California Title Transfer Fees & Taxes 2025 Step-by-Step Guide

Fundamentals of Boat Registration

The boat registration process assigns a unique number to your vessel, displayed like a car's license plate, to confirm it meets legal standards. This differs from a boat title, which proves ownership, similar to a house deed. Registration requirements vary by vessel type and state.

Key points about registration and titling include the need for a valid registration card:

Motorized vessel registration is mandatory for boats with engines, including jet skis, and the registration sticker or decal must be displayed.

Non-motorized boat registration applies to canoes or kayaks over 10–16 feet or with motors.

Sailboats without engines often qualify for exemptions, but check local laws regarding what types of boats need to be registered.

Hull Identification Number (HIN)

The hull identification number (HIN) is your boat's unique ID, mandatory for vessels built after 1972. This 12-character code, found on the starboard transom and duplicated inside the hull, includes details that must be provided within 6 inches of the registration form.

Manufacturer's code (first three characters).

Serial number (next five characters).

Build year and certification date (last four characters) must be submitted in block letters.

For older boats without an HIN, states issue replacements after inspection, costing $10–$20 with proof of boat ownership. For example, a Florida boater replaced an HIN for a 1960s skiff using a hull rubbing and bill of sale. Verify the HIN via:

State databases help track which recreational boats require registration.

National Crime Information Center for theft or lien checks.

Manufacturer records for build details.

This process confirms a boat's history, like model year or theft status, and ensures that the certificate of title is accurate for DMV registration. Always check your HIN early to avoid delays.

Required Documents for Boat Purchase

When buying a boat, you need specific documents:

Bill of sale with transaction details, seller, buyer, and vessel specs is essential for proving ownership and ensuring the registration is proof of ownership.

Notarized bill of sale for legal validity in many states, especially when you need to register your boat.

Title or manufacturer's certificate for larger boats.

Without a title, as with homemade boats, a bonded title requires a surety bond and inspection. A Texas boater used this for a custom kayak, securing registration after a $100 bond. Keep the certificate of number or title onboard in a waterproof case. A Michigan owner faced a $50 fine for missing documents during a patrol, showing their importance.

State-Specific Registration Requirements

Each state tailors its vessel registration requirements to its waterways, creating diverse rules. Motorized boats always need registration, but non-motorized ones depend on size or use. Operating an unregistered boat risks:

Fines up to $500 (e.g., Florida).

Vessel impoundment (e.g., Texas).

Restricted waterway access can affect your ability to comply with registration rules and regulations.

California DMV Boat Registration

In California, the state DMV boat registration covers:

Motorized boats.

Non-motorized boats over 8 feet (sailing) or 16 feet (other uses).

Exclusions for federal-water vessels.

Submit these documents along with your renewal form and a bill:

Title or manufacturer's certificate must be displayed as proof of ownership when applying for current registration.

Notarized bill of sale.

HIN verification is essential to ensure your current registration is accurate.

Applications go online, by mail, or at department of motor vehicles offices to register your boat, which may vary state to state. Boat registration fees include a registration sticker or decal that must be displayed on the vessel.

$29 for initial registration.

$20 for biennial boat registration renewal to ensure you register your boat properly.

$16 aquatic invasive species fee for freshwater boats.

Late renewals add $10–$15 penalties. The 2023 state-specific boat laws mandate a boater education card requirement for operators born after 1998, effective fully by 2025. Exemptions apply for:

Operators over 40 on non-motorized boats must ensure they have the current registration to operate legally.

Short-term rentals under 30 days.

Boat insurance requirements are not mandatory but advised for busy waterways.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission registers vessels and ensures that all registration must meet state guidelines:

All motorized vessels must adhere to registration requirements set by the boat registration authority.

Non-motorized boats over 16 feet in public waters.

Fees range from $5.50 (under 12 feet) to $31 (40 feet and over), submitted online or at tax collectors' offices, and you must display a registration sticker or decal. Out-of-state boat registration allows 90-day use, and personal watercraft registration requires safety gear like kill switches. A Florida boater avoided a fine by registering their jet ski online before a patrol check, ensuring their proof of ownership was up to date.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department registers boats over 14 feet and all motorized vessels for two years, ensuring compliance with state rules and regulations. Fees include those associated with the certificate of title and registration renewal:

$32 for under 16 feet.

$150 for over 65 feet.

$5 mussel fee.

Boat trailer registration costs $20–$50 through the DMV, based on weight. Register within 20 days to avoid tax penalties and ensure your current registration remains valid.

New York State Parks Marine Services Bureau

New York, via the New York State Parks Marine Services Bureau, charges:

$22.50 for under 16 feet.

$82.50 for over 36 feet.

$50 title fee for boats over 14 feet.

By 2025, all operators need a safety certificate.

Other State Requirements

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources covers all watercraft, with fees from $18 to $60, and a registration sticker or decal must be displayed on the boat. Michigan Secretary of State issues three-year registrations, costing $9 to $168. Pennsylvania offers two-year renewals, while Arkansas requires annual updates with tax proof.

In the Great Lakes region, state reciprocity boat laws allow 60–90 days of out-of-state use, provided that the boat registration is valid. Marine patrol enforcement checks compliance with boat registration requirements. Carry the certificate of number and boat registration stickers onboard to comply with boat registration requirements. A Wisconsin boater used Michigan's reciprocity for a summer trip but registered locally after 60 days to maintain a valid registration card.