(a) Each marine dealer, as defined in § 15-141, may make application to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for a general distinguishing number and mark in lieu of registering each boat trailer owned by him or in his custody, and the commissioner may issue to the applicant a certificate or certificates of registration containing the distinguishing number and mark assigned to such applicant, and made in a form and containing any further information that the commissioner may require. Each such boat trailer owned by such applicant or temporarily in his custody shall be regarded as registered under and having assigned to it such general distinguishing number and mark until sold. Such application shall contain an affidavit stating that such dealer is a person engaged in the business of manufacturing, selling or repairing new or used vessels and that such person has an established place of business for the sale, trade, display or repair of such vessels. For the registration of all boat trailers registered under a general distinguishing number and mark, the commissioner shall charge a fee at the rate of fifty dollars per annum or any part thereof for each number plate furnished. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall assess a twenty-five dollar late fee for renewal of a registration in the event a dealer fails to renew such registration within five days after its expiration. The issuance of such registrations shall be in the sole discretion of the commissioner and may be recalled at any time for any reason or cause the commissioner deems sufficient.

(b) Each marine dealer who is in possession of one or more such registrations shall report such information to the tax assessor of the municipality wherein such dealer is located.