District of Columbia Frequently Asked Questions

District of Columbia Registration and Title Information
Summary of boat registration and titling rules in District of Columbia
How do you register a boat in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, you can register your boat online or in person at 550 Water St SW Washington, DC (Harbor Patrol)
Where do you register your boat in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, you register your boat at the MPDC-Harbor Patrol
What boats are required to be registered in District of Columbia?
All Vessels are required to be registered in District of Columbia
What boats do not require registration in District of Columbia?
Race Shells are not required to be registered in District of Columbia
Are USCG documented boats required to be registered in District of Columbia?
USCG documented boats are required to be registered in District of Columbia
How much does it cost to register a boat in District of Columbia?
To register a boat in District of Columbia, the fees are as follows:
• Non-powered - $10.00 (any length)
• Less than 16 - $15.00
• Between 16 - $25.00 • Over 26 - $35.00
• Over 40 - $60.00
How much does it cost to get a duplicate boat registration in District of Columbia?
A duplicate boat registration in District of Columbia costs $5
How much does it cost to get a duplicate boat decal in District of Columbia?
A duplicate boat decal in District of Columbia costs $5
How much does it cost to transfer a boat registration in District of Columbia?
Transferring a boat registration in District of Columbia will range from $10.00-$60.00
Does District of Columbia title boats?
Boats are titled in District of Columbia
Where do you title your boat in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, boats are titled through the MPDC-Harbor Patrol
What boats are required to be titled in District of Columbia?
Non Coast Guard Documented Vessels are required to be titled in District of Columbia
What boats do not require a title in District of Columbia?
Coast Guard Documented vessels are not required to be titled in District of Columbia
How much does it cost to title a boat in District of Columbia?
The following fees apply to boat titling in District of Columbia:
• Title fee is $2.00, plus 6% title tax
• Documented vessels are exempt from Title Tax
How much does it cost to get a duplicate boat title in District of Columbia?
A duplicate boat title in District of Columbia costs $5
How much does it cost to transfer a boat title in District of Columbia?
It will cost you $2 to transfer a boat title in District of Columbia
How much does it cost to record a lien on a boat in District of Columbia?
Recording a lien in District of Columbia will cost you $1
Does District of Columbia issue e-titles for boats?
District of Columbia does not issue e-titles for boats.
Does District of Columbia require boat inspections?
Daily Safety Inspections are conducted on waterways in District of Columbia
What is the sales tax rate for boats in District of Columbia?
The sales tax rate on boats in District of Columbia is 5.75%
What is the sales tax cap for boats in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, the sales tax cap is 6%
Does District of Columbia have an annual tax on boats?
District of Columbia has the following annual tax on boats: Personal Property Tax - that amount is $1,000. Then multiply $0.85 by $1,000. Your annual tax is $850 (before the homestead deduction, senior citizen deduction, and/or trash credits). If your property is classified as Class 2, and your property is assessed at a total value of $3 million or less, then your tax rate is $1.65.
Helpful Links for District of Columbia:
A Brief Guide to DC BOAT REGISTRATION

District of Columbia Forms