Boat Donation — Pennsylvania - PA— Donate A Boat
Boat Registration and Title Information
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Pennsylvania - PA - boat registration and title information.
1. Do I need to register my boat?
2. Do I need to title my boat?
3. What is the difference between registration and a title?
4. What is a Hull Identification Number? (HIN)
1. Do I need to register my boat?
Boats that must be registered:
- Any boat powered by a gasoline, diesel or electric motor.
- Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard for recreational purposes. Documented vessels are large pleasure boats, such as yachts.
- Boats such as sailboats that use gasoline, diesel or electric motors for auxiliary power.
2. Do I need to title my boat?
Any boat purchased, transferred or sold, must be titled if the boat is:
- Powered by an inboard motor, including personal watercraft, 1997 model year or newer.
- Powered by an outboard motor, 14 feet or longer, 1997 model year or newer.
- Currently titled in Pennsylvania.
- Currently titled in another state when Pennsylvania becomes the state of primary use.
Once a boat is titled, it must remain titled by all future owners.
Any boat can be voluntarily titled. This is usually done to protect the owner. Boat owners who register and title their boats have more security than those who do not. Such boats are easier to identify and much harder to sell illegally.
3. What is the difference between registration and a title?
A boat registration is similar to a car registration. A registration card is issued and must be carried on the boat as proof of registration. It is valid for and renewed every two (2) years. Registrations expire March 31 of the second year. Registering your boat allows you to boat in all other states and Canada. A boat must be registered in the state of primary use. Registration is not a secure ownership document.
A boat title is similar to a car title. A boat title is a legal document proving ownership; a registration does not prove ownership. Titles are often required by lenders to prove the seller has clear ownership of the boat. A title needs to be purchased only once. Boat titles are only issued by the Fish & Boat Commission.
4. What is a Hull Identification Number? (HIN)
All boats built for sale since 1972 have a Hull Identification Number (HIN) assigned by the manufacturer. The HIN is located on the outside of the transom (rear) on the starboard (right) side above the waterline. If the boat is homemade or built before 1972, the Commission will assign a HIN to the boat.
