Connecticut Vessel Registration: Your Guide to Boating Legally in the Nutmeg State

Connecticut might be small, but its boating scene is mighty—think Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River, hundreds of sparkling lakes, and even quiet ponds. If you’re planning to enjoy the water in a motorboat, sailboat, jet ski, or even a pontoon, there’s one thing you’ll need before you set off: proper vessel registration. Here’s what every boater needs to know to stay legal (and stress-free) on Connecticut’s waterways.

Who Needs to Register a Vessel in Connecticut?

According to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you must register your vessel if:

• You own a boat with a motor (gas, diesel, or electric), including outboards, inboards, and jet drives.
• You own a sailboat 19.5 feet or longer, even if it has no motor.
• You operate a personal watercraft (PWC) like a jet ski or Sea-Doo.
• The vessel is operated, docked, or moored for more than 60 days in Connecticut waters, even if registered in another state.

Exemptions: Canoes, kayaks, and sailboats under 19.5 feet without motors, vessels registered in another state and using Connecticut waters for 60 days or less, lifeboats used only for emergencies, and vessels solely used on private ponds or lakes.

How to Register Your Vessel in Connecticut

1. Gather Your Documents:
   • Proof of ownership: Bill of sale, Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), or out-of-state title/registration.
   • Hull Identification Number (HIN) for vessels manufactured after 1972 (required for all boats built after that year).
   • Completed Application for Vessel Registration and Certificate of Number (Form B-148, available on the Connecticut DMV website).
   • Payment for the registration fee (see next section).
   • Connecticut Sales Tax payment or proof of exemption (even if purchased out-of-state).
2. Apply at the DMV:
   • Vessel registrations are handled by the DMV—apply in person at a branch that processes vessel registrations, or mail your completed application and documents to the DMV. Some dealerships can help register new boats at purchase.
3. Receive Your Registration and Decals:
   • The DMV will issue a Certificate of Number and a pair of decals. Keep your certificate on board, and display the decals on both sides of the forward half of the vessel.

Connecticut Vessel Registration Fees (2024)

• Vessels under 16 feet: $7.50/year
• 16–20 feet: $15/year
• 20–26 feet: $20/year
• 26–40 feet: $30/year
• Over 40 feet: $50/year
• Personal Watercraft (PWCs): $20/year
• Duplicate certificate or decals: $3.50

Connecticut vessel registration is valid for one year. Renewals can be done online, by mail, or in person.

Where and How to Display Your Numbers and Decals

• The registration number (CT followed by four numbers and two letters, e.g., CT 1234 AB) must be painted or permanently affixed to both sides of the forward half of the boat, in block letters at least three inches high, in a color that contrasts with the hull.
• Decals are placed within six inches of and after (toward the stern) the registration number.
• Numbers and decals must always be visible and in good condition.

Renewals, Transfers, and Special Situations

• Renewals: Annual—done online, by mail, or in person at DMV offices.
• Transfers: When buying or selling a boat, you must transfer the registration within 15 days. The buyer needs the signed registration or title and a bill of sale from the seller.
• Address Change: Notify DMV within 48 hours of moving.
• Lost Certificates/Decals: Request duplicates from DMV for a small fee.
• U.S. Coast Guard Documented Vessels: Still need to be registered in Connecticut if primarily used here.

Boater Safety Requirements

Anyone operating a motorboat or sailboat 19.5 feet or longer on Connecticut waters must have a Safe Boating Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO), available after taking a state-approved safety course. These rules apply to residents and out-of-state visitors.

What If You Don’t Register?

Boating without valid registration can result in fines, having your boat removed from the water, and difficulty proving ownership if lost or stolen. Law enforcement regularly checks registration and safety certificates.

Helpful Resources

• Connecticut DMV Vessel Registration – Official rules, downloadable forms, and locations.
• Connecticut DEEP Boating Division – Safety courses, ramps, and waterway information.
• Connecticut Boating Safety Course – State-approved online certification.

Quick Tips for Hassle-Free Registration

• Have all paperwork and tax documents ready before heading to the DMV.
• Double-check the HIN and vessel details on your application—mistakes can slow things down.
• Keep your Certificate of Number on board at all times—it’s your proof of legal operation.
• Renew early, especially before peak boating season.
• Contact DMV for special cases like homemade boats or those missing HINs.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Connecticut’s Waterways—Legally!

Registering your vessel is the key to stress-free fun on Connecticut’s lakes, rivers, and coast. It keeps you legal, protects your investment, and makes life easier if you ever buy, sell, or move your boat. Once you’re registered and certified, the Nutmeg State’s waters are yours to explore—just don’t forget your sunscreen and your paperwork!