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Boats: Visiting Washington waters

Starting January 1, 2023, vehicle registrations allow the removal of your address. New registrations have your address located on the bottom. There's a dotted line showing where to cut it. This is optional and intended to provide address privacy in case of theft.

Personal Boats (owned by individuals)

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:

  • Is currently registered in another state
  • or
  • 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/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:

Clean your boat before you float

To prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, decontaminate your boat, trailer, and gear before entering Washington. For details, see Aquatic invasive species (Department of Fish and Wildlife).

Personal-owned charter or entity-owned

Personal-owned charter boats are boats used for chartering with a captain or crew. Individual charters must be:

  • for at least 3 or more consecutive days in duration
  • and
  • with a vessel at least 30 feet in length but not more than 200 feet in length.

Entity-owned boats are boats owned by a corporation, LLC, or partnership. They are at least 30 feet in length but not more than 200 feet in length.

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:

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

Visits longer than 60 days

If your vessel is at least 30 feet or not more than 200 feet in length, you must apply for a permit on or before the 60th day of your visit. If your vessel is outside of these lengths, you must either:

How to apply for a permit:

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

2. Visit a Vehicle/Vessel licensing office and provide:

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

Renewing your permit

When your permit expires, you must either:

Related information

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