California Boat Registration requirements - Numbers & Stickers Registration decal number
Do I need to register my boat in California?
If you own a boat over eight feet long or a boat/vessel with a motor (no matter the size), you must register it with DMV in order to legally operate it on California waterways.
How do I know when to renew my boat registration in California?
You must renew your boat/vessel registration by December 31 of every odd-numbered year (for example, 2013, 2017, etc.), even if you do not use your boat/vessel.
To remind you that you need to renew your registration, DMV will mail you a renewal notice 60 days before your registration expires.
There are some boats/vessels that do not have to be registered in California:
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Canoes, rowboats, or any boats/vessels that use paddles or oars
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Sailboats shorter than eight feet long
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Sailboards or parasails
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A ship’s lifeboat
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Seaplanes on the water
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Boats that run on a track, such as amusement park rides
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Floating structures that are tied to land and use power, water, and a sewage system on the shore.
Dinghies must be registered with DMV.
Houseboats that have a motor must be registered with DMV.
Commercial boats/vessels that weigh more than five net tons and are longer than 30 feet must be registered (documented) by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Boats/vessels that need to be registered in California:
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Dinghies must be registered with DMV.
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Houseboats that have a motor must be registered with DMV.
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Commercial boats/vessels that weigh more than five net tons and are longer than 30 feet must be registered (documented) by the U.S. Coast Guard.
California boat registration numbers & stickers placement
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On the forward part of your vessel well above the waterline
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On both sides of the bow
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Numbers must be painted or applied as a decal, where law enforcement officials can read it.
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Letters and numbers are BLOCK style of at least 3 inches in height and must contrast in color with the hull.
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Letters and numbers are to read from left to right and have a space (CF 4252 AF) or hyphen (CF-3534-AF) to separate letters and numbers.
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Registration decals show the expiry date and must be displayed within 3 inches of the registration number on each side of the watercraft, toward the stern and in line with the numbers.
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You must display only current registration decals and remove any expired ones.
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The decals are valid for 2 years.
To register your boat in California, you will need:
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A completed Application for Vessel Certificate of Number (BOAT 101) form.
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Proof of ownership, such as the original California Certificate of Ownership (title) or the out-of-state title (if it is currently registered in another state).
- If the original certificate is lost or damaged, complete an Application for Replacement or Transfer Title (REG 227) form to request a copy.
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Applicable fees.
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If you own a trailer for your boat/vessel, you need to register it separately.
