Finished with this guide and still need help registering your vessel in California? Give the CA DMV a call at (800) 777-0133 for more assistance. Show Vessels Requiring Registration in CaliforniaRegistering a boat is similar to registering a car, as soon as you put a motor in it, the state recognizes the boat as a "motorized vehicle", and requires registration. California residents are required to register the following types of boats:
Newport Vessels CustomersNewport Vessels creates boat documents for every boat we sell through our website, if you purchased your Newport Vessels boat via another website, please fill out our Boat Document Request Form. You will receive these documents in a yellow envelope via USPS a few days after ordering your boat, if you keep an eye out for them you might just have your boat registered by the time it arrives at your door. These documents include:
These are the only documents you will need from us. Please read the rest of this page to learn what else you will need to register your new boat. California Boat Registration ExemptionsThe Department of Motor Vehicles in California does not require boat registration for the following craft:
California Boat Registration ProcessThe California DMV allows you to register your boat in person or by mail. If you recently moved to CA with a vessel currently registered in another state, you must register your boat with the CA DMV within 120 days of your arrival. To register your boat, you will need the following items: To complete the registration process you can either:
Once you receive your vessel registration number (aka CF number), display it on both sides of the front half of your boat in at least 3 inch block letters that contrast with the color of your boat for easy visibility. California Boat Registration FeesHere is fees associated with registering your boat with the California Department of Motor Vehicles are as follows:
Just like land vehicles, most boats (or vessels) are required to be registered with the DMV in order to be operated legally. So if you just bought a new jet ski, ski boat, or pontoon for your summer excursions to the lake, you will need to register your boat with the DMV as soon as possible. What Kind of Vessels Require Registration?It can be a bit confusing figuring out what the DMV defines as a vessel and which of these vessels need to be registered. According to the DMV website, "The term vessel applies to every description of water-craft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water." That seems straightforward, but which vessels need to be registered, and which ones are off the hook? As a general rule, the following vehicles need to be registered with the DMV:
Here are some vessels that are not required to be registered.
If you have questions regarding the registration (or non-registration) of your vessel, call your local DMV. Registering Your Boat (Vessel)If your boat is required to be registered with the DMV, you will be relieved to know that this is a simple process. There are two ways that you can register your vessel: in person, or by mail.
It's important to note that if you use a trailer to transport your vessel, it will need to be registered separately. However, your trailer registration will not be required to be renewed annually. Registration FeesAs odd as it may seem, registration fees don't vary based on the size of your vessel, but they vary depending on the year that you register. Resident original applications being submitted in an even-numbered year will cost $29, while the same application submitted in an odd-numbered year will cost $49. Non-resident applications in even-numbered years will cost $57, while odd-numbered years will cost non-resident boat owners $77. What Will I Need to Display On My Vessel?Obviously, displaying your registration on a boat is not as simple as attaching a license plate with stickers to the front and back of your car. The DMV has very specific criteria for the placement of the Vessel Registration Number and the Hull Identification Number. Vessel Registration Number:This needs to be painted or permanently attached to the front left and right sides of your vessel using plain, vertical, block-type characters that remain at least 3'' in height. They must read from left to write and be of a color that is in high contrast to that of the body of your vessel for optimal visibility. The registration number also must "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." Ex: CF 1234 AB. Hull Identification Number (HIN):The HIN must be permanently fixed to your vessel so that its alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious. HINs are required to be assigned and affixed by boat manufacturers to commercial vessels. If your vessel is homemade, the DMV will assign you your HIN and you will most likely need to affix it yourself. Renewing Your Vessel RegistrationYou will be sent a renewal notice every odd numbered year that will tell you when your registration is going to expire and what renewal options are available to you. These options typically include: in person renewal, renewal by mail, renewal by phone, and online renewal.
Renewing Online CarRegistrationCarRegistration, officially licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles, is an online service that offers a quick, easy, and efficient alternative to DMV renewal options. Don't get caught waiting in line at the DMV or waiting a week or even two for your registration to be delivered. CarRegistration online renewal services offers a same day E-copy of your registration so you will not get stuck driving with an expired registration card. They also offer next business day delivery if you need your official hard copy fast. Did you lose your registration notice? Don't worry about it. You won't need it to complete the CarRegistration renewal process. CarRegistration requires only a few simple steps for you to renew your vessel registration so you can spend your time on the open water instead of at the DMV. |