Maryland Boat Registration

Vessels exempt from registration:

• Human-powered vessels such as canoes, kayaks and rowboats

• Vessels that are properly registered in another state and are using Maryland waters for a maximum of 90 days

• US Coast Guard-documented vessels

Registration applications must be made to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Once a vessel is registered the owner will receive a registration card that must be kept on board and readily available for inspection by a law enforcement officer whenever the vessel is in operation.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources must be notified within 15 days if the boat is sold, destroyed, or stolen, or if the owner changes address. 

Note that vessels principally used in Maryland are subject to vessel excise tax.

• Painted on or otherwise permanently attached to each side of the bow;

• Using BLOCK letters at least three inches high and of one solid color contrasting sharply with the color of your boat;

• To read from left to right; letters and numbers must be separated by a hyphen or space for example, MD-1234-AA or MD 1234 AA

• No other numbers may be displayed

Every vessel that requires registration must display registration decals, including personal watercraft, as proof of registration. You must display your decals as follows:

• On both sides of the boat

• Within three inches of the registration number

• Only display current decals.

Documented Vessels