Can a boat be registered in two states? Everything you need to know


Bought a new boat and wondering that I often cross the state borders and thinking to take the boat along with it. But a question dawns on you can a boat registered in two states instead of the one state where you live so that you don’t need to worry about parking and other legal issues. Let’s see whether a boat can be registered in two states or not?

A boat cannot be registered in two states simultaneously. However, you don’t need to worry about that because most states allow vessels registered in other states to operate for 60 days before having to register with that state. But you can’t keep the boat in other states for an extended period.

If some option like that is available (registering a boat in two states), then many people would have registered their boats in whatever state was cheapest, and then they will take their boat to the place where they live in and register it again there, which will save money.

That’s why there is no option like that (registering a boat in two states). But, if you don’t leave the boat in a state for a long period of time (two-three months or less), you need not worry about that because you can go boating in other states even if you don’t have registration of that particular state.

Most states allow vessels registered in another state to operate for a period of 60 consecutive days before having to register with that state, but some states will allow you to keep your boat in other states beyond that time, and some won’t.

For example, Michigan law allows owners of watercraft registered in other states to use in Michigan waterways up to 60 days; after that, it requires registration. That means if a boat is stored or anchored in Michigan, and exclusively used on Michigan waterways over 60 days, the watercraft must be registered in Michigan (source).

Generally, if you take the boat for other states and if you don’t live there for two or three months continuously, you need to worry about it (boat registration problems). Otherwise, you can go to the boat registered state every two months or so, and you can come back again, which is absolutely fine.

Related post – Check my article on What boats need to be registered? (link opens in a new tab) to get an idea about some of the factors that decide whether a boat needs to be registered or not.

Can you register a boat in another state (other than where you live)?

Now that you have understood that a boat cannot be registered in two states simultaneously. Now, you might be wondering whether a boat can be registered in the state where you won’t live. Let’s find out.

A boat can be registered in other states other than where you live, and there is no rule like a boat should only be registered in the state where you live. But you do need to tell an address within that state where it will be kept. So, it’s FINE to register a boat in other states where you won’t live.

Most states stipulate that a boat should be registered in a state where it is used principally or docked or moored. So, every state will have its own version of the rules, but it is generally acceptable to have the boat and the trailer registered in different states other than where you live.

But most states require proof of residency of some sort to register in that state. So, the proof is essential where you keep the boat. And it is always much more comfortable to register it in the state you live in unless you store the boat in another state.

Therefore, it is good to register your boat where you intend to use it is most likely aligned with the state requirements. The only problem you may face here is if you take the boat out of the state where it is not registered for a long period of time (such as 60 days for Michigan).

Michigan law allows owners of watercraft registered in another state to use in Michigan waterways up to 60 days; after that, it requires registration. That means if a boat is exclusively used in Michigan waterways over 60 days, then the boat must be registered in Michigan (source).

Similarly, all states have their own restrictions. And as long as if you don’t use the boat in other states (where it is not registered) for a long period of time (around 60 days for most states), then there is no problem with using one in other states. So, it is good to register a boat where you intend to use it most rather than where you live.

Related post – Check my article on What boats are exempt from registration? (link opens in a new tab) to know some of the factors that exempt a boat from registration.

Some other problems you may face while boating in other states

Boating in other states isn’t a problem; you can do that. But two things can be a problem for you, and those are listed below.

  1. You need to complete a boating safety course approved by NASBLA to operate a boat in other states OR a taking a boating license after completing a boating safety course approved by NASBLA if absolutely FINE (Boating license is recommended).
  2. If you trailer your boat to other states, you need to check that state’s trailer requirements because some states require a trailer to be titled and registered.

Those two are the things you need to look at while boating in other states. Other than that, there is nothing you need to be worried about boating in other states.

1. Boating safety course

The essential thing you may need for boating in other states is a boating license (boater education card in some states). But you have to complete a boating safety course approved by NSABLA. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

And the NASBLAS’s organization’s jobs is maintaining national boating education standards to make sure you’re learning the most vital information to stay safe. By taking a boating safety course approved by NASBLA, you can drive the boat in all the states.

Some states may not allow you to drive the boat only with a boater education card that you got from any organization which is not approved by NASBLA.

A state’s Boater Education Card is proof that you have successfully completed an approved boating safety course. Since the boater education card does not expire and does not need to be renewed, it is not called a Boating License.

boat-ed

After completing the boating safety course approved by NASBLA, and having a license in your hand is adequate. After that, you don’t need to worry about any license-related issues while boating in other states.

By taking a boating safety course from Boat-ed or Ilearntoboat, etc., which are approved by NASBLA. Your boater education card is welcome in every state that requires mandatory boater education. Remember when you’re operating a boat in other states, make sure you carry your card along with you.

Related post – Check my article on Why do I need a boating license: 6 surprising and favorable motives (link opens in a new tab) to know some of the benefits of having a boating license.

2. Trailer requirements (if you take one to other states)

You don’t need to worry about trailer requirements if you don’t take the trailer to other states. Since some states require the trailer to have a title and license plates, so you need to look into the state regulations for a trailer where you will go for boating.

And no one wants to end up paying fine for not having a title on the boat trailer rather than on a boat while boating in other states. So, make sure to check the trailer requirements as well if you are taking a boat trailer to other states.

Related post – Check my article on Title requirements for a trailer: All 50 states info (opens in a new tab) to know title and trailer dimension requirements for each state.

Those two are the main things you may need to consider while going for boating in other states. Other than that, there is no need to worry much about any issues while boating in other states. And finally, make sure you have kept all the boat and trailer documentation while going to other states.

The takeaway

A boat cannot be registered in two states simultaneously. However, most states allow vessels registered in another state to operate for a period of 60 consecutive days before having to register with that state. But you can’t keep the boat in other states for an extended period of time.

A boat can be registered in other states other than where you live, and there is no rule like a boat should only be registered in the state where you live. But you do need to tell an address within that state where it will be kept. So, it is OKAY to register a boat in a state where you won’t live.

The essential thing you may need for boating in other states is a boating license (boater education card in some states). But you have to complete a boating safety course approved by NSABLA. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

Mahidhar

My name is Mahidhar, and I am passionate about boating. Every day I learn some new things about boats and share them here on the site.

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