How to Register a Boat in California

California boasts a long stretch of the Pacific coastline and many lakes and rivers. These waterways, along with the sunny, cloudless skies, make the state a favorite for water activities like boating. To legally operate a sailboat over 8 feet long or a motorized vessel on California waters, you’ll need to register it.

There are two ways to look at vessel registration. If your vessel has a marine certificate from the U.S. Coast Guard, it’s considered documented and doesn’t require registration with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most vessels are undocumented and must register with the DMV. Also, since buying a new vessel automatically makes it undocumented, you must register with the DMV. Here’s a comprehensive guide to registering a boat in California.

Everything You Need to Register Your Boat

Registering a boat in California is straightforward when you have everything you need from the outset. You need proof of ownership, usually the California Certificate of Ownership, commonly called the title, or an out-of-state vessel title. A lost or damaged certificate requires a replacement since you can’t register a boat without a title in California. Fill out DMV’s Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title form to get a replacement or request a transfer of ownership.

Besides the title, you also need to:

• Fill out the application for Vessel Certificate of Number (Boat 101).
• Pay the applicable fees.
• Undergo a boating safety course and receive a California Boater Card if you own a motorized vessel you intend to use on a state waterway.
• Provide a bill of sale if you bought the vessel from an individual and not a licensed dealer. You can complete a Statement of Facts form if you don’t have a bill of sale.
• Ensure your boat has a hull identification number (HIN). It should have one if it was manufactured in the U.S., but it may not have one if it’s a homemade boat or wasn’t manufactured in the U.S., in which case the DMV assigns a HIN.

How to Register a Boat in California

Complete your registration by handing over the application, fees and other documents to any DMV office. You can also mail the application form and other required items to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

If your boat or personal watercraft (PWC) has a trailer, you must also register the trailer by filing a separate form. Additionally, you’ll need to request a Mussel Fee Sticker (Quagga Sticker) if you have a motorized recreational vessel you’ll take to fresh waterways. You don’t need the sticker if you intend to use your boat exclusively in marine waters. While purchasing a Quagga Sticker is necessary for boat registration, the transaction is separate, and the sticker will be mailed separately.

Types of Boats or Vessels You Must Register

Registering a boat in California is required for most recreational boats and PWCs. The vessels fall into these two categories:

• Sail-powered vessels: These are sailboats over 8 feet in length. Dinghies also fall into this catogory.
• Motor-powered vessels: These include any motor-operated vessel regardless of their size. Also, houseboats if they have motors.

Boats That Don’t Require Registration

While most types of boats require registration, there are exceptions to the rule. Here’s a list of vessels that are exempt from the California boat registration:

• Vessels operated by a mechanical device that keeps them on a fixed course
• Commercial vessels that weigh less than 5 net tons and are less than 30 feet in length
• Boats that operate with paddles or oars, such as rowboats, canoes and kayaks
• Sailboats that are less than 8 feet in length
• Lifeboats
• Seaplanes
• Parasails and sailboards
• Floating structures anchored to the shore and connected to utilities
• Houseboats without motors
• Vessels documented by the U.S Coast Guard
• Out-of-state vessels that have entered the state for racing
• Registered out-of-state vessels that mainly operate outside of California

The Cost of Registering a Boat in California

California requires a fee for registration and renewal. The fees are subject to change, and the amount you pay varies depending on your residency status and the year you apply. For example, is it an even or odd-numbered year? Here’s how much it will cost you to register your boat in California as of 2024:

• Original vessel registration for residents: The fee is $29 for both even and odd years.
• Nonresident vessel registration: The fee is $57 for an even year and $77 for an odd year.
• Transfer fee for individual sales: The fee is $15, and each additional transfer attracts $15.

When requesting the Mussel Fee Sticker online, you must pay $16 unless your vessel is exempt from the Quagga Sticker fee. The sticker lasts for the duration of the registration sticker, which requires renewal every odd-numbered year. 

What Are Registration Numbers?

When you register your boat with the DMV, it receives a registration number beginning with the letters CF followed by four numbers and two more letters. The assigned vessel numbers are permanent for vessels in California, and as an owner, you must display them on both sides of the bow. Here are additional guidelines for your boat’s assigned numbers:

• They should be permanently displayed and arranged in a way that makes them visible and easy to read.
• The writing should be in plain and vertical block characters, not exceeding 3 inches in height.
• The color of the characters must contrast with the background to make them clear and easy to read.
• The characters should read from left to right.
• The letters and numbers should be separated using hyphens or spacing. 

Do I Need to Renew My Boat Registration?

California vessel registration numbers expire after two years and require renewal before December 31 of every odd year. The DMV will notify you 60 days before the expiration date. To renew your registration, visit your nearest DMV field office or register via mail. You can also register on the phone by following automated system prompts.

Enhance Your Boating Experience With EZ Dock

California boasts many stunning waterbodies, including one of the best state parks for water sports in the United States. To fully enjoy the state’s waterways, you may need to register your boat or PWC. Gather proper documents, like the title and a filled-out Boat 101 form, to complete the registration. Maintain an up-to-date registration number by applying for a renewal every odd year.

If you own a boat and have a private waterfront, the next best thing after registering your vessel is ensuring you have the right boating dock to hold it. EZ Dock offers customizable and reliable docking solutions, from floating docks to floating walkways. As the industry-leading floating modular docks manufacturer, we offer unbeatable quality, strength and low maintenance. Request a quote and get the best dock for your boat!