New York Laws
Article 48 - Registration of Vessels
2252 - Exemption From Registration.

(a) Vessels having a valid marine document issued by the United States
or a foreign government, while being used for commercial purposes.
(b) Vessels displaying a valid identification or registration number
issued by another state under a numbering system which has been approved
in accordance with the provisions of federal law, provided such vessel
shall not have been within this state for a period in excess of ninety
consecutive days.
(c) Vessels owned by residents of foreign countries temporarily using
the waters of the state.
(d) Vessels owned by the United States, a state, or a subdivision
thereof.
(e) Boats which are "lifeboats." No vessel which is used for other
than lifesaving purposes shall be deemed a "lifeboat" for purposes of
this subdivision.
(f) Vessels used exclusively for racing.
(g) Any vessel which is not equipped with a motor by which it may be
mechanically propelled.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision one of this section,
the owner of a vessel which is exempt from the provisions of section
twenty-two hundred fifty-one of this article may apply for, and the
commissioner may issue, a registration for such vessel. If such a
registration is issued, and while such registration is in effect, the
provisions of this article relating to certificates of registration,
registration numbers and validating stickers shall apply to such vessel.
Upon the expiration of the registration of any such vessel, the
registration number assigned to it shall be effectively removed from
such vessel.