California may be best known for the 1,000 miles of Pacific Ocean shoreline, but did you know there are over 3,000 lakes and three major rivers that run through the state?
The glittering water of California makes it the perfect place to own and operate a boat.
Much like registering your car, you will also have to go through the process of legally registering your boat in California. Here’s your guide to getting through the process of boat registration in California legally and quickly.
How Do I Know if My Boat Needs to Be Registered?
If you own and operate a boat in California, it likely needs to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. The rule is that any sail-powered vessel over 8 feet in length and every motorized vessel on the water must be registered with the DMV unless the U.S. Coast Guard already documents it.
The way the Coast Guard sees it, your vessel is considered either “documented” or “undocumented” on the water. Most likely, yours will be considered undocumented.
An undocumented vessel does not have a marine certificate issued by the Coast Guard. In contrast, a documented vessel does not require that same DMV registration since it’s already been issued a marine certificate from the Coast Guard.
Any undocumented vessel, whether operated on a private lake or public waters, must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
What Boats Are Exempt from Boat Registration in California?
If your vessel fits one of these categories, it does not need to be registered with the California DMV:
- Your boat is only powered by oars or paddles
- Your boat is a sailboat under 8 feet in length
- You have a non-motorized surfboard propelled by a sail and mast that must be held upright
- Your boat is a lifeboat (not a dinghy)
- Your boat is primarily used outside of California and is registered in the state where it is primarily used
- Your vessel is brought into California purely for racing purposes
How Do I Register My Boat in the State of California?
For boat registration in California, you’ll need:
- Application for Vessel Certificate of Number
- Proof of ownership or a certified copy of the sales contract or a bond for vessel value if it is worth $2,000 or more
You can present your boat registration documents at your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. You can also mail in your application to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA
How Much Does Boat Registration Cost in the State of California?
To register your boat in California, you’ll pay an initial fee to register and title a brand new vessel or a separate fee to register a boat previously registered in another state or country.
As of 2024, the fees are as follows:
| Registration Fees | |
| Original registration/renewal | $74* |
| SE Plate Fees | |
| Original | $32* |
| Renewal | $32* |
| Substitute plate or ID card | $27 |
| Transfer | $32* |
| Registration | $74* |
| CHP | $32 |
| SE | $27 |
| Annual renewal (due in years SE renewal is not due- $94 total): | |
| Registration | $74* |
| CHP | $32 |
| SE renewal (due in 2015, 2020, etc.- $118 total): | |
| Registration | $74* |
| CHP | $32 |
| SE | $27 |
| Vessel Fees | ||
| Vessel/Quagga | Quagga Exempt | |
| Original (except nonresident)* | ||
| —Selling in an even year | $37 | $29 |
| —Selling in an odd year | $65 | $49 |
| Penalty | ||
| —Selling in an even year | $10 | $10 |
| —Selling in an odd year | $25 | $25 |
| Nonresident* | ||
| —Sold or due in an even year | $65 | $57 |
| —Sold or due in an odd year | $93 | $77 |
| Penalty | ||
| —Sold or due in an even year | $24 | $24 |
| —Sold or due in an odd year | $39 | $39 |
| Renewal | ||
| Biennial renewal (due in odd years) | $36 | $20 |
| Penalty | $10 | $10 |
| Transfer (except between dealers) | $15 | $15 |
| Penalty | $8 | $8 |
| Duplicate (registration or title) | $15 | $15 |
| Repossession | $15 | $15 |
With your boat registered, it’s legal to operate it on California’s beautiful waters!
How Do I Transfer Boat Ownership to My New Boat?
If you just bought a boat that was previously registered in California, all you need to do is obtain the title from your seller, print your name and address on the back, and send in the title with a title transfer fee and any applicable tax.
What Else Do I Need to Know About Boat Registration in California?
After registering your boat in California, you must always display your hull identification number (HIN) on your boat. Then, renew your boat registration by December 31 at the end of every odd-numbered year online, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or by mail
If you sell your boat, you must notify the DMV within five days by submitting a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability.
Remember: Your boat needs to be registered before it hits any water in the state of California to avoid penalties
Get Your Boater Education Card and Hit the Waters in California Safely
With your boat properly registered, you’re almost ready to hit the water!
In California, every boat operator needs a valid California Boater Card. Be sure that you’re properly educated and certified by taking a BOATsmart! course.
Originally published June 2020. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy August 23, 2024.
