Connecticut Boat Registration: Requirements, Fees & How to Apply (2026)
Complete guide to Connecticut boat registration. Learn about fees ($8-$525), required documents, online registration, title transfer, and renewal process.
Key Takeaway: Connecticut requires registration for motorboats (including motorized sailing vessels) and all sailing vessels 19. Registration fees range from $8 to $525 and are valid for 1 year (expires april 30 of the following year). A boat title is required. Boater education is mandatory. Online registration is available.
Official source links for Connecticut were checked on 2026-05-01.
Which Boats Need Registration in Connecticut?
Must Register
All motorboats (including motorized sailing vessels) and all sailing vessels 19.5 feet or longer must be registered with the Connecticut DMV.
Exemptions
- Manually propelled vessels (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats)
- Non-motorized sailing vessels under 19.5 feet
- Vessels used exclusively on private waters
- Government-owned vessels
Connecticut Boat Registration Fees & Costs
Use the fee calculator with Connecticut preselected to combine the listed registration class, title fee, and sales tax planning inputs. Listed totals on this page range from $8 to $525 before local or file-specific charges.
Use the listed Connecticut fee range, title rule, and agency source review date to organize the documents you still need to confirm before paying or operating.
Official source links for Connecticut were checked on 2026-05-01.
Registration Process in Connecticut
Gather Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documentation including proof of ownership, identification, and HIN verification.
Choose Registration Method
Register online, by mail, or in person at your local Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) / Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) office.
Submit Application & Pay Fees
Complete the registration form and pay the applicable fees. Deadline: Before operating on Connecticut waters after purchase.
Receive Registration Number
Once approved, you will receive your registration certificate, number, and validation stickers.
Display Registration Number
Affix the registration number and stickers to your vessel according to state display requirements.
Required Documents Checklist
Official source links for Connecticut were checked on 2026-05-01.
Boat Title & Title Transfer in Connecticut
Model year 2017 and newer motorized watercraft registered in Connecticut must be titled. Connecticut began titling boats on January 1, 2016.
Issued by: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Submit the signed title from the seller, a bill of sale, proof of sales tax payment, and the $25 title fee to the Connecticut DMV.
$25.00
$25.00
Available
Before registering a newly purchased boat, verify the seller's ownership documents, bill of sale, HIN, and any lien release. The state-specific transfer process above should be matched with the national used-boat and lien-check steps.
Registration Renewal in Connecticut
Check the listed Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) / Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) renewal source before operating with an expired or uncertain registration.
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) / Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) handles the listed renewal source for this state. Use the renewal guide to compare online, mail, and in-person renewal patterns before relying on a notice or expired registration date.
Official source links for Connecticut were checked on 2026-05-01.
Boater Safety Education in Connecticut
All operators of personal watercraft and motorboats in Connecticut must hold a valid Safe Boating Certificate. The course is NASBLA-approved and required for all ages.
- U.S. Coast Guard licensed operators
- Operators with a valid boater education card from a NASBLA-recognized state
Registration Number Display Rules
All registered vessels in Connecticut must display their registration number and validation stickers according to the following requirements:
Connecticut vs Neighboring States
Neighboring state data will be available once more states are added.
Connecticut charter, LLC, or documented-vessel renewal?
If the boat is moving from personal use into charter or business use, or the owner record and USCG/NVDC documentation status are changing, use the CT commercial checklist before treating a recreational renewal path as complete.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Boat Registration
How much does it cost to register a boat in Connecticut?
Connecticut annual fees range from $7.50 (under 12 ft) to $525 (65+ ft). Common brackets: 16–25 ft costs $40, and 26–39 ft costs $125.
How long is boat registration valid in Connecticut?
Connecticut registrations expire April 30 of the following year.
Can I register my boat online in Connecticut?
Yes, Connecticut DMV offers online boat registration services.
What is the AIS stamp or decal in Connecticut?
Since October 2024, boaters on inland waters must purchase an Individual AIS Stamp ($7) or Vessel AIS Decal ($25). The AIS fee is no longer attached to vessel registration.
Do I need a title for my boat in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires titles for model year 2017 and newer motorized watercraft. The state began titling boats on January 1, 2016. The title fee is $25.
Is boater education required in Connecticut?
Yes, all operators of motorboats and PWC in Connecticut must hold a valid Safe Boating Certificate. This applies to all ages.
Do non-residents need to register in Connecticut?
Non-residents with valid home state registration may operate in CT for up to 60 days. All boaters on inland waters must have an AIS stamp or decal.
Does Connecticut charge sales tax on boats?
Yes, Connecticut charges a 6.35% state sales tax on boat purchases.
Ready to Register Your Boat in Connecticut?
Visit the official Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) / Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) website to start your boat registration or renewal.
Register at Connecticut Department of Motor VehiclesOfficial source links for Connecticut were checked on 2026-05-01.