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Washington’s Boat Registration Requirements

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According to Washington’s boat registration requiremetns, to operate a boat in Washington, your boat must have a registration card, title and registration decals. You must carry the registration card on the boat whenever the boat is being used. All registered boats must also be titled through the Washington State Department of Licensing. Boat registration expires on June 30th and must be renewed each year.

Washington’s Boat Registration Exemptions:

Human-powered craft.
Boats less than 16 feet in length with a motor of 10 horsepower or less, that are only operated on non-federal waterways.
Boats that are registered in another state or country so long as the operator uses Washington waters for 60 days or less.

To register or title your boat in Washington you must provide the required application form, fees and proof of ownership to the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Boat owners must notify the Washington State Department of Licensing within 15 days if any of the following events occur:

The boat is abandoned, destroyed, lost, stolen or recovered.
The owner changes their address.
The registration card is lost.

Additionally, if you’re selling your boat, you must notify the Department of Licensing within 5 days of the date of transfer or sale.

Registration Number and Decal Placement:

The registration number must be painted or affixed to the forward half of each side of the boat and must be clearly visible.
The registration number must be read from left to right.
The registration number must be at least 3 inches high and be in bold, vertical, block letters.
The color of the registration number must contrast with the background color of the boat.
The letters and numbers in the registration number must be separated by a hyphen or by an equivalent space.
Registration decals must be affixed on each side of the bow, towards the stern of the boat, in line with the registration number.
These requirements are also applicable to personal watercraft (PWCs).

Other Washington Boat Registration Info

In Washington, motorized boats are required to display a carbon monoxide (CO) warning sticker. Operators will receive this sticker upon registering their boat or renewing their registration. If your motorized boat does not have this warning sticker, contact your local vehicle licensing office to obtain one.