24.090 Nonresident Vessels (VC §§9854, 9873; CRTC §6248)
California vessel registration is required within 120 days of the date of entry into California if the state of principal use changes from another state to California. Penalties are due if the registration is applied for after 120 days has passed from date of entry. Use tax is due on vessels brought into California within 12 months of the purchase date. Refer to Chapter 4 for use tax information.
Note A California-registered vessel that is registered in another state and returns, is issued a new CF number upon reregistration in California. If available, attach the old California title to the application. Fees are due prior to first use in California.
Title State Requirements (VC §9852)—The following must be submitted:
- A completed BOAT 101 (PDF).
- Proof of ownership. Nontransferable (Goldenrod) registration cannot be issued for vessels: vessels must be titled. The following are acceptable as proof of vessel ownership:
- The out-of-state title in the applicant’s name or properly endorsed for transfer and signed by the applicant. A bill of sale is acceptable in lieu of the seller’s signature on the title. (Refer to the Lost Out-of-State Title section, if applicable.)
- The original or certified copy of a conditional sales contract or security interest showing the purchaser and lienholder names, marked “paid”, and countersigned.
- Bills of sale needed to complete the chain of ownership.
- The original registration and Quagga/Zebra Mussel fees.
Refer to the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/exemption information.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Do not ask an applicant who submits an Arizona Certificate of Number for a letter verifying surrender of the title. Evidence of ownership is the Arizona Certificate of Number. Arizona will not provide a letter.
- Issue the CF number and stickers.
- Give the applicant an ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3) booklet.
- Advise them to affix the CF number shown on the receipt to the vessel as shown in the BOAT 3.
Note The U.S. Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act does not apply to vessels. Vessels cannot be registered as “nonresident military” (NRM).
- For motorized vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and companion brochure. Advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained in the BOAT 3.
- Process as clearing unless a lienholder holds the title, then send the application to the appropriate Registration Processing Unit (RPU) in DMV headquarters. The RPU will write for the title.
Lost Out-of-State Title—In addition to the items shown above, the following must be submitted:
- A Statement of Facts REG 256 (PDF) completed by the applicant which certifies that the original title is lost, and states the name of the person from whom the vessel was acquired, value of the vessel, and there are no liens or encumbrances against the vessel.
- A bond if the vessel value is $2,000 or more. Refer to Chapter 23 for bond requirements.
- The last issued certificate of number or a letter verifying the registration information from the state that last registered the vessel.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Do not ask for a letter verifying surrender of title if an Arizona Certificate of Number is submitted. Evidence of ownership is the Arizona Certificate of Number: Arizona will not provide a letter.
Nontitle State Requirements (VC §9852)—The following must be submitted:
- A completed BOAT 101 (PDF). The Statement of Applicant section must be completed.
- The out-of-state certificate of number (vessel registration card).
- If the applicant is not the owner shown on the certificate of number, a bill of sale or the Certificate of Sale (on the BOAT 101) completed by the owner of record to the applicant.
- If a certificate of number has never been issued, one of the following forms of evidence of ownership:
- A bill of sale or dealer invoice that shows no lien and is marked “paid in full.”
- The original or certified copy of a Conditional Sales Contract that shows the same legal owner indicated on the application or is stamped or marked “paid” and countersigned. A Lien Satisfied/Legal Owner/Title Holder Release (REG 166) (PDF) form is required if a legal owner is indicated on the Conditional Sales Contract and is not shown on the BOAT 101.
- An out-of-state title or a letter verifying surrender of the title from another state. A letter is not needed if the applicant explains the surrender of the title on a REG 256 required below.
- A REG 256 (PDF) from the owner stating the vessel is free of all liens other than shown on the application.
Note A bond may be required if the applicant cannot furnish any of the above and the vessel is valued at $2,000 or more. Refer to Chapter 23 for bond requirements.
- The original registration, any use tax due, and Quagga/Zebra Mussel fees. Refer to Appendix 1F for vessel fees and Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/exemption information.
- Do not ask an applicant who submits an Arizona Certificate of Number to contact Arizona for a letter verifying surrender of title. Evidence of ownership is the Arizona Certificate of Number: Arizona does not provide a letter.
- Issue the CF number and stickers.
- Give the applicant a BOAT 3 booklet.
- Advise them to affix the CF number shown on the receipt to the vessel as shown in the BOAT 3.
- For motorized vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and companion brochure. Advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained in the BOAT 3.
Vessels Imported from a Foreign Country (Other Than Dealer Imports) for an Individual’s use—The following must be submitted:
- A completed BOAT 101 (PDF).
- Foreign documents which describe the vessel and are in the name of the applicant. This may be a bill of sale to the applicant or a bill of lading.
- The U.S. Customs receipt in the applicant’s name verifying the vessel cleared customs.
- The original registration fee, any use tax due, and Quagga/Zebra Mussel fees. Refer to Appendix 1F for vessel fees and Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/exemption information.
