Delaware is a popular state for boating enthusiasts due to its miles of coastline, numerous rivers, and waterways. Registering a boat in Delaware is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few simple steps. Here’s everything you need to know about how to register a boat in Delaware.
Before you can register your boat in Delaware, you need to gather the necessary documents. These include:
· A completed Vessel Registration Application form, found here
· Proof of ownership (e.g., bill of sale, previous registration, or title)
· Payment for registration fees
· If your boat is used and previously registered in a non-title state, a notarized bill of sale with the seller’s signature
· If your boat is used and previously registered in a title state, a signed title for the boat from the previous owner
· Photograph or pencil rubbing of the boat’s hull identification number (HIN). This is usually located on the starboard-aft (right-rear) corner of the boat
· Copy of photo ID
You can download the Boat Registration Application form from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife website or obtain a copy from a local DNREC office. The form requires basic information about your boat, such as the make, model, and hull identification number (HIN).
To register your boat in Delaware, you need to provide proof of ownership. This can be in the form of a bill of sale, previous registration, or title. If you are registering a new boat, you will need to provide a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or a Sales Invoice.
The registration fees for boats in Delaware are based on the length of the vessel. You can find a fee schedule on the DNREC website. You can pay by check or money order made payable to “Division of Fish and Wildlife.”
Once you have completed the Boat Registration Application form, gathered your proof of ownership, and paid the registration fees, you can submit your application. You can do this by mail or in person at your local Delaware Boat Registration Office. Follow the link here to find the nearest office to you. If you mail your application, be sure to include all the necessary accompanying documentation. You can mail your application to:
Delaware Fish and Wildlife Boat Registration Office
89 Kings Highway,
Dover, DE, 19901
Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive your boat registration and a decal to display on your vessel. The registration must be kept on board the boat at all times and the decal must be affixed to the side of the vessel along with the necessary registration number.
Registering a boat in Delaware is a simple process that requires just a few basic steps. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can get your boat registered quickly and easily, and start enjoying Delaware’s beautiful waterways in no time.
