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Register a Boat, Jet Ski or Vessel with the California DMV

Xpress Registrations registers boats, jet skis and other motorized vessels with the California DMV. You send the ownership document (dealer MSO, prior state registration, or the seller’s signed title/registration), the bill of sale, and the hull identification number; we prepare the Application for Vessel Certificate of Number (BOAT 101), calculate the registration fee and any use tax, and file it. The DMV issues the CF number, registration card and stickers. Vessels must be registered within 30 days of purchase or of moving to California.

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What you need to send

The same checklist our staff works from, taken from the DMV requirements for this transaction. Clear phone photos are enough; originals are needed only where noted.

Send what you have

Ownership documentTitle, MSO, registration card, or bill of sale
Photo IDDriver license or state ID
Plate or VINSo we can pull the DMV record

Get your exact DMV total, free

Plate and a phone number is all we need to pull your record. No payment until you see the number.

Licensed DMV business partner. Quote by email within one business day. No card needed.

Who this is for

New boat and PWC owners who bought from a private seller or out of state
Owners who moved to California with a vessel registered elsewhere
Anyone whose vessel registration lapsed and needs it current before launch season

Key facts

Deadline

30 days from purchase, or from bringing a vessel into California for use here.

What needs registering

Any motorized vessel, and sailboats over 8 feet, used on California waters.

Ownership

MSO, out-of-state registration, or the seller’s signed registration/title plus bill of sale.

Result

CF number, registration card, and validation stickers for the hull.

How it works

No line, no appointment, no second trip because one form was wrong.

1Today
Send photos of the ownership document, bill of sale, and the HIN on the transom.
2Within 1 business day
Application prepared, fee + use tax calculated, invoice sent.
3After payment
Filed with the DMV.
4Delivery
CF number and stickers by tracked mail or pickup.

How your documents get back to you

FreePickup at OfficeReady at our Montebello office

$20USPS Priority (tracked)1-3 business days, tracking included

$50USPS Express (tracked)1-2 business days, tracking included

Common questions

Straight answers. If yours is not here, ask us.

Do I have to register a jet ski in California?

Yes. All motorized vessels used on California waters must be registered with the DMV, jet skis and personal watercraft included.

How long do I have to register a boat after buying it?

30 days from the purchase date, or from the date the vessel is brought into California for use.

Do I pay use tax on a used boat?

Use tax is generally due on a private-party vessel purchase at your local rate, calculated on the purchase price.

Other services

Xpress Registrations is not the DMV. We are a licensed private vehicle registration service (a California DMV Business Partner). The services we provide are also available directly from the California DMV without our added service fee. dmv.ca.gov

Ready when you are

Send your photos, get the exact quote free, and pay only if you decide to go ahead.

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