Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual

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Section 25 of 38

Chapter 24: Vessels

24.165 Vessel Agents (VC §§9858 and 9858.1)

Vessel agents are appointed, but not licensed, by DMV and assigned a unique vessel agent number which is entered on registration documents. They may accept registration and/or transfer applications for undocumented vessels and issue permanent vessel numbers and temporary certificates of number.

For motorized vessels, vessel agents must provide buyers of motorized vessels with a set of the Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and the companion brochure, and instruct the buyer to affix the stickers as explained in the ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3).

Documentary Preparation Fee—Vessel agents have the option of charging a documentary preparation fee not to exceed $20. It is not required or collected by DMV.

Vessel agents must send their work directly to DMV headquarters with a Transmittal of Vessel Registration Applications (ADM 173) form. Field offices cannot accept registration applications and/or fees from vessel agents or supply them with accountable items/forms. Only the Vessel Section in Registration Processing Unit (RPU) II processes vessel agent work.

Questions Regarding a Vessel Agent’sAre Referred to
Registration or transfer applicationRegistration Operations
Vessel Section MS E272
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
(916) 657-6288 or 657-6893
Request for accountable itemsOccupational Licensing Unit MS N224
PO Box 932342
Sacramento, CA 94232-3420
(916) 229-3126
Application for appointment
The local DMV Investigations office.
Duties, requirements, and responsibilities