Register a Boat in Massachusetts

Boating provides adventure, educational experiences and a form of stress-relief. What’s not to love about spending the day on a boat? Once you have purchased a boat, you will need to apply for your boat registration, pay boat registration fees and learn the Massachusetts boat laws. Boat registration fees help to fund marinas, lake clean-up efforts, conservation education and more.

MASSACHUSETTS BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Learn about the state-specific rules for speed limit, safety equipment, minimum age restrictions, trailer set up and navigation. Every boater is responsible for following the current boating regulations to ensure the safety of everyone who uses state waterways.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

Your boat registration serves as documentation to prove that you are the rightful owner of a vessel. There are registration fees that you will need to pay when you register your boat; however, these fees are used by the state of Massachusetts to help sustain our natural resources and promote responsible boating.

MASSACHUSETTS BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

  • Any boat powered by a motor and operated on public waterways in Massachusetts needs to be register in the State.
  • All boats 14 feet or greater in length that are designed for use with a motor, or that use a motor at any time, must be titled.
  • If your boat registration has expired you can renew it by mail or visit one office of one registrations offices in Massachusetts.

MA BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

Massachusetts has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe.

MA BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

RESPONSIBLE BOATING STARTS WITH YOU

Learn how to take care of your crew and your boat, while also taking care of our valuable water resources.

BOATING AND WATER SAFETY BOATING SAFETY COURSES ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

MA BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Massachusetts website of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

BOAT REGISTRATION & INFORMATION REGISTER YOUR BOAT IN MASSACHUSETTS