Oregon Boating Requirements
BoatWiki - Resources
Introduction
This summary is designed to inform the boating public about title options, registration requirements, recording methods, record searches, tax rules, and operational guidelines for the State of Oregon. The data is maintained as an open wiki forum where readers are encouraged to participate by sharing knowledge and experiences with this particular jurisdiction. Simply click on the above WikiShare link to contribute further details or suggest a revision.
Registration and Titling
Oregon issues both registrations and titles for all non-exempt boats operating within its jurisdiction. These are administered by the Oregon Marine Board in Salem. This state does not tile or register outboard motors. Boat trailer registration and titling are required for those weighing over 1,800 lbs. It is optional for those weighing less.
Unless otherwise exempted, registration is required for all motorized boats and sailboats over 11' in length. Coast Guard documented boats are subject to registration. Visit their website for a complete list of requirements and exceptions.
Oregon has provisions for registering boats when there is insufficient proof of ownership.
There are approximately 164,838 boats registered in the State of Oregon. This accounts for 1.4% of all nationwide registrations.
Numbering and Marking
Oregon boat registration numbers begin with an "OR" designation which is followed by four numbers and then two letters. These must be displayed on all non-documented boats along with registration sticker tabs. Coast Guard documented vessels may not display the state registration numbers. However they must display the state registration tabs, an owner designated vessel name, and a hailing port. An official documentation number must also be affixed to a visible interior location in the hull itself or an integral part of the hull.
All vessels manufactured after 1972 are required to have a 12 digit hull identification number affixed to the vessel by the manufacturer. State assigned hull numbers prefixed with the letters "AKZ" are available for home made boats and those without factory designations. An Oregon law enforcement official must inspect the boat when there is a discrepancy or inconsistency in the hull number.
Recording Methods
Oregon issues titles on all registered boats except for those which are Coast Guard documented. This state also has provisions for titling boats when there is insufficient proof of ownership Oregon also has provisions for titling abandoned boats.
Security interests in state titled boats are recorded with the Division of Motor vehicles. These will be shown on both the registration and title certificates when applicable. All titles with active security interests are sent directly to the secured party. Security interests in boats that are neither titled or USCG documented are recorded with the Secretary of State as Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings.
Tax liens may be flagged on boat registration records, recorded as UCC filings, shown on state revenue records, or filed with a county clerk's office.
There are no provisions for recording mechanic's liens or other non-secured claims against state titled boats.
If the vessel is USCG documented, a lender's security interest must be perfected by filing a preferred vessel mortgage. These are recorded with the National Vessel Documentation Center and priority is attained according to the date filed. Other maritime liens can be filed in the same manner although they function as notifications only. All mortgage and lien filings are indexed on the vessel's underlying abstract of title.
Record Searches
Boat registration and title records in Oregon are maintained in a database which is administered by the Oregon Marine Board. Such data is accessible to owners, entitled parties and the general public. Insights on how to go about searching the database and obtaining registration, owner and historical records can be found in WikiTags.
Uniform Commercial Code searches are available online from the Secretary of State. If there are any suspected state or federal tax liens however, it may be advisable to use a public record vendor as they have a much broader access to such filings nationwide.
Ownership, mortgage, and lien search recordings for USCG documented vessels can be obtained by ordering an abstract of title and a copy of the certificate of documentation from the National Vessel Documentation Center.
Taxes and Insurance
Sales and property taxes do not apply to boats in Oregon.
Liability insurance is not required for boats operating on Oregon waters.
Operating and Safety
Motorized boat and PWC operators in Oregon who are at least 16 years old and will be operating a boat over 10 hp to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.
Transfers of ownership, abandonments, destructions, and thefts must be reported within 30 days.
Conclusion
The information contained herein is subject to change without notice and may contain errors or omissions. Be sure to check with the respective government agency before taking action on any such data. More detailed information about all of these topics can be found in the above WikiTags.
Credits and References
3/29/2022 - Page initiated by Team BoatWiki.
