Quick answer
In Connecticut, registration is required for: All motorboats regardless of length, and sailboats 19.5 feet or longer. Registration is handled by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) / DMV, is valid for 1 year (vessels registered as of January 1 expire April 30 of the following calendar year), and fees are summarized as Determined by vessel length, hull material, and owner type; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) / DMV · Source status: Verified · Last checked in site data: August 10, 2026 · All official state agencies
Connecticut Registration Guides
Use these Connecticut-specific guides for renewal, title, tax, non-resident, vessel-type, and paperwork questions that need more detail than the state overview.
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Connecticut, registration is required for: All motorboats regardless of length, and sailboats 19.5 feet or longer. There are 3 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorboats regardless of length, and sailboats 19.5 feet or longer
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized vessels under 19.5 feet
- Sailboats under 19.5 feet without motor
- Vessels with valid out-of-state registration temporarily in Connecticut
Registration Fees & Costs
Connecticut boat registration fees can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as Determined by vessel length, hull material, and owner type. Sales/use tax: 2.99% for vessels/trailers purchased on or after July 1, 2018; 6.35% for earlier purchase dates. Title fee information: $25.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Varies by length, age, hull material | $50.00 | $75.00 |
Connecticut DMV says vessel registration fees depend on hull material, vessel size, and whether the owner is an individual or organization. Title fee is $25 for vessels model year 2017 or newer, and lien fee is $10 if applicable.
Sales Tax: 2.99% for vessels/trailers purchased on or after July 1, 2018; 6.35% for earlier purchase dates
Title Fee: $25.00
How to Register Your Boat in Connecticut
To register a boat in Connecticut, follow the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) / DMV process and complete registration before launching. Initial vessel registration is appointment-only at a DMV hub or branch office; vessel renewal is available through DMV renewal services. Registration is valid for 1 year (vessels registered as of January 1 expire April 30 of the following calendar year).
Registration can be completed:
- In Person: At your local Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) / DMV office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Documents to Check Before Filing
- Completed state registration application form, if the official agency requires one
- Ownership evidence such as a bill of sale, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), title, or prior registration
- Valid photo identification when required by the filing office
- Tax or fee payment documentation where applicable
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) details or inspection when requested by the official agency
Connecticut Boat Title & Title Transfer
Connecticut title rules: Vessels model year 2017 or newer unless a Connecticut title exemption applies; documented vessels are not eligible for a Connecticut title. Title application fee: $25.00. Title transfer fee: $25.00.
Title required: Yes — Vessels model year 2017 or newer unless a Connecticut title exemption applies; documented vessels are not eligible for a Connecticut title
Title application fee: $25.00
Title transfer fee: $25.00
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership Transfer
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title (used vessels)
- Bill of Sale
- Valid photo ID
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Connecticut
If you are selling a boat in Connecticut, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) / DMV. If you are buying, do not rely on the seller's word alone: match the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the paperwork to the boat and confirm whether liens or title defects exist before paying.
| Transfer item | What to prepare in CT |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. If a title document or electronic title release is required, sign or release it exactly as the agency instructs. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | Vessels model year 2017 or newer unless a Connecticut title exemption applies; documented vessels are not eligible for a Connecticut title. Title transfer: $25.00. |
| Tax | 2.99% for vessels/trailers purchased on or after July 1, 2018; 6.35% for earlier purchase dates. |
Connecticut Boat Registration, Renewal, and Sale Documents
Connecticut separates initial vessel registration from renewal. For a sale or first registration, prepare DMV appointment paperwork, ownership documents, tax information, and title documents when the vessel is titleable.
| Form | Use it for | Filing note |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut DMV vessel registration page | Initial boat registration and DMV appointment instructions | Use the DMV page to confirm the current appointment and document checklist |
| Bill of sale and ownership evidence | Supports purchase price, seller/buyer details, HIN, and prior ownership path | Bring it with the prior title or registration when the DMV requests ownership proof |
| Renewal record | Used for annual vessel registration renewal after the vessel is already in the DMV system | Renewal is handled through DMV renewal services, while initial registration remains appointment-based |
Because Connecticut vessel fees vary by hull material, vessel size, and owner type, confirm the final fee against the DMV fee chart before the appointment.
For buyer and seller paperwork, use the boat bill of sale template, check how to look for liens, and compare boat title transfer fees by state.
Connecticut Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 1 year (vessels registered as of January 1 expire April 30 of the following calendar year)
Connecticut boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Initial vessel registration is appointment-only at a DMV hub or branch office; vessel renewal is available through DMV renewal services. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For renewal-specific steps, see Connecticut Boat Registration Renewal: DMV, DEEP and AIS Checklist (2026). For the national renewal overview, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Connecticut requires a boater safety course. All operators of motorized vessels must possess a Safe Boating Certificate (SBC) or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO).
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: All operators of motorized vessels must possess a Safe Boating Certificate (SBC) or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO)
Accepted courses: DEEP-approved courses, Equivalency Exam
Course cost: $50 certificate fee; $75 equivalency exam fee
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: CT 1234 AB
Minimum font height: 3 inches minimum
Font style: Block letters, contrasting color to hull
Placement: Both sides of bow, forward half
Sticker placement: Display validation decals as directed by Connecticut DMV vessel registration materials
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Connecticut Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Length-based | 1 year (vessels registered as of January 1 expire April 30 of the following calendar year) | Yes | 2.99% for vessels/trailers purchased on or after July 1, 2018; 6.35% for earlier purchase dates |
| Massachusetts | $44.00 | 2 years | Yes | 6.25% Massachusetts sales/use tax when due; proof-of-tax or exemption documents may be required |
| New York | $22.50 | 3 years | Yes | 4% New York state sales/use tax plus applicable local tax may apply; confirm tax proof and local rate with DMV or the Tax Department |
| Rhode Island | $32.00 | 2 years (March 1 to last day of February) | Yes | No Rhode Island state sales tax on qualifying boat purchases; confirm documentation and any non-tax fees with DEM |
Connecticut Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Connecticut?
Do I need a boating certificate in Connecticut?
Do I need a title for my boat in Connecticut?
Do I need an Aquatic Invasive Species stamp in Connecticut?
Can non-residents operate boats in Connecticut?
What is the sales tax on boats in Connecticut?
Can I register or renew a Connecticut boat online?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Connecticut? Visit the official Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) / DMV website or use our tools to estimate costs.
Related Resources
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and verified for 2026, registration requirements and fees may change. Contact the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) / DMV at 860-434-8638 for the most current information.