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Boat Donation — California - CA — Donate A Boat
Boat Registration and Title Information

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California - CA boat registration and title information.

  1. What Vessels Must be Registered?
  2. What is the Difference Between a Documented Vessel and an Undocumented Vessel?
  3. How Do I Register My Vessel?
  4. How Much Will it Cost to Register?
  5. What Are the Regulations for the Vessel Registration Number?
  6. When Do I Have to Renew My Vessel Registration?
  7. What If I Lose the Certificates or Stickers?
  8. Application for Registration Number Certificate of Ownership and Certificate of Number for Undocumented Vessel (BOAT 101)
  9. Change of Address
  10. Can a Certificate of Number (Registration Certificate) Become Invalid?

1. What Vessels Must be Registered?

Generally, every sail-powered vessel over eight feet in length and every motor-driven vessel (regardless of length) that is not documented by the U.S. Coast Guard which is used or on the waters of this state are subject to registration by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The vessel must be located in California.

Vessels previously registered in other states must be registered in California within 120 days of being brought into the state, if it will be used upon California waterways the majority of the time.

The term vessel applies to every description of water-craft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, except the following:

  • A seaplane on the water.
  • A watercraft specifically designed to operate on a permanently fixed course and guided by a mechanical device that restricts the watercraft's movement to the fixed course.
  • A floating structure that is designed and built to be used as a stationary waterborne residential dwelling, which, (a) does not have and is not designed to have a mode of power of its own, (b) is dependent for utilities upon a continuous utility linkage to a source originating on shore, and (c) has a permanent, continuous hookup to a shore side sewage system.

The following vessels do not have to be registered in California:

  • Vessels propelled solely by oars or paddles.
  • Non motorized sailboats that are eight feet or less in length.
  • A ship’s lifeboat (a dinghy is not a lifeboat).
  • Vessels currently and lawfully numbered (registered) by another state that are principally used outside California.
  • Vessels brought into California for racing purposes only (exempted only during races and tune-ups).

NOTE: Commercial vessels of five net tons or more, or 30 feet or more in length must be registered (documented) by the U.S. Coast Guard.

 

2. What is the Difference Between a Documented Vessel and an Undocumented Vessel?

An undocumented vessel is registered by the DMV and does not have a marine certificate issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

A documented vessel is registered and issued a marine certificate by the U.S. Coast Guard. It does not require DMV registration. Please see the previous note.

You are required to register your undocumented vessel and pay applicable fees before it is placed in California waters

 

3. How Do I Register My Vessel?

The documents required to register and title a new vessel or a vessel being registered for the first time are:


OR

  • A bond for the vessel value if proof of ownership cannot be provided and the vessel 's value is $2,000 or more.

NOTE: If your vessel is located at an address other than your residence address, you must show the vessel location on the application.

You may register your vessel at any DMV office or mail your registration application (Boat 101) to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
Attn: Vessel Section

NOTE: The vessel trailer must also be registered and is separate from the vessel registration. The trailer is no longer be required to be registered annually.

 

4. How Much Will it Cost to Register?

The fee to register and title a new vessel is $9.

The fee to register a vessel that was previously registered in another state or country is $37.

Use tax based on the purchase price may also be due. Existing law imposes a use tax on a vessel purchased outside of California and brought into California within 90 days of purchase. New legislation effective October 1, 2004 through July 1, 2006 requires payment of use tax on a vessel purchased outside California and brought into California within 365 days of the purchase date. Use tax is based on new registered owner 's county of residence.

NOTE: The registration fees must be paid prior to placing the vessel on California waters to avoid penalties.

 

5. What Are the Regulations for the Vessel Registration Number?

The vessel registration number (CF number) issued by the department must be displayed as follows:

  • Painted on or permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the vessel.
  • Be in plain vertical block characters of not less than three inches in height.
  • Be arranged so that it it reads from left to right.
  • Contrast with the color of the background so that it is distinctly visible and legible.
  • Have spaces or hyphens that are equal to the width of a letter other than "I" or a number other than "1" between the prefix and the number, and the number and the suffix. See the example below.

Example: CF 1234 AB

6. When Do I Have to Renew My Vessel Registration?

You must renew your vessel registration by December 31 of every odd-numbered year (i.e., 2003, 2005, etc.) regardless of use. DMV mails a renewal notice approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date.

The department issues a Certificate of Number (registration certificate) and registration stickers to identify a vessel as currently registered. These stickers must be securely affixed to each side of the vessel three inches aft of and directly in line with the registration numbers and must be clearly visible at all times. Do not place any numbers, letters, or devices in the proximity of the registration sticker.

Simply return the bottom portion of your renewal notice in the envelope provided with a check, cashier 's check, or money order for $10. If you do not receive a renewal notice, you may submit a copy of your current Certificate of Number with the $10 payment.

7. What If I Lose the Certificates or Stickers?

If you lost the title, complete an Application for Duplicate Title (REG 227). If you lost the Certificate of Number or sticker, complete an Application for Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156) to replace the lost certificates or sticker. The fee for each item is $15.

For DMV vessel forms click here.

8. Application for Registration Number Certificate of Ownership and Certificate of Number for Undocumented Vessel (BOAT 101)

Information about Boat 101

Use the BOAT 101 form to apply for registration of a new or nonresident undocumented vessel. The form may also be used if a vessel was previously registered in California, the owner has neither the California Certificate of Ownership nor Certificate of Number, and there is no longer a record of the vessel in Department of Motor Vehicles files.

You need version 5 or greater of Adobe Acrobat Reader to view, fill out and print this form. If you have problems with Acrobat Reader or our PDF form, click on Troubleshooting. To obtain a form by mail, contact your local DMV office or call (800) 777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST. For large quanities, read "Ordering DMV Forms in Large Quantities".

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Other Categories of Forms

9. Change of Address

Use this form to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of a change of residence or mailing address for your vehicle, vessel, driver license, or identification card records. You must report a change of address to DMV within 10 days of the change. You can also use this form to report a voter change of address, if you are already a registered voter and you still reside in the same county. You will not be issued new documents.

DMV14 Change of Address

NOTE: This form must be printed and then filled out manually.

You need version 5 or greater of Adobe Acrobat Reader to view, fill out and print this form. If you have problems with Acrobat Reader or our PDF form, click on Troubleshooting. To obtain a form by mail, contact your local DMV office or call (800) 777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST. For large quantities, read "Ordering DMV Forms in Large Quantities".

10. Can a Certificate of Number (Registration Certificate) Become Invalid?

A Certificate of Number becomes invalid when:

  • The vessel is required to be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • The vessel owner transfers ownership.
  • The vessel is destroyed or abandoned.
  • The vessel is no longer used primarily in California.