How To Register a Boat and Trailer with the California DMV

Here's what we recommend... take as much documentation as you've got on both the boat and the trailer, e.g. old registration paperwork from California or out of state, bill of sales (sales contract), perhaps any service bills which would help identify you as the owner, and most importantly (if you have them), the certificate of title for both the trailer and the vessel. You'll be required to complete a form Application for Vessel Certificate of Number (BOAT 101) which you may download from our DMV forms page.

The California DMV requires that all motor-driven vessels and sail-powered vessels over eight feet obtain a California Vessel Registration Number prior to being placed in California waters or being operated upon California waterways. Two exemptions which apply are, if the vessel is currently and lawfully numbered and registered in another state and is primarily used in that state, it will not require California registration. And also, if the boat is a documented vessel by the US Coast Guard, it too will not need to obtain DMV boat registration.

Vessels last registered out-of-state and requiring California vessel registration number (CF Number) must complete the registration process within 120 days of being brought to California if most of the boat's use will occur upon California waterways.

Renewing your Boat/Vessel Registration Online

Follow the link below to renew your boat/vessel registration quickly online. You can avoid a DMV visit in-person and get new vessel sticker and Certificate of Number (registration card) delivered as fast as overnight. We can also mail to an alternate address, if needed; very helpful if you've recently moved or are temporarily away.

CA DMV Vessel Registration Renewal

Replace your Boat/Vessel Registration Online

Lost Vessel Certificate of Number or Vessel Year tag? No problem. Follow the link below to order a new (replacement) registration card, vessel year sticker, and get a free digital e-Card download, all-in-one and quickly online. Get your replacement shipped as fast as overnight. Plus we mail to any address in the U.S. and Canada, if needed.

Order Replacement Registration Card and Vessel Stickers Now

Transfer your Boat/Vessel Title Online

Bough a new (or used) boat? Let us help you get it transferred to your name, online. Our online title transfer process is fast, secure, and easy-to-use. Answer a few questions, mail-in your documents, and you're done. Follow the link below to start your vessel title transfer today!

CA DMV Vessel Title Transfer Online

Resources

Download REG 156 Form (Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents)

California Vessel Registration Fees
	Vessel/Quagga	Quagga Exempt
Initial Registration (Except Non-Resident)*
—Sold in even year	$37	$29
—Sold in odd year	$65	$49
Penalty
—Sold in even year	$10	$10
—Sold in odd year	$25	$25
Initial Registration (Non-Resident)*
—Sold or due in even year	$65	$57
—Sold or due in odd year	$93	$77
Penalty
—Sold or due in even year	$24	$24
—Sold or due in odd year	$39	$39
Vessel Registration Renewal
Biennial Renewal (due in odd years)	$36	$20
Penalty	$10	$10
Transfer (Except Between Licensed Dealers)	$15	$15
Penalty	$8	$8
Duplicate Title or Registration Fee	$15	$15
Repossession	$15	$15
*Includes fees for original or nonresident vessel, renewal, alternative fuel/technology, and Quagga Mussel, if due. Quagga Mussel Fee Exemption: Vessels used only in marine waters. Annual exempt youth group (type license [TL] V6). Annual exempt government (TL V7). CF numbers issued to dealers (TL V3). CF numbers issued to manufacturers (TL V4).