33 CFR §187.306

1. (a)Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (b) and (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. (1)The date of a transfer of ownership; or
   2. (2)The date the State becomes the State of principal use.
2. (b)An application for a certificate of title is not required for—
   1. (1)A documented vessel;
   2. (2)A foreign-documented vessel;
   3. (3)A barge;
   4. (4)A vessel before delivery if the vessel is under construction or completed pursuant to contract; or
   5. (5)A vessel held by a dealer for sale or lease.
3. (c)The office may not issue, transfer, or renew a certificate of number for a vessel issued pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 12301 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.