Register a boat

When to register your boat

You must title and register your boat in Washington State:

  • Within 60 days of moving to Washington with your boat.
  • Within 15 days of buying the boat, if you live in Washington and bought the boat in another state.

Requirements

When you title and register your boat, you will be required to:

  • present your current out-of-state registration. If your boat is not currently registered in another jurisdiction, please contact your local vehicle licensing office.
  • present the out-of-state title, or if there is a lien holder, a photocopy of the out-of-state title. If you do not have your out-of-state title, contact a vehicle licensing office for instructions on how to apply.
  • complete a Vessel Title Application. (If you purchased your boat at a dealer, this form will be completed for you.)
  • present proof that you paid sales tax on your boat. If you do not have proof that you paid sales tax when you purchased your boat, you will be required to pay use tax.
  • pay all applicable fees.

How to register your boat

  • Visit your local vehicle licensing office. An additional service fee may apply.
  • OR
  • Mail your completed application, documents, and payment to:
    ATTN: Vehicle Licensing
    Department of Licensing
    Box 9909
    Olympia, WA 98507-9909

If you register by mail, you will receive your decals and registration with your assigned registration number (WN#) in the mail. You will also receive Adobe PDF iconVessel Numbering Instructions showing how to properly display your registration number and decals on your boat.

Boats documented with the U.S. Coast Guard

There are special requirements for registering your boat if it is documented with the U.S. Coast Guard. For information, contact your vehicle licensing office.

Visiting Washington State

Visits of 60 days or less

You do NOT need a permit to be on Washington waters for up to 60 days, as long as your vessel:

  • is currently registered in another state.
  • OR
  • has a current U.S. Coast Guard Documentation Paper.

Visits longer than 60 days

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

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

  • your unexpired state vessel registration.
  • AND
  • identification from your state.

You may renew the permit once for an additional 60 days. When the renewed permit expires, you must either register your boat in Washington State or remove your boat from Washington waters.