California boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
California. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and other
resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of general
purpose boat and trailer registration forms on our Forms
page.
Please visit our
State page for additional
articles and information about registering or titling boats, trailers,
and outboard motors.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
Registration Statistics
There are
approximately 894,000 boats registered in this state.
Registration Numbering
The boat
registration number prefix for California is "CF". Registration
numbers must be displayed on all registered boats except those
which are Coast Guard documented.
Title Requirements
Titles are
issued on all registered boats except those which are Coast
Guard documented.
Registration Requirements
Generally, every sail-powered vessel over eight feet in
length and every motor-driven vessel, regardless of length,
which is used or on the waters of this state are subject to
registration. Coast Guard documented vessels are exempt from
registration requirements.
State Tax Requirements
Sales and use
tax are levied on first time boat registrations and boat
transfers. Personal property tax is levied against boats on the
county level.
Loan Perfection
Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on the state title records. On
Coast Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be
recorded on the vessel's abstract of title. A UCC financing
statement must be filed if the boat is neither titled or
documented.
Registration Agency
Boat titling
and registration are administered by the Department of
Motor Vehicles.
Registration Records
Boat
registration records are purged after 4 years with no activity.
Information and forms for ordering record print-outs can be
found in our
Boat Registration Kit for this state.
Ownership Designations
Co-owners are
recognized by "and" or "or" designations. The "and/or"
designation is no longer recognized, but
may appear on older titles.
Residency Requirements
Non-residents
may obtain title and registration certificates if the boat is
located within the State of California.
Hull Inspections
The boat must
be inspected by a law enforcement official if there is a
discrepancy with the hull identification number.
Outboard Motors
California
does not register or title outboard motors.
Boat Trailers
Titling and
registration are required for boat trailers.
Notary public
$15,000
bonding is required for Notaries. All notary acts in California must be evidenced with a
seal.
Dealer Licensing
Yacht brokers
and salespersons in California selling used vessels 16’ or
longer and less than 300 gross tons, for others, are required to
be licensed. Brokers must post a $15,000 surety bond.
Visitation
Period
A visitation
period of 120 days is allowed for boats that are Coast Guard
documented, foreign titled, or registered in another state.
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