How do I register a boat in California?

Reviewed 2026-09-29 · Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Photo: Laguna Hills DMV office, California · California DMV · Public domain. Shown for illustration; not an office recommendation.

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Sailboats over eight feet and any motorized boat must be registered with the California DMV to legally operate on state waterways. Owners need proof of ownership (title or out-of-state title/bill of sale) and must pay registration fees and use tax.

Starting feeNot verified

WhereOnline or in person

Steps6 steps

Determine if registration required: Motorized vessels of any size and sailboats over 8 feet require registration.
Gather proof of ownership: Original CA title, out-of-state title, or bill of sale/Statement of Facts if missing.
Complete application: Submit BOAT 101 application for undocumented vessels.
Pay fees, use tax, and Mussel Fee (if freshwater): Pay registration fee, applicable use tax, and Quagga/Zebra Mussel fee for freshwater use.
Submit to DMV: Mail to DMV Vessels Unit or submit at a DMV office.
Display CF numbers and stickers: Affix issued registration numbers and validation stickers to the vessel.

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Source

Boat/Vessel Registration · California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) · reviewed 2026-09-29

Limitations: Federally documented vessels follow separate USCG documentation processes and are not registered the same way. Fees were not confirmed on the official page; check the source. DMV.ai is not a government agency and does not submit registrations.

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