---
kind: "section"
citation: "33 C.F.R. § 187.306"
title: "33"
number: "187.306"
heading: "Certificate of title required."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/33/187.306"
---

# §187.306. Certificate of title required.

- (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs [(b)](#b) and [(c)](#c) of this section, the owner of a vessel must deliver to the office of the State in which the vessel is principally used an application for a certificate of title for the vessel, with the applicable fee, not later than 20 days after the later of—
  - (1) The date of a transfer of ownership; or
  - (2) **The date the State becomes the State of principal use.**
- (b) **An application for a certificate of title is not required for—**
  - (1) A documented vessel;
  - (2) A foreign-documented vessel;
  - (3) A barge;
  - (4) A vessel before delivery if the vessel is under construction or completed pursuant to contract; or
  - (5) **A vessel held by a dealer for sale or lease.**
- (c) The office may not issue, transfer, or renew a certificate of number for a vessel issued pursuant to [46 U.S.C. 12301](/usc/46/12301.md) unless it has created a certificate of title for the vessel or an application for a certificate for the vessel and the applicable fee have been delivered to the office.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 12501, 31322; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.2, paragraph (II)(92).

### Source

Source: USCG-1999-6420, 66 FR 15630, Mar. 20, 2001, unless otherwise noted.