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, and costs $75.00 to $75.00 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) / DMV · Last checked in site data: June 23, 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 range from $75.00 to $75.00 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 6.35% sales tax, and title fees are $25.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Varies by length, age, hull material | $50.00 | $75.00 |
Sales Tax Rate: 6.35%
Title Fee: $25.00
How to Register Your Boat in Connecticut
To register a boat in Connecticut, you must apply within Before launching of purchase through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) / DMV. Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 1 year.
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) / DMV portal
- In Person: At your local Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) / DMV office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Required Documents
- Completed registration application form
- Bill of Sale or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- Valid photo identification
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) verification
Connecticut Boat Title & Title Transfer
Connecticut requires a boat title for motorboats and motorized sailing vessels model year 2017 or newer, and sailing vessels 19.5+ ft model year 2017 or newer. The title application fee is $25.00, and transfers cost $25.00.
Title required: Yes — Motorboats and motorized sailing vessels model year 2017 or newer, and sailing vessels 19.5+ ft model year 2017 or newer
Title application fee: $25.00
Title transfer fee: $25.00
Required Documents for Title 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. Sign the existing title exactly as the owner name appears. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | Required for motorboats and motorized sailing vessels model year 2017 or newer, and sailing vessels 19.5+ ft model year 2017 or newer; title transfer fee is $25.00. |
| Tax | 6.35% sales or use tax may apply. |
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
Connecticut boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current CT state data. 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: Within 6 inches of registration number
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 | $75.00 | 1 year | Yes | 6.35% |
| Massachusetts | $44.00 | 2 years | Yes | 6.25% |
| New York | $22.50 | 3 years | Yes | 4% |
| Rhode Island | $32.00 | 2 years (March 1 to last day of February) | Yes | 7% |
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?
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.