Help Center

Types of Transfers

Option 1: Formal transfer/sale

If the boat is bought from a private seller Massachusetts requires the following to complete an ownership transfer:

  1. Bill of sale signed by both parties

  2. Signed over title

  3. St-6e sales tax proof of exemption (this can be done online)

  4. Registration fee (listed on second page of MEP application)

  5. New title fee (listed on second page of MEP application)

  6. Photo of HIN plate

  7. Completed application

If the boat is purchased new from a dealer Massachusetts requires the following to complete a first time registration:

  1. Certificate of origin

  2. All receipts with amounts paid

  3. St-6e sales tax proof of exemption (this can be done online)

  4. Registration fee (listed on second page of MEP application)

  5. New title fee (listed on second page of MEP application)

  6. Photo of HIN plate

  7. Completed application

With either of these options, you will fill out section D and E of the provided registration application and then sign section F. Note: The rest of the application (section A) has already been filled out for you.

Option 2: Adding a joint Ownership. This allows the donation of a boat without transfer.

With this type of transfer Massachusetts requires the following:

  1. Title

  2. Duplicate title fee ($16.50)

  3. Completed application

  4. Letter signed in front of a notary public attesting to the addition. Letter must include the amount of money that changed hands

  5. St-6e tax exemption form if no money involved Otherwise, st-6 proof of sales tax payment.

With this option, The original owner's information should be filled into section A using the blank application. The new applicant's information must be added to section B with the “JOINT OWNER” box checked. Sections D and E must be completed. Both applicants need to sign section F.

Filling out an st-6e

The page "DOR Request For Tax Exemption" provided on the "Application Documents" page will bring you to the MassTaxConnect Website. Scroll down to the lower left corner block titled "File." Click the first option titled "File and Pay Boats & Vehicles Sales/Use Tax." This will bring you to the form completion start page. Make sure to select the option "Form ST-6E: Claim for Exemption from Sales or Use Tax on Boat, Recreation or Snow Vehicle." Enter all applicable information, using our state issued tax exemption form (ST-2) which has been provided on the "DOR Request For Tax Exemption" page. When you get to the page asking the reason for exemption, use the text box to write "Sales tax exempt" and include the following: "DBMS is designated by the IRS as a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization (EIN 04-3348183)".


***When completing the ST-6e save all receipts and the confirmation page. Copies of this are required to register the boat and should be included in your application. This way if anything gets lost in the transaction it can be easily recovered. You do not need to sign into your massTaxConnect account to complete this form.***

Quick Tips

  1. Section E can be filled out with information from any of our engines. You can find the serial number and manufacture year on a small sticker located on the side of the bracket that mounts the motor to the transom.

  2. You do not need to take a pencil tracing of the HIN number plate. A high quality close up photo is acceptable.

  3. A credit card can be used in lue of a check but only if the registration is done in person. If you mail the registration, a check must be used

  4. The Fall River registration center is much easier to deal with than Hyannis. Fall River is also the only registration center in MA that answers the phone. Their details are:

Address:

99 S Main St Suite 250, Fall River, MA 02721

Phone:

508-679-8287