numbers. It is important to keep the registration current by renewing it annually.
In conclusion, registering a boat in the District of Columbia is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your boat is registered properly and that you are able to enjoy your time on the water safely and legally. If you have any questions about the registration process, be sure to contact the District of Columbia DMV for assistance.
