HB 5216 Summary

• Adopts the Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels Act effective January 1, 2016, establishing a standardized system for vessel titling and registration through the Department of Motor Vehicles.

• Requires vessel owners to apply for certificates of title within 20 days of transfer of ownership or when Connecticut becomes the state of principal use, with exemptions for documented vessels, foreign-documented vessels, barges, vessels under 19.5 feet, and vessels held by dealers.

• Creates procedures for perfecting security interests in vessels through the Department of Motor Vehicles, including provisions for electronic and written certificates of title, termination statements, and secured party transfer statements.

• Establishes filing fees ranging from $10 to $25 for various transactions including certificate of title applications, security interest notations, termination statements, and search requests.

• Defines penalties for fraudulent activities including altering or counterfeiting certificates of title, making false statements on applications, or failing to deliver certificates within required timeframes, with fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment up to five years.