Boat & Vessel Owners

Boat Side

Whether you’re boating on lakes, rivers, or even the ocean, this guide will help you get your feet wet so you know everything you need to know before diving in and setting sail.

In This Guide

Boat/Vessel Registration

Learn what kinds of vessels must be registered, get a hull identification number (HIN) or vehicle registration number (CF number), and more.

Boat/Vessel Registration Renewal

You must renew your boat/vessel registration by December 31 of every odd-numbered year, regardless of how often you use it.

Titles & Transfers

Buying or selling a boat/vessel? Find out what you need to do before, during, and after the sale or purchase.

Boat/Vessel Fees

Review fees related to operating a boat/vessel on California waterways and create an estimate.

Vessel Numbers and CF Numbers

An HIN must be displayed on all vessels registered in California

Forms for Boats/Vessels

From registration forms to vessel verification, find all the boat and vessel related forms DMV has.

Frequently Asked Questions

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