- A bond may be required if the applicant cannot furnish any of the above. Refer to Chapter 16 for bond requirements.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Issue the CF number and stickers.
- Give the applicant a BOAT 3 booklet.
- Advise them to affix the CF number shown on the receipt to the vessel as shown in the BOAT 3.
- For motorized vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and companion brochure. Advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained the BOAT 3.
Incomplete Applications—The procedures below must be followed:
- Never issue a CF number, sticker, or temporary operating permit on an incomplete application for original registration.
- Return the application to the applicant. Issue a receipt only if fees are submitted.
- Advise the applicant that the application is incomplete and the vessel cannot be berthed or used in the waters of this state until the application is completed, and the vessel is issued a CF number and stickers.
Nonresident Vessel Registration Agencies—Refer to Out-of-State Vessel Registration/Titling Agencies.
Use Tax—Refer to Chapter 4.
Vessel Bond Requirements—Refer to Chapter 23.
Vessel Fees—Refer to Appendix 1F.
24.085 Junk Vessels (VC §9864)
Within 15 days of a vessel being wrecked, dismantled, destroyed, or abandoned, the Certificate of Ownership showing the vessel’s disposition must be submitted to DMV.
24.080 Inboard or Inboard/Outboard (Sterndrive) Emission Certification
Emission regulations established by the Air Resources Board (ARB) require affixed engine emission labels and “hang tags” (temporary engine emission forms for vessels manufactured in 2008 and later with spark-ignition marine inboard or inboard/outboard engines manufactured:
- In 2008 with a rated power output at or below 373 kW (500 h.p.).
- In 1/1/2009 or later, with any rated power output.
Follow the procedures below when an original application for an inboard or inboard/outboard vessel manufactured in 2008 or later is submitted:
| If the Emission Section | And the | Then |
|---|---|---|
| If the Emission SectionBox for the retail seller or the nonretail seller/vessel owner is checked | And theN/A | ThenThe emission certification must be completed and the “hang tag” must be submitted. |
| If the Emission SectionBox for nonresident is checked | And theProof of out-of-state residence, such as the applicant’s name and out-of-state address on the one of the following is submitted: • Out-of-state vessel title/registration card. • A letter of registration verification from the state where formerly registered. • Other vessel ownership documents with applicant as owner or buyer (see Proof of Ownership section in this chapter for other acceptable ownership documents) | ThenThe emission certification must be completed. The engine “hang tag” is not required. |
| If the Emission SectionIs not completed and/or the “hang tag” is not submitted | And the• Applicant states their vessel has a spark-ignition engine manufactured in 2008 with a rated power output over 373 kW (500 hp) • Applicant states their vessel has a spark-ignition engine manufactured before 2008 with any power rating | ThenThe emission certification does not have to be completed, the engine “hang tag” is not required, and the applicant must complete a REG 256 stating one of the following: • The engine was manufactured in 2008 with a rated power output over 373 kW (500 hp). • The manufacture year of the engine (before 2008 only). |
| If the Emission SectionIs not completed and/or the “hang tag” is not submitted, | And the• Customer does not know the power rating or year of the manufacture of the engine • Application is received as a mail or bundle item | ThenForward the application to DMV. |
Note Emission certification and engine “hang tag” submission are not required for vessels that are:
- Not inboard or onboard/outboard (sterndrive).
- Inboard or inboard/outboard built before 2008.
24.075 Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) (VC §§9857, 9871, 9871.5)
The HIN is a unique combination of letters and/or numbers affixed to the vessel. California law requires all registered vessels to have a HIN. Federal regulations effective November 1, 1972, require vessel manufacturers to assign a HIN to each vessel the manufacturer builds. Noncomplying manufacturers will be investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1978, DMV assigned HINs to the vessels without a HIN on DMV records.
Current Manufacturer HIN Format—Since August 1984, a manufacturer’s HIN must consist of a combination of 12 letters and numbers as follows:
| XXX | 12345 | A3 | 93 |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXX3 letters identify the manufacturer’s identification code | 123455 letters or numbers (serial #) | A3Month represented by a letter and year of manufacture or date of certification | 93Last 2 numbers of model year |
1972 to 1984 Manufacturer HIN Formats—HINs were formatted as follows:
| XXX | 12345 | 1280 | X |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXX3 letters identify the manufacturer’s identification code | 123455 letters or numbers (serial #) | 1280Month and year of manufacture or date of certification | XAdditional optional characters for builder’s purpose |
| XXX | 12345 | M | 73E | X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXX3 letters identify the manufacturers’ identification code | 123455 letters or numbers (serial #) | MLetter code indicates information to follow | 73EMonth and year of certification | XAdditional optional characters for builder’s purpose |
Homemade Vessels/Vessels without a Valid HIN (CFZ) Format—The U.S. Coast Guard assigned California a HIN format to use when assigning a HIN to homemade vessels and vessels without a valid number. The HIN must be:
| CFZ | 1234A | H1 | 91 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFZAlways CFZ for California | 1234AFirst 5 characters of the vessel CF number | H1Letter code for month and year of manufacture or year fees paid if year of manufacture is unknown | 91Last 2 digits of the year model or year fees paid if year model is unknown |
If DMV records do not show a HIN but the vessel has a HIN, the following must be submitted:
- The Certificate of Ownership.
