Did you know how long you may keep renewing your boat registration? If you own a boat, you know that you must update your registration annually. Continue reading since the Maritime Documentation Center has much more information than just the answer to this query, especially how to renew boat registration. You must remain current on your boat registration renewal criteria if you are a responsible boat owner. You must educate yourself on the particular standards for your state regarding boat registrations since the laws and regulations governing boat registrations vary from state to state.
This article on our site provides the solution to the following question: for how long can you renew your boat registration? On the other hand, were you aware that there are some conditions where a boat’s registration has to be renewed earlier than usual? The following are some instances in which you may urgently need to renew your boat registration.
If Your Boat Has Been Damaged In a Storm And Is Not Seaworthy
To the best of our knowledge, the government does not impose a time limit on the period during which it will allow you to renew boat registration without requiring you to bring your boat into an inspection station. On the other hand, if your ship has been damaged in a storm and is no longer seaworthy, you must have it inspected within the first three days after the damage has occurred. Should you fail to do so, you will be unable to have your registration renewed, according to mass.gov.
So, if you’re putting off taking your boat in for an inspection in the hopes that some freak storm will come along and force you to do it, you should stop and go ahead and take your boat in already! However, prioritize ensuring that you are prepared to act immediately when the time comes. When one could be out on the water instead of having to pay fines and fees, the last thing anyone wants to do is pay for them.
Renew Boat Registration if it Has Been Stolen
If someone has taken your boat, now is the time to get your affairs in order. If you have a report from the police, that’s fantastic. If not, don’t worry about it; that’s fine too. You are free to proceed with your registration renewal at this time. The Coast Guard is available to assist you in locating your boat if you are no longer aware of its location. Once you’ve figured out what’s wrong with the boat and gotten all the essential information, it’s time to get your documentation. You will be required to complete a form known as an Application for Certificate of Documentation (Form CG-1250C). Before sending this document, ensure all the information is correct and current.
If You Have Moved and Now Have A New Address
After moving to a new location, you should renew your boat registration information as soon as possible. The Department of Motor Vehicles in the United States requires that you have a current address on file (DMV). Note that this DMV address must be for the state where your boat is based, not where you reside. Your new state’s DMV will need you to fill out a change-of-address form before issuing a driver’s license or registering your vehicle. Alternatively, you may submit this form by mail or in person at any Department of Motor Vehicles facility.
The procedure of changing your address is free of charge. When you go to the DMV to get a new registration sticker, you’ll have to pay your boat’s registration renewal charge. Residents of Florida who own a boat in another state are exempt from Florida’s registration requirements since the boat is already registered in that state. However, if you intend to bring the ship back to Florida from another state for a lengthy period, you must fill out an Address Change of Boat Registration card with your local DMV office.
If the USCG Changes Any of Their Requirements for Recreational Boats
Your boat’s registration will need to be renewed before its expiration date if the US Coast Guard makes any modifications to the standards that apply to recreational boats. This is the case even if the change in the criteria does not directly affect you; for instance, the US Coast Guard can mandate that all recreational boats have radar systems installed. Even if an accident caused damage to the radar on your boat that hasn’t been repaired yet, you are still required to renew your registration before it runs out.
The Maritime Documentation Center at 800-535-8570 has the answers you’re looking for. You don’t have to be a boating expert to know that boat registration is essential to being a responsible boat owner. Still, there are a lot of questions surrounding boat registration renewal that can make the process confusing.