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California Boat Registration Summary

          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 and trailers.

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The information presented here is subject to change and should be confirmed with the respective state agency.

Boat Registration Statistics There are approximately 894,000 boats registered in the State of California.
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.
Registration Agency Boat titling and registration are administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Registration Requirements Generally, every sail-powered vessel over 8' 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.
Title Requirements Titles are issued on all registered boats except those which are Coast Guard documented.
Conditional Titles California has provisions for bonded boat titling if sufficient proof of ownership cannot be provided.  Information and forms for boat title bonding can be found in our boat registration kit for this state.
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.
Possessory Liens California has provisions for boat yards, marinas, and other vendors to foreclose on a boat for delinquent charges due. Additional information on boat possessory liens can be found in our boat registration kit for this state.
Tax Liens Tax liens in California are not always shown on the actual title or registration certificates. The underlying state records should therefore be verified for such flags. Additional information on verifying boat registration and title records can be found in our boat registration kit for this state.
Abandoned Boats California has provisions for dealing with boats which have been abandoned on private property. Additional information on abandoned boats can be found in our boat registration kit for this state.
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.
Boat Registration Records Boat registration records are purged after 4 years with no activity. Detailed information on how to obtain verbal and written reports 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 register a boat in California if this is the state of principal usage.
Hull Inspections The boat must be inspected by a California law enforcement official if there is a discrepancy with the hull identification number.
Reporting Requirements You should notify the Department of Motor vehicles within 15 days if the boat is destroyed, abandoned, or the owner's address has changed. If vessel ownership is transferred, notice must be provided within 5 days.
Historical Plaques California offers a special plaque identifying for vessels of historical interest constructed of wood prior to December 31, 1942. Additional information on obtaining historical boat plaques can be found in our boat registration kit for this state.
Outboard Motors California does not register or title outboard motors.
Boat Trailers Titling and registration are required for boat trailers in California.
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 registered in another state, Coast Guard documented, or registered in a foreign country.

California Boat Registration
California Boat Registration
Department of Motor Vehicles

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