Boat & Vessel Registration Services in San Diego, CA
Need help registering a boat or vessel in California? Express Auto Registration provides assistance with BOAT 101 registration paperwork, vessel ownership documents, replacement vessel title paperwork, and related California DMV vessel registration requirements.
California Boat & Vessel Registration Help
California DMV states that a sailboat over eight feet long or a boat or vessel with a motor, regardless of size, generally must be registered with DMV to legally operate on California waterways.
For registration, DMV lists a completed BOAT 101 — Application for Vessel Certificate of Number — along with proof of ownership and applicable fees. Other documents may be required depending on the vessel and transaction.
What You May Need
- Completed BOAT 101 for an applicable vessel registration
- Proof of ownership, such as a California Certificate of Ownership or qualifying out-of-state title
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) and vessel information
- Bill of sale when applicable
- BOAT 227 if a qualifying vessel title is lost or damaged
- REG 256 when applicable
- Applicable DMV fees and service charges
Boat Registration Assistance
- California boat and vessel registration paperwork
- BOAT 101 application assistance
- Vessel ownership document review
- Replacement vessel title paperwork
- BOAT 227 assistance when applicable
- REG 256 Statement of Facts when applicable
California Boat & Vessel Forms
The forms needed depend on the transaction. BOAT 101 is the primary vessel registration application. BOAT 227 and REG 256 may apply in specific circumstances.
BOAT 101 — Application for Vessel Certificate of Number
California DMV lists BOAT 101 as the application used to register a boat or vessel. Use the buttons below to view or download the form available on our website.
BOAT 227 — Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title
California DMV states that BOAT 227 can be used when a California vessel Certificate of Ownership is lost, stolen, or damaged. Requirements depend on the transaction.
REG 256 — Statement of Facts
California DMV lists REG 256 as a form that may be needed in certain vessel transactions, including situations where supporting facts or statements are required.
Boat & Vessel Registration FAQs
Which boats generally need California DMV registration?
California DMV states that sailboats over eight feet long and boats or vessels with a motor, regardless of size, generally must be registered to operate on California waterways. DMV also identifies exemptions for certain types of vessels.
What is BOAT 101?
BOAT 101 is the Application for Vessel Certificate of Number. California DMV lists it as a required application for an applicable boat or vessel registration.
What if my California vessel title is lost, stolen, or damaged?
California DMV states that BOAT 227, Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title, may be submitted to request a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged California Certificate of Ownership.
Do I register my boat trailer with the boat?
No. California DMV states that a boat trailer must be registered separately.
When is California boat registration renewed?
California DMV states that boat and vessel registration must be renewed by December 31 of every odd-numbered year, even if the vessel is not being used.
What about the Mussel Fee sticker?
California DMV explains that vessels boating in California fresh waters may be subject to the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Fee and related sticker requirements. The vessel registration and Mussel Fee sticker transactions are separate.
Need Boat or Vessel Registration Assistance?
Contact Express Auto Registration in San Diego for help reviewing an eligible California boat or vessel registration transaction and the applicable DMV paperwork.