Boat Mooring And Dockspace Permits
Please review the City of Boston Mooring Regulations before applying for a mooring or dockspace permit:
- You must get a boat mooring permit if you want to moor or dock your vessel in Boston.
- You must have an approved permit before having a mooring placed in Boston.
The Boston Harbormaster needs to approve all new and renewal applications. The permitting system allows the Boston Police Department to track harbor security. You must display your permit on the port side of your vessel near the transom.
Starting in 2025, a smaller permit sticker will accompany your permit for moored boats. This smaller sticker will need to be attached near the top of your mooring ball (after cleaning and drying the surface). Any mooring placed in the harbor without a permit is in violation and may be removed at the expense of the mooring owner.
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Have questions? Contact:
City of Boston Harbormaster
Mooring Permits
Renew an existing mooring permit
Please print out and complete a mooring permit renewal application:
Download the mooring permit application
Renewal applications for moorings and dockspace should include payment in the form of a check or money order made payable to the City of Boston. You can calculate the payment using the following formula:
- Boston residents: $1 for each linear foot of the boat
- Non-residents: $5 for each linear foot of the boat
Attach these documents to your renewal application:
- Copy of vessel registration or Certificate of Documentation
- Proof of payment of excise tax (if applicable depending on date of purchase)
- Copy of insurance policy (if applicable)
- Date of last mooring tackle inspection (if applicable)
- Description of mooring tackle (if applicable): type of anchor, weight of anchor, length and diameter of chain(s), number of swivels used, pennant type and length
Applying for a new mooring permit
Please print out and complete a new mooring permit application:
Download the mooring permit application
Attach these documents to your renewal application:
- Copy of vessel registration or Certificate of Documentation
- Proof of payment of excise tax (if applicable depending on date of purchase)
- Copy of insurance policy (if applicable)
- Proposed description of mooring tackle (if applicable): type of anchor, weight of anchor, length and diameter of chain(s), number of swivels to be used, pennant type and length
Please note:
- We add applications for new mooring permits to the mooring permit waitlist in the order received until an online waitlist is established.
- There is no payment required for new applications until AFTER the application has been approved by the Harbormaster. Once approved and payment is made, we will issue the permit and grant permission for placement of the mooring.
Dockspace Permits
Renew or apply for a new dockspace permit
Please print out and complete a mooring application:
Download the mooring PERMIT application
Renewal applications for dockspace should include payment in the form of a check or money order made payable to the City of Boston. You can calculate the payment using the following formula:
- Boston residents: $1 for each linear foot of the boat
- Non-residents: $5 for each linear foot of the boat
Attach these documents to your dockspace application:
- Copy of vessel registration or Certificate of Documentation
- Proof of payment of excise tax (if applicable depending on date of purchase)
- Copy of paid lease / rental agreement noting location of slip and marina
- Copy of insurance policy (if applicable)
How to Submit Your Application
All applications should be mailed with accompanying documents and payment (if applicable) to:
Boston Police Headquarters
"Boat Mooring"
1 Schroeder Plaza
Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120
Please note:
- At this time, payment will only be accepted in the form of check or money order. NO in-person payments will be accepted.
- If you have questions about mooring and docking permits, please email moorings@pd.boston.gov.
Keep in mind:
- We may request proof of residency to process your application. You will need to show a valid government-issued ID with a Boston address.
- If the Harbormaster approves your application, the City of Boston may issue you an excise tax bill. Your application will not be completed until you pay the excise bill.
Related Links
Related Links-
Have questions? Contact:
City of Boston Harbormaster
