Rhode Island Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

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

Title Required

❌ No

Registration only

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

7.00%

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in Rhode Island

Rhode Island 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.

Rhode Island does not title boats. Register with RI DEM and pay applicable use tax.

Lien Search in Rhode Island

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

Rhode Island Official Lien Search ↗

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

Bill of Sale Requirements

Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in Rhode Island

Rhode Island charges 7.00% 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 Rhode Island agency for the full rate.

USCG Documentation in Rhode Island

Narragansett Bay vessels are commonly USCG documented. RI does not issue boat titles.

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, Rhode Island may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →