The Vermont State Police changed the guidelines for distance learning. So, the old Boat Vermont boat and PWC safety course and test was discontinued on February 2, 2009.

• Take the NEW Boat Vermont Online Course!

The course material below remains as a resource for all who boat on Vermont's waters—particularly experienced boaters who need a refresher.

Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Your Vessel’s Certificate of Registration and Stickers

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. Yyou must have a Vermont Certificate of Registration and validation stickers to legally operate any vessel propelled by a motor on the public waters of Vermont. The only exceptions are:

• Non-motorized vessels
• Vessels registered in other states using Vermont waters for 90 consecutive days or less
• Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

This Certificate of Registration (registration card) must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the vessel is operated.

The registration number and validation sticker must be displayed as follows:

• Number must be painted, applied as a sticker, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the bow.
• Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow.
• Number must be in at least three-inch-high block letters in a color that contrasts with its background.
• Letters should be separated from the numbers by spaces or hyphens; for example: VT 3717 ZW or VT-3717-ZW.
• No other number may displayed on either side of the bow.
• Stickers must be displayed on both sides, on the forward half of the vessel.

If your vessel requires registration, it is illegal to operate it or allow others to operate your vessel unless it is registered and numbered as described above.

PWCs also are required to display the certificate’s number and validation stickers.

Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Vessel

• All motorized vessels that are 16 feet long or longer and manufactured as a 1989 model year or newer must also be titled.
• Registration is valid for one year from the date of issue.
• If you change address or transfer ownership of your vessel, you must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles within 15 days of the change.
• If a registered vessel is lost, stolen, or abandoned, the owner must report it to local authorities and to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 15 days.
• If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Registration or sticker, you must apply for a duplicate and submit a processing fee.
• Vessels registered in other states using Vermont waters for 30 days or more must obtain and display a Vermont validation sticker.
• Larger recreational vessels, owned by U.S. citizens, may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard. Call the USCG at 1-800‑799-8362 for more information. Owners of documented vessels must obtain and display a Vermont validation sticker.

Registration Questions?

Call the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles at 1-802-828-2000. Also, you can call or visit one of the DMV offices or some Town Clerks offices. You may also visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website and download registration forms.

Hull Identification Number

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique, 12-digit number assigned by the manufacturer to vessels built after 1972.

Hull Identification Numbers:

• Distinguish one vessel from another­—the same as serial numbers distinguish one car from another.
• Are engraved in the fiberglass or on a metal plate permanently attached to the transom.
• You should write down your HIN and put it in a place separate from your vessel in case warranty problems arise or your vessel is stolen.

If the HIN is missing or nonexistent, such as with a homemade vessel, apply for an identification number from the Department of Motor Vehicles.