Boat Registration and Licenses in Washington

What to Register

Any boat or other water vessel that is 16 feet or longer, has a motor larger than 10 horsepower, or is used on federal waters.

What Not to Register

• Non-motorized canoes.

• Non-motorized kayaks.

• Non-motorized rowboats.

Exemptions

• Any boat registered in another state and not kept in Washington for more than 60 days.

• Any U.S. Coast Guard-documented boat.

Requirements and Procedures

1. Complete a Vessel Title Application. (A dealer will do this for you if you bought it there.)
2. Provide proof you paid your boat's sales tax.
3. Pay all applicable fees.
4. Drop off completed transaction at any Department of Licensing (DOL) office. Or, mail it to any Department of Licensing office.

Fees

Annual fee: $20.25

Renewals and Replacements

All boat registrations are valid for one year and expire on June 30.

Renew Online

Renew online using MasterCard, American Express, Visa or debit card.

Renew by Mail

Mail to the address on your renewal notice.

Renew in Person

Visit any DOL location. Bring your renewal notice.

Replace Lost Registration

Visit any DOL location with your boat's registration number. Cost: $5

Boater License

Mandatory Boater Education schedule:

• January 1, 2012―All boat operators 40 years old and younger.
• January 1, 2013―All boat operators 50 years old and younger.
• January 1, 2014―All boat operators 60 years old and younger.
• January 1, 2015―All boat operators 70 years old and younger.
• January 1, 2016―All boat operators over 12 years old will be required to have a Boater Education card.

NOTE: Persons born before January 1, 1955 are exempt.

Boater Safety Courses

• Online: Take a state-approved online course through BoaterExam.com.

• Classroom: Courses are offered throughout the state.

Your Opinion Matters To Us!