Top What to Register

• Sail-powered vessels* longer than eight feet.

• Powerboats.

• Commercial vessels that weigh at least five tons, or are at least 30 feet long, must be registered with the U.S. Coast Guard.

*The state defines what constitutes a vessel.

What Not to Register

• Any vessel propelled by oars or paddles alone.

• Surfboards or sailboards.

• A ship's lifeboat (does not include dinghies).

• Vessels currently registered in another state (if used primarily outside California).

• Vessels brought into California for racing.

Top Exemptions

• Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard

Top Requirements and Procedures

If you bring a vessel into California and plan on primarily using it here, you must register it first. Do so within 120 days of your arrival. Here's how:

In Person

1. Complete the boat application.
2. Locate your bill of sale, invoice, out-of-state title, certificate of origin, or bill of lading.
3. Have your application fee ready.
4. Take all the necessary paperwork to any California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) local office.
5. Display your vessel registration number (CF number) on both sides of the front half of your boat in, at least, 3" block letters that contrast with the color of your boat for easy visibility.

If you can't produce some sort of proof of ownership and the vessel's value is at least $2,000, a bond will suffice.

By Mail

Send the required items listed above to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• P.O. Box 942869

• Attn: Vessel Section

• Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Top Fees

• Resident original application (submitted in an even-numbered year): $29

• Resident original application (submitted in an odd-numbered year): $49

• Non-resident application (fees due in an even-numbered year): $57

• Non-resident application (fees due in an odd-numbered year): $77

A use tax and penalties may also be assessed. The DMV provides a complete list of boating-related fees.

Top Renewals and Replacements

Renew your registration every odd-numbered year before December 31. To do so, return the bottom part of your renewal notice along with payment (no cash) for the $20 fee to the address listed on the envelope.

Replace Lost Registration

To replace your missing or damaged registration:

1. Complete the replacement form.
2. Have the $15 fee.
3. Travel to your local DMV office to obtain the replacement.
4. You could also mail the application and payment to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• Registration Operations

• P.O. Box 942869 Mail Station E-169

• Sacramento, California 94269-0001

Top Boater License

California doesn't require you to have a boater license in order to drive a boat.

Top Boater Safety Course

While you don't have to take a boating safety course, doing so may make you a safer and better boater. It may also save you money on your marine insurance. Check sites such as BoaterExam.com for more information.

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