- A completed Statement of Facts REG 256 (PDF) showing a HIN.
HIN Assignments—In addition to any other requirements, the following must be submitted:
- The Certificate of Ownership.
- A REG 256 (PDF) stating the vessel does not have a HIN and the name of the builder, if known.
Refer to the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/exemption information.
The procedures below must be followed:
Process as a correction if not submitted with another transaction that the HIN can be changed on.
- Record the assigned HIN on the application.
- Refer fiberglass homemade boats, 15 feet or longer, to a licensed vessel verifier or peace officer for verification.
- Give the applicant an ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3) booklet.
- Instruct the applicant to affix the HIN number as explained in the BOAT 3.
At the owner’s request, a HIN may be assigned for no fee to a vessel which does not have a HIN.
Exceptions—Do not assign a HIN to a vessel:
- That is 1973 or newer vessel which already has less than a 12-character HIN.
- Commercially manufactured after 1972.
- If documentation indicates an existing HIN.
24.070 Historical Vessel Plaques (VC §9853.5)
The owner of a power-driven pleasure craft, constructed of wood prior to December 31, 1942, may obtain a Historical Vessel Plaque for the vessel. The 8 by 16 inch brass plaque is valid for the life of the vessel for which it is issued and cannot be transferred to another vessel. A vessel is not required to be registered or documented for issuance of an Historical Vessel Plaque.
The following must be submitted:
- A completed Application for Historical Vessel Plaque (BOAT 100) form.
- The required fee.
24.065 Fee Exemptions (CVC §9851)
The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is exempt from all vessel fees and replacement/substitute fees. All other exempt agencies are exempt from all vessel fees except replacement/substitute fees.
Vessel Fees—Refer to Appendix 1F.
Use Tax—Refer to Chapter 4.
Refer to the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/ exemption information.
24.060 Replacement Certificate of Ownership (VC §§9853.1, 9867, and 9909)
For a replacement Certificate of Ownership, the following must be submitted:
- An Application for Replacement of Transfer of Title (REG 227) (PDF) form completed by the owner.
- The disposition of the original title must be indicated.
- A mutilated or illegible certificate must be attached to the application.
The following procedures must be followed:
- Verify the application information against the record on file to ensure proper signatures are obtained. Refer to the Unavailable Records section in this chapter if the record is not on file.
- If there is no HIN on the vessel, assign one in accordance with the procedures in HINs section in this chapter.
- Refer to Appendix 1F for vessel fees.
- Process the transaction for no fee when the owner of record indicates on the REG 227 that the original Certificate of Ownership was not received from DMV.
Refer to the Nonreceipt of ELT Record if the REG 227 is submitted by an electronic (ELT) lienholder.
24.055 Replacement Certificate of Number (VC §9867)
For a replacement certificate of number, the following must be submitted:
- An Application for Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156) (PDF) form completed by the owner. A mutilated or illegible certificate of number must be attached to the application.
- The replacement fee and any other fees due.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Verify the database for current registration and ownership.
- Process the transaction for no fee when the owner of record indicates on the REG 156 that the original certificate of number was not received from DMV.
Refer to Appendix 1F for vessel fees.
24.050 Delinquent Property Taxes (VC §§9880 and 9900; CRTC §§227 and 3205; CHNC §503)
DMV will not renew, or transfer title to or interest in (registered or legal owner) a vessel, if notified by a county tax collector that the taxes for a vessel are delinquent. A stop is placed on the vessel registration record to prevent renewal when the taxes are delinquent.
After the delinquent taxes have been paid or the delinquency is otherwise satisfied, the county tax collector will either issue a Vessel Tax Disposition (BOAT 120) form to the vessel owner (to submit to DMV) or update the DMV records and remove the vessel tax hold. The vessel registration can then be renewed.
Motorized Vessels—Issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and companion brochure with every completed renewal transaction. Advise the customer to affix the stickers as explained in the ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3) booklet.
Lien Sale Vessels Valued Over $1500—DMV notifies the lien sale applicant of the outstanding property tax lien and the county that placed the lien.
24.045 Commercial Deep Sea Fishing Vessels
Vessels used 50 percent or more of the time in a commercial deep sea fishing operation outside the territorial waters of California are exempt from use tax. Accept the owner’s Statement of Facts on the back of the Application for Registration Number, Certificate of Ownership, and Certificate of Number for Undocumented Vessel (BOAT 101) (PDF) form regarding operation of the vessel in this manner.