Boat Title Transfer in California
California requires a Certificate of Title for All motorized vessels. Boat titles in California are processed through the California DMV (Vessel Registration) — not the standard DMV in most cases.
Hull Identification Number (HIN)
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is required on all California boat titles. If the vessel lacks a HIN (pre-1972), California DMV can assign a CA-specific hull ID number.
Required Documents in California
If the vessel was federally documented with the US Coast Guard, you must obtain a "Deletion Letter" from the Coast Guard before California will issue a state title.
US Coast Guard Documentation in California
California-based vessels can be federally documented with the US Coast Guard instead of (or in addition to) state titling. Coast Guard documentation is required for vessels over 5 net tons used in commerce; optional for recreational vessels. Federal documentation does not eliminate state registration requirements.
California has some of the highest annual boat registration fees nationally — based on vessel length with surcharges for boats over 20 and over 30 feet. Budget for $100–$300+ annually for a typical 20–25 foot powerboat.
Boat Title FAQ — California
Yes — California requires a boat title (Certificate of Title) for All motorized vessels. California requires a Certificate of Ownership (title) for all motorized boats regardless of length or value. Non-motorized vessels under 8 feet are exempt.
In California, boat title transfers are handled by the California DMV (Vessel Registration). You need Completed REG 343 (Application for Title or Registration), Signed Vessel Certificate of Ownership (previous title), Bill of sale with hull identification number (HIN). Processing takes 10–30 Business Days. If the vessel was federally documented with the US Coast Guard, you must obtain a "Deletion Letter" from the Coast Guard before California will issue a state title.
Yes — California-based vessels can be federally documented with the US Coast Guard instead of (or in addition to) state titling. Coast Guard documentation is required for vessels over 5 net tons used in commerce; optional for recreational vessels. Federal documentation does not eliminate state registration requirements.
The boat title fee in California is $21 (Certificate of Ownership). The Certificate of Ownership (title) fee is $21. Registration fee is separate and based on vessel length: $20–$78+ annually.
California DMV (Vessel Registration)
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/watercraft-off-highway-vehicle-registration/