{"id":126599,"date":"2023-09-01T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/?p=126599"},"modified":"2024-08-19T16:55:45","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T16:55:45","slug":"boat-registration-guide-washington","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/boat-registration-guide-washington\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Washington Boat Registration"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In Washington, most vessels must be properly registered and titled to legally go out on the water, from personal watercraft to motorized boats. Whether you\u2019re an angler or a floater, make sure your boat is ready to safely and legally <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/boating-in-washington\/\">hit the Washington waters<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s everything you need to know about boat registration in Washington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-430-crop-1024x684.jpeg\" alt=\"A person driving a boat, Washington boat registration concept. \" class=\"wp-image-127127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-430-crop-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-430-crop-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-430-crop-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-430-crop-1536x1026.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-430-crop-1140x761.jpeg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-430-crop.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>How Do I Know if My Boat Needs to Be Registered?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the State of Washington, most boats require a title, a registration card, and registration decals to be legally navigated, operated, employed, or moored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, before taking your boat out for the first time, make sure it meets these requirements \u2014 or you&#8217;ll risk facing penalties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>What Boats Are Exempt From Boat Registration and Titling in Washington?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All boats that go out on Washington waters <a href=\"https:\/\/boat.wa.gov\/boating\/registration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">must be registered<\/a> and titled with the <a href=\"https:\/\/dol.wa.gov\/vehicles-and-boats\/vehicle-registration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Washington Department of Licensing<\/a>, with these exceptions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Human-powered vessels, like canoes, kayaks, or other vessels (with no motor)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boats less than 16 feet with a motor of 10 horsepower or less that is never operated on federal waters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boats owned and operated by a resident of another state or country, as long as they\u2019re only used on Washington waters for 60 days or less<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Military vessels, public vessels of the United States or American Red Cross, and vessels owned by a state, county, or city used for governmental purposes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vessels registered in another state for up to 60 days<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/us\/washington\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"926\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/blog-banner-ad-Washington@1x.png\" alt=\"An infographic highlighting BOATsmart!'s Washing state boating course. \" class=\"wp-image-126610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/blog-banner-ad-Washington@1x.png 926w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/blog-banner-ad-Washington@1x-300x130.png 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/blog-banner-ad-Washington@1x-768x332.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 926px) 100vw, 926px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2><strong>How Do I Register and Title My Boat in the State of Washington?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/top-4-boating-hotspots-washington-state\/\">In Washington State<\/a>, you must register and title your boat within 60 days of moving to Washington or 15 days if you\u2019re already a Washington resident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To title and register your boat, you\u2019ll complete the application and present the required documents and fees to go through the process. You\u2019ll need the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>A completed, signed, and notarized<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.wa.gov\/forms\/420289.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Vessel Title Application<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of ownership (Manufacturer\u2019s Statement of Origin, current out-of-state registration, out-of-state title, or another option approved by the Washington Department of Licensing)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of sales tax paid on the boat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A check or money order made payable to the Department of Licensing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can submit your application in person at your local <a href=\"https:\/\/fortress.wa.gov\/dol\/dolprod\/vehoffices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">vehicle and boat licensing office<\/a>, or you can submit your application materials by mail to any vehicle and boat licensing office. In Washington State, registration must be <a href=\"https:\/\/dor.wa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/legacy\/Docs\/Pubs\/WatercraftVesselTax\/BoatBroc.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">renewed annually<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>How Much Does Washington Boat Registration and Titling Cost?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The fees for titling and registering your boat in Washington State can be <a href=\"https:\/\/fortress.wa.gov\/dol\/extdriveses\/NoLogon\/_\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">estimated here<\/a>, and some of the following fees are required, depending on your vessel. For more details, visit the Washington State Legislature website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These fees are effective until January 1, 2029. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>FEE<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>AMOUNT<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>AUTHORITY<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Temporary permit (Dealer)<\/td><td>$5.00<\/td><td>RCW\u00a0 88.02.800(2)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Removal surcharge (derelict vessel)<\/td><td>$1.00<\/td><td>Subsection (4) of this section<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Duplicate certificate of title<\/td><td>$1.25<\/td><td>RCW\u00a0 88.02.530(1)(c)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Duplicate registration<\/td><td>$1.25<\/td><td>RCW\u00a0 88.02.590(1)(c)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Quick title service<\/td><td>$50.00<\/td><td>RCW\u00a0 88.02.540(3)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Registration<\/td><td>$10.50<\/td><td>RCW\u00a0 88.02.560(2)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Replacement decal<\/td><td>$1.25<\/td><td>RCW\u00a0 88.02.595(1)(c)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Title application<\/td><td>$5.00<\/td><td>RCW\u00a0 88.02.515<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Transfer<\/td><td>$1.00<\/td><td>RCW\u00a0 88.02.560(7)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Permit (vessel visitor)<\/td><td>$30.00<\/td><td>RCW \u00a088.02.610(3)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For more details, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.leg.wa.gov\/rcw\/default.aspx?cite=88.02.640\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Washington State Legislature website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/01\/AlbertaLicenseHero-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"People enjoying a boat on the water, register your boat in Washington state concept. \" class=\"wp-image-126850\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/01\/AlbertaLicenseHero-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/01\/AlbertaLicenseHero-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/01\/AlbertaLicenseHero-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/01\/AlbertaLicenseHero-1140x758.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/01\/AlbertaLicenseHero.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>How Do I Transfer Boat Ownership to My New Boat?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Washington, state law requires that the seller tell the Department of Licensing within five days of the sale by completing and mailing the Vessel Report of Sale or reporting the sale online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To transfer boat ownership in Washington, you\u2019ll need proof of sale, proof of ownership, a Vessel Title Application, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.wa.gov\/forms\/420162.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vessel Data\/Use Tax<\/a> form. Contact your local vehicle and boat licensing office to verify your steps and follow their directions for submitting your transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Will I Need to Take a Boater Safety Education Course?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Washington State requires every boater operating a personal watercraft or boat powered by a 15 hp motor or more to obtain a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/us\/washington\/\">Boater Education Card<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get your Boater Education Card, you\u2019ll complete a course like BOATsmart!\u2019s, which is action and info-packed, perfect for all skill levels, and designed to engage and educate boaters. With BOATsmart!, you can take your boating safety course on your own time \u2014 and trust that you\u2019ll pass the Washington Boating Safety Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>What Else Do I Need to Know About Boat Registration in Washington?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you own a boat, you must <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.wa.gov\/forms\/420082.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">display your boat registration numbers<\/a> on both sides of your bow. The numbers must be in block numbers at least three inches high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/BCBoating1-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Boaters jumping from a boat into the water while wearing life jackets, boat registration concept. \" class=\"wp-image-126491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/BCBoating1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/BCBoating1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/BCBoating1-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/BCBoating1-1140x758.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/BCBoating1.jpg 1353w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>Register Your Boat and Boat Safely in Washington State!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most boats must be registered and titled in Washington State, so keep up with the necessary rules and regulations to stay legal, safe, and covered on Washington waters. There\u2019s nothing as fun as a boat day on the lake \u2014 especially one where you\u2019re safe, registered, and happy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/us\/\">use BOATsmart!<\/a> as your boating safety friend, and have fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Originally published in September 2021. Content most recently reviewed and updated August 19, 2024. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Washington, most vessels must be properly registered and titled to legally go out on the water, from personal watercraft&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":126601,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[701,663],"tags":[888,925,736,936,834],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v14.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>A Guide to Washington Boat Registration - BOATsmart! 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