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How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in Washington

Updated on Fri, 6/3/2011

Most new boats must be registered through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) before they can be sailed. New vessels need to be registered within 60 days of purchase and have to be titled at the time of registration. Registrations are valid for one year.

VESSELS THAT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

  1. Any motorboat (including those using motors as secondary propelling source), with motor power greater than 10hp.
  2. Sailboats longer than sixteen feet.
  3. Boats documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.

VESSELS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

  1. Any boat that is propelled only by oars or paddles.
  2. Any motorboat with motor power less than 10hp and less than 16 feet long, if sailing on non-federal waters.
  3. Non-motorized sailboats less than 16 feet long.
  4. Vessels with a license from the U.S. Customs Service.
  5. A ship's lifeboat.
  6. Boats registered in another country/state and not being used in Washington for more than 60 days.

TO REGISTER IN PERSON

  • You can register a boat in person by visiting your local DOL office.
  • You must bring a completed boat registration application and a boat title application and proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, invoice, previous title and registration, bill of lading, certificate of origin, or out-of-state title along with a sales tax payment proof (in the absence of which you have to pay a use tax).

TO REGISTER BY U.S. MAIL

The boat registration application and proof of ownership can also be mailed to: 
ATTN: Vehicle Licensing
Department of Licensing
Box 9909
Olympia, WA 98507-9909.

FEES

Boat registration fees are dependent on factors like the weight of the vessel and the county of residence. Contact your local DOL office to find out the exact amount of fees when you register your boat for the first time. In addition, vessels registered in Washington are subject to a $4 service charge (payable if the vessel is registered in person at the local DOL office) and an excise tax of 0.5% of the taxable value of the vessel.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION