Summary of boat registration and titling rules in Pennsylvania
How do you register a boat in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you can register your boat through an issuing agent, in person, by mail, or with the county treasurer
Where do you register your boat in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you register your boat at the PA Fish & Boat Commission
What boats are required to be registered in Pennsylvania?
The following boats are required to be registered in Pennsylvania:
• Motorboats, including boats equipped with electric motors
• Boats (powered and unpowered) used at PFBC lakes or access areas. Please Note: Owners of non-powered boats have the option to obtain a Use (Launch) Permit.
• Documented vessels used for recreational purposes
• For boats registered in other states- when PA becomes the state of principal use a boat must be registered within 60 days
What boats do not require registration in Pennsylvania?
The following boats are required to be registered but are exempt from titling and registration fees:
1. Motorboats owned or operated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
2. Motorboats owned by public service organizations approved by the Commission and used exclusively for training, education, water safety and other public service functions.
3. Although registration is not required for the entities listed below registration fees are exempt. Motorboats, owned by political subdivisions and quasi-public organizations, such as police departments, volunteer fire departments and river rescue units, and used exclusively in the performance of their work in enforcement, furthering safety and search and rescue on the water.
Are USCG documented boats required to be registered in Pennsylvania?
USCG documented boats are required to be registered in Pennsylvania
How much does it cost to register a boat in Pennsylvania?
To register a boat in Pennsylvania, the fees are as follows:
• $22 - Unpowered boat
• $26 - Powered Boats Under 16 feet
• $39 - Powered Boats 16 feet to less than 20 feet
• $52 - Powered Boats 20 feet and over
How much does it cost to get a duplicate boat registration in Pennsylvania?
A duplicate boat registration in Pennsylvania costs $3
How much does it cost to get a duplicate boat decal in Pennsylvania?
A duplicate boat decal in Pennsylvania costs $3.00 since you will receive a registration card with the request for the duplicate decal.
How much does it cost to transfer a boat registration in Pennsylvania?
Transferring a boat registration in Pennsylvania will cost you a $5.00 transfer fee for processing newly acquired applications, plus any difference in registration fees that must also be paid as well as applicable sales tax.
Does Pennsylvania title boats?
Boats are titled in Pennsylvania
Where do you title your boat in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, boats are titled through the PA Fish & Boat Commission
What boats are required to be titled in Pennsylvania?
Boats that are required to be titled in Pennsylvania include:
• Powered by an inboard engine (regardless of length), including personal watercraft, 1997 model year or newer.
• Powered by an outboard motor, 14 foot in length or longer, and 1997 model year or newer.
• Currently titled in Pennsylvania.
• Currently titled in another state when Pennsylvania becomes the state of principal use.
What boats do not require a title in Pennsylvania?
USCG Documented are exempt from titling in Pennsylvania
How much does it cost to title a boat in Pennsylvania?
The following fees apply to boat titling in Pennsylvania:
• $15.00 Titling fee
• $5.00 Lienholder
• $15.00 Title Correction
How much does it cost to get a duplicate boat title in Pennsylvania?
A duplicate boat title in Pennsylvania costs $5
How much does it cost to transfer a boat title in Pennsylvania?
It will cost you $15 to transfer a boat title in Pennsylvania, and $5 to add a lien holder
How much does it cost to record a lien on a boat in Pennsylvania?
Recording a lien in Pennsylvania will cost you $5
Does Pennsylvania issue e-titles for boats?
Pennsylvania does not issue e-titles for boats.
Does Pennsylvania require boat inspections?
Pennsylvania does not require an inspection to register a boat.
What is the sales tax rate for boats in Pennsylvania?
The sales tax rate on boats in Pennsylvania varies by county but generally speaking, it is 6% statewide, with Philadelphia being as high as 8%.
What is the sales tax cap for boats in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the sales tax cap is 6%
Does Pennsylvania have an annual tax on boats?
Pennsylvania has an annual personal property tax on boats of 3.07%
