Unless specifically exempt (see below), you must meet all Washington state registration requirements when using a documented boat on Washington waters. This means:
If your boat is registered with the U.S. Coast Guard, you must meet special registration requirements. Learn more about the requirements for documented boats .
If you use your boat exclusively for commercial fishing, you must register it with the Washington State Department of Revenue.
To title and register your boat in Washington:
Gather all of the following:
Complete the Vessel Title Application on white paper. If you bought the boat at a dealership, they'll complete this form for you.
If your boat isn't currently registered in another jurisdiction, please contact a vehicle and boat licensing office for instructions.
If you don't have proof that you paid sales tax when you purchased it, you may need to pay use tax when titling/registering your boat.
If your boat is more than 35 feet long and more than 40 years old, you must present proof of marine insurance when you transfer the title into your name or register it for the first time. You only have to do this once.
You may provide more than one policy to meet all of the following requirements. The insurance policy (or policies) must:
Contact a vehicle and boat licensing office if you have questions about whether your policy meets the requirements.
Bring a check or money order payable to the Department of Licensing. Some vehicle licensing offices may take card payments, but many do not. Check with your local vehicle licensing office for details. Calculate your boat registration fees.
You can submit your paperwork and the required fees in person at a vehicle and boat licensing office or by mail.
When you've registered your boat, you'll get your registration and a set of decals with the assigned registration number (WN#). You'll also get Vessel Registration Number Instructions showing how to properly display the registration number and decals on your boat.
If you register by mail, you'll get them in the mail. If you register at an office, the licensing agent will give them to you before you leave.
If your boat is registered in another state, you are exempt for the first 60 days you are on Washington waters. On or before the 61st day of use on Washington state waters, you (or the owner) must obtain a nonresident boat temporary license plate as required by law.
If the boat's primary place of use changes to Washington, you must register it in Washington.
If you have a US Customs Service Cruising License or if your boat is registered in another country, you are exempt for the first 60 days you are on Washington waters.
On or before the 61st day of use on Washington waters, you (or the owner) must obtain a boat visitor temporary license plate.
If you live out of state and your boat is on Washington waters for repairs, alterations, or reconstruction:
Note: An employee of the repair facility providing these services must be on board the boat during any testing.
If you moor your boat over 30 days, you must give your moorage provider one of the following:
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 (Department of Fish and Wildlife).