New York is one of the best places in the world for boating, swimming, and relaxing out on the water. With thousands upon thousands of miles of sparkling waterfront, lakes, rivers, and ponds, owning and operating a boat in New York is the ultimate sunny day must-have.

From fishing to watersports, there’s nothing better than being the proud owner of a New York boat. 

However, if you take your boat out on New York waters, it needs to be properly registered to ensure legal operation. Here’s BOATsmart!’s guide to getting your boat ready to be legally taken out on the beautiful waters that call New York home.

A man driving a boat, New York boat registration concept.

How Do I Know If My Boat Needs to Be Registered? 

If your boat is even partially motorized, it must be registered with New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

Boat owners must register any boat partially or wholly motor-driven. Any boat operated on public New York waters must be registered with the DMV. 

What Boats Are Exempt From Boat Registration in New York?

Most boats in New York State need to be registered, with some exceptions.

You do not need to register your boat with the state if:

  • It is a lifeboat
  • It is a boat racing in competition 
  • The boat is currently registered in another state and will not be kept in New York for more than 90 consecutive days
  • Your boat is non-motorized (like a canoe or kayak)

How Do I Register My Boat in the State of New York?

When registering your boat in the state of New York, you’ll need:

  • Proof of identity (a New York driver’s license, learner’s permit, or current identification card)
  • Proof of ownership (a manufacturer’s statement of origin, a title, transferable registration, or a United States Coast Guard document)
  • Completed Boat Registration/Title Application
  • Bill of sale and/or proof of sales tax clearance
  • Cash, check, money order or credit/debit card payment for fees and sales tax

New York boat registration can take place by visiting your local Department of Motor Vehicle office or by mailing the proper materials to your county’s DMV office.

A boat at the dock near a U.S. flag, New York boat registration concept.

How Much Does Boat Registration Cost in the State of New York?

Those registering their boats in the state of New York will pay a fee for registration along with a fee for boating safety, which all depends on the length of your boat.

As of 2024, the registration fees are as follows:

LENGTHREGISTRATION FEE
Less than 16 feet$22.50
16 feet to less than 26 feet$45.00
26 feet or longer$75.00

Depending on other factors, you may also pay a $50 title fee.

You can be issued a title certificate for your boat if:

  • Your boat is model year 1987 or newer
  • Your boat is at least 14 feet long
  • Your boat is already registered in New York State

How Do I Transfer Boat Ownership to My New Boat in New York?

Did you just buy a boat from another seller? Congratulations!

The directions for transferring boat ownership in New York differ depending on the model of your boat and the length of the boat.

Boats Built in 1987 or Later

If your boat is model year 1987 or newer, or your boat is at least 14 ft. long, this is how you transfer boat ownership:

  • A seller with current proof of ownership must provide a bill of sale and sign the transfer section.
  • If the seller currently has a title certificate that was transferred to them, the seller must apply for a new title certificate and transfer that one.
    • The buyer’s name must be on the new certificate.
    • Make sure all information on the new title certificate is not altered at all.

Boats Built Before 1987

If your boat is model year 1986 or older, or your boat is less than 14 ft. long, this is how you transfer boat ownership:

  • The owner can use a bill of sale or transferable registration.
  • The registration document must be marked as “transferable.”
  • The seller whose name is on the transferable registration must sign the back of the registration.
NY Boat Registration and Boater Education Card requirements.

Will I Need to Take a Boater Safety Education Course?

Operating a motorized boat in New York State requires the completion of a boater safety education course, which is where BOATsmart! comes in.

As a program officially recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, our course is sure to have you educated, knowledgeable, and safe on the water.

In New York State, all boat operators must successfully complete a boater safety education course by 2025. So, if you plan to operate a boat in 2025, now is a great time to take the BOATsmart! course and get your card!

What Else Do I Need to Know About New York Boat Registration?

Your boat registration stickers should be displayed 18 inches from the bow on both sides of the boat. And, remember that your boat’s registration is good for three years in New York. Don’t forget to renew it online, by mail, or in person before it expires.

Smiling woman wearing a life jacket holding a boater education card on a boat.

Stay Safe When Boating in New York

Every motorized vehicle (including boats) must be registered in New York. So, follow the necessary regulations to stay legal and safe in New York waters.

There’s nothing as fun as a boat day — especially one where you’re safe, registered, and happy — so use BOATsmart! as your boating safety friend. Take the boating education course for New York, get your boating education card, complete your New York boat registration, and have a fun season on the water!

Originally published in August 2020. Content most recently reviewed and updated for relevancy and accuracy August 23, 2024.

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