New York Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

Private-party title transfer, registration, lien search, sales tax, and USCG documentation rules for New York.

Title Required

❌ No

Registration only

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in New York

New York does not issue titles for recreational boats. Instead, vessels are registered with the state. The registration certificate and bill of sale serve as proof of ownership.

New York does not title boats. Register online or at a DMV office and pay applicable state and local use tax.

Lien Search in New York

Before completing any private-party purchase, run a lien search to confirm the vessel has no outstanding loans or encumbrances.

New York Official Lien Search ↗

For USCG-documented vessels, also search the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

Bill of Sale Requirements

New York requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Your bill of sale should include:

Hull Identification Number (HIN) or VIN
Make, model, and year of the vessel
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Purchase price and date of sale
Odometer reading (motorhomes/RVs)
Signatures of both parties
Notarization if required by New York

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in New York

New York charges 4% sales tax on boat and powersports purchases. Sales tax is typically collected when you register the vessel with the state. Some counties add additional local taxes. Check with your local New York agency for the full rate.

USCG Documentation in New York

New York Harbor and the Hudson River see many USCG-documented vessels. The state does not issue boat titles but requires registration for motorized vessels.

USCG-documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation (COD) issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center. This is recognized internationally and is preferred by lenders for boats over 26 ft. Even with USCG documentation, New York may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →