RV-1 Form – The RV-1 Form serves as the official Boat Dealer Registration Instruction Guide from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV). Retail boat dealers use it to participate in the Boat Registration Program, issue temporary registrations, assign permanent boat numbers, and handle titling requirements.
This comprehensive 68-page guide (revised February 2026) explains every step for compliant boat sales in New York. Download the latest RV-1 PDF directly here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/rv1.pdf.
What Is the RV-1 Form and Why Do Boat Dealers Need It?
The RV-1 Form is the NY DMV’s detailed instruction manual for registered boat dealers. It covers the Boat Registration Program, allowing authorized dealers to issue Temporary Certificate of Registration (MV-53) forms and permanent NY boat registration numbers directly to buyers.
Dealers who follow the RV-1 guidelines streamline sales, ensure legal compliance, and avoid penalties. The program applies only to retail boat dealers with active DMV facility registration. Participation is automatic once your dealer registration is approved.
Who Is Eligible to Participate in the NY Boat Registration Program?
Retail boat dealers registered with the NYS DMV qualify for the program unless their dealer registration is expired, suspended, or revoked.
To become a boat dealer:
- Complete the Original Facility Application (VS-1).
- Pay the $10 application fee plus the $50 two-year boat dealer registration fee.
- Mail everything to: Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services Application Unit, PO Box 2700, Albany, NY 12220-0700.
All forms are available on the official DMV website (dmv.ny.gov). Contact the Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services at (518) 474-0919 for expiration questions or (518) 474-1510 for suspensions/revocations.
Key Benefits and Restrictions of the Boat Dealer Registration Program
Benefits include:
- Issuing 45-day temporary registrations (MV-53) that the Commissioner may extend for an additional 30 days.
- Assigning permanent boat registration numbers to boats you sell.
- Processing transactions quickly at any DMV office or Processing Center.
Strict restrictions apply:
- Temporary registrations and numbers can only be issued for boats you personally sold — not brokerage sales or boats bought elsewhere.
- You may not issue a new number for any boat previously registered in New York; use the original number instead.
- You cannot exchange or borrow registration numbers with other dealers.
- Provide the buyer with a copy of the MV-82B application, proof of ownership, and the original bill of sale.
Violating these rules can result in loss of program privileges.
How to Become a Registered Boat Dealer and Order Registration Numbers?
- Submit the VS-1 application with fees.
- Once approved and enrolled, order boat registration numbers and forms using PD-1 “Dealer Request for Boat Registration Numbers and Forms”.
- Mail, fax, or email the PD-1 to: NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, Plate & Document Distribution, 6 ESP, Room 226, Albany, NY 12228 (Fax: 518-473-3490; Email: [email protected]).
Numbers are issued in groups of 10; MV-53 temporary certificates come in books of 50. Dealers must account for every label and certificate. Lost or stolen items require immediate notification to DMV and local law enforcement.
Boat Registration Requirements: What Must Be Registered?
Any motorized boat operated on New York waters (except privately owned waters) must be registered. This includes:
- Documented pleasure boats
- Inflatable boats with motors
- Jet skis
- Sailboats with auxiliary motors
- Canoes/kayaks with motors
Exempt boats include:
- USCG-documented boats used commercially
- Out-of-state boats used in NY for fewer than 90 consecutive days
- Boats owned by the U.S. government or foreign countries (temporary use)
- Lifeboats, racing boats, non-motorized boats, and seaplanes
Boat Title Requirements and Hull Identification Number (HIN) Rules
Boats subject to titling: Undocumented motorized boats 14 feet or longer, model year 1987 or newer, owned by NY residents.
Exempt from titling: Smaller/older boats, non-motorized vessels (unless commercial), and properly documented USCG boats.
All boats model year 1973 or newer require a 12-digit Hull Identification Number (HIN). Apply for a HIN via the NYS Parks and Recreation form OPS-420 if missing. The HIN must appear on the MV-82B application and be verified during registration.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Issue Boat Registration Numbers as a Dealer?
Follow these RV-1 steps for every sale:
- Complete the Boat Registration/Title Application (MV-82B).
- Collect Proofs of Identity:
- Individuals: NY driver license, learner permit, non-driver ID, or ID-82 form.
- Corporations: Proper business documentation.
- Gather Proofs of Ownership:
- New boats (1987+): Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO).
- Used boats: Signed title or transferable registration.
- Documented boats: USCG Certificate of Documentation.
- Repossessed or liened boats: Additional legal documents (garageman’s lien, court orders, etc.).
- Provide a complete Dealer/Yacht Broker Bill of Sale (see detailed requirements below).
- Issue the MV-53 temporary registration if needed and submit the full packet to any DMV office within 5 days.
Dealer and Yacht Broker Bill of Sale Requirements
Every sale requires a bill of sale containing:
- Consecutive bill of sale number
- Dealership name, address, 7-digit facility number, and tax ID
- Date of sale
- Full boat description (HIN, year, make, length, hull material, propulsion)
- NY registration number (if applicable)
- New or used status
- Statement that sales tax was collected
- Purchase price and trade-in details (if any)
- Buyer and seller names/addresses
- Lien information (if any)
- Signatures of buyer, seller, and broker (as applicable)
A copy must be kept in the dealer’s records.
Recordkeeping, Withdrawal, and Demonstration Numbers
Dealers must maintain a permanently-bound registry book for five years with full details on every boat acquired or sold. Records must be available for DMV inspection during business hours.
To withdraw: Submit VS-20 Facility Out of Business Attestation and return all certificates, numbers, and plates.
Boat Dealer Demonstration Numbers (for test drives) cost $60 each and require an approval letter from Vehicle Safety Services plus a completed MV-82B.
Download the Official RV-1 PDF and Related Forms
Access the most current guide anytime:
Download RV-1 Boat Dealer Registration Instructions (PDF)
Related forms frequently referenced in the RV-1:
- MV-82B – Boat Registration/Title Application
- PD-1 – Dealer Request for Boat Registration Numbers
- MV-53 – Temporary Certificate of Registration
- VS-1 – Original Facility Application
All are available free on dmv.ny.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions About the RV-1 Form and Boat Dealer Registration
Q: Is the RV-1 form the actual application or just instructions?
A: It is the complete instruction guide. Use VS-1 to apply as a dealer and PD-1 to order numbers.
Q: How long is a temporary MV-53 registration valid?
A: 45 days, with possible 30-day extension by the Commissioner. Only one temporary registration per boat.
Q: Do I need a bond to register as a boat dealer?
A: No — boat dealers are exempt from the $50,000 dealer bond requirement.
Q: Where do I mail the completed registration packet?
A: Any Motor Vehicles office or Processing Center after issuing the temporary certificate.
Q: Is the RV-1 guide updated regularly?
A: Yes — the current version is dated 2/26 (February 2026). Always download the latest from the official DMV site.
Need Help? Contact NY DMV for Boat Dealer Questions
For dealer registration status: Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services – (518) 474-0919 or (518) 474-1510.
For forms and numbers: Plate & Document Distribution – email [email protected].
Stay compliant and make boat sales smoother by following the official RV-1 Boat Dealer Registration Instruction Guide. Download your copy today and keep this page bookmarked for quick reference.