Which Boats Require Registration?
Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In California, you must have a Certificate of Number (registration certificate), a Certificate of Ownership, and registration stickers for your vessel, whether used or only moored. The only recreational vessels that do not require registration are:
- Vessels propelled manually
- Sailboards and other vessels 8 feet or less in length propelled solely by sail
- Out-of-state registered vessels using California waters for 60 days with a 30-day grace period
- Certain vessels owned by public agencies
- Vessels documented with the United States Coast Guard (USCG)
- Foreign vessels temporarily in California waters
- Ship's lifeboats used solely for lifesaving purposes
Application to register a vessel may be made at any office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or by writing:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Registration Processing Units
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
