fer and the registration number of the vessel. To protect yourself when transferring ownership of any vessel, you should remove the validation stickers from the hull prior to turning the boat over to the new owner. This will ensure that the new owner won't use the vessel until it has been properly registered with Motor Vehicles in his or her name. Change of Address The owner of any registered vessel must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten (10) days of a change in address. This change should also be noted on the registration certificate. If a boat is stolen, lost, abandoned, or destroyed, the owner must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles in writing within 15 days. You should notify your local law enforcement agency and the DMV Registration Records Bureau immediately if a lost or stolen boat is recovered. Renewals The Department of Motor Vehicles will send you a registration renewal at the appropriate time. Check to see that all information on the renewal is correct, then sign and return the renewal notice along with the specified fee. If you don't hear from Motor Vehicles within a couple of weeks prior to expiration, it is recommended that you go down to a local Motor Vehicle office with your current registration and renew in person. Registration Fees New York's three year registration is amongst the least expensive in the northeast. Current fees are as follows: less than 16 feet - $22.50 registration fee and $3.75 surcharge ($26.25 total), 16 feet to less than 26 feet - $45.00 registration fee and $12.50 surcharge ($57.50 total), and 26 feet or longer - $75.00 registration fee and $18.75 surcharge ($93.75 total). The surcharge goes to a dedicated fund which supports improvements of vessel access and transient marina facilities. For additional Information please visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website at: www.dmv.ny.gov 12http://www.dmv.ny.gov