Visiting Washington waters

Learn the rules for non-residents visiting Washington's waters.

Personal Boats

A personal boat is a boat that an individual person (not a business or government organization) owns.

Visits of 60 days or less

You don't need a permit to be on Washington waters for up to 60 days, as long as your boat either:

  • Is currently registered in another state
  • Has a current U.S. Coast Guard documentation paper

Visits longer than 60 days

If you'll be on Washington waters for more than 60 days, you must apply for a permit on or before the 60th day of your visit.

How to apply for a permit

To apply for a permit, visit a vehicle and boat licensing office and bring along:

  • Your unexpired state boat registration
  • Identification from your state

Renewing your permit

You may renew the permit once for an additional 60 days. When the renewed permit expires, you must either:

Entity-owned vessels and personal-owned charters

Entity-owned boats are:

  • Owned by a corporation, LLC, or partnership
  • Between 30 and 200 feet long

Personal-owned charter boats are:

  • Used for chartering with a captain or crew
  • Between 30 and 200 feet long
  • When chartered for individual engagements, at least three consecutive days long

Visits of 60 days or less

You don't need a permit to be on Washington waters for up to 60 days, as long as your boat either:

  • Is currently registered in another state
  • Has a current U.S. Coast Guard documentation paper

Visits longer than 60 days

Rules for visits over 60 days vary based on the length or your vessel.

Vessels less than 30 or over 200 feet long

If your vessel is less than 30 or over 200 feet long, you must either:

Vessels between 30 and 200 feet long

If your vessel is between 30 and 200 feet in length, you must apply for a permit on or before the 61st day of your visit.

    How to apply for a permit:

    Follow these steps to apply for a Non-Resident Permit

    1. Complete the application form

    Submit a Nonresident Vessel Permit Approval Application to the Department of Revenue (DOR) for approval.

    2. Visit a Vehicle/Vessel licensing office

    Once the DOR approves your application, come to a vehicle and vessel licensing office and bring all of the following with you:

    • The authorized DOR application
    • The date the vessel first entered Washington waters
    • Your unexpired state boat registration
    • Valid identification from your state

    Renewing your permit

    You can only renew your permit once. When your permit expires, you must do one of the following:

    • Apply for a new permit
    • Register your boat in Washington
    • Remove your boat from Washington waters

    Clean your boat before you float

    To prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, you must properly decontaminate your boat, trailer, and gear before entering Washington. Learn more about aquatic invasive species.

    Other resources

    Need additional help? Here's how to contact us:

    call Phone: 360-902-3770
    (TTY: Call 711)
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