24.135 Revived Junk Vessels

To revive a junk vessel, the following must be submitted:

• A completed Application for Registration Number, Certificate of Ownership, and Certificate of Number for Undocumented Vessel (BOAT 101 (PDF)).
• A bill of sale from the person who reported the vessel junked and any other bills of sale needed to establish a complete chain of ownership from that person to the applicant.

Note A bond may be required if a complete chain of ownership cannot be provided. Refer to Chapter 23 for bond requirements.

• A Statement of Facts REG 256 (PDF) stating the condition of the vessel.
• A pencil tracing of the HIN. If there is no HIN on the vessel, have the applicant explain that on a REG 256.
• The original registration and Quagga/Zebra Mussel fees.

Refer to the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/exemption information.

The procedures below must be followed:

• Issue a new CF number and stickers.
• Give the applicant an ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3) booklet.
• Advise them to affix the CF number shown on the receipt must be affixed to the vessel as described in the BOAT 3.
• Assign a HIN according to the procedures in this chapter.
• For motorized vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and companion brochure. Advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained in the BOAT 3.
  

24.130 Renewals (VC §§9860, 9861, and 9863)

Vessel registration (certificate of number) expires on December 31 of every odd-numbered year and must be renewed on or before midnight of that date to avoid a 50 percent penalty fee. A REG 102 form is not acceptable for vessels. The vessel must be located in California to be renewed.

Motorized Vessels—Issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and the companion brochure with every completed renewal transaction and advise the customer to affix the stickers as explained in the ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3) booklet.

Billing Notices—Vessel owners are mailed a billing notice with a return envelope to mail the renewal fees due to DMV Renewal, PO Box 942897, Sacramento, CA 94297-0897. Billing notices and renewal fees are to be mailed to DMV headquarters.

The biennial renewal fee is due in addition to any other fees due on original/transfer applications submitted within 30 days of the expiration date. The fees due for original applications submitted on or after January 1 of the expiration year are the original registration fee and 50 percent of the biennial renewal fee. Refer to Appendix 1F for vessel fees and Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/exemption information.

• The situs (principal location of the vessel) must be corrected/changed if the vessel has been moved.
• If a change of address is noted on the billing notice, be sure the lower portion of the notice is corrected and that the new address is entered on the RO/LO screen.
• When a change of legal owner is noted on the billing notice, process the renewal without correction and enclose an Instruction to Record of Change or Correction (REG 3117) form with the new certificate of number (the properly endorsed Certificate of Ownership is required to record a change of registered or legal owner and the item is processed as a clearing transfer with renewal).

Fee-Exempt Vessel Renewals—Fee-exempt renewals are processed the same as regular renewals except no fees are due. Fee-exempt vessels are identified by the two-letter suffix in the CF number as follows:

LC = Government-owned livery.

XS = Owned by federal government.

XS = State-owned.

YB = Owned by a youth group (VC §9870).

XC = Owned by a city, county, district, or other municipality.

Note If a fee-exempt billing notice is received with an LC series CF number (government-owned livery) and the registered owner is a private party, collect the renewal fee, assign a new CF number, and send clearing.

Dealer and Manufacturer Renewals—A new application and fee must be submitted for a dealer or manufacturer vessel number not renewed prior to midnight of the expiration date. A Certificate of Nonoperation (CNO) is not acceptable.

24.125 Reclassifications of Vessel Class

A new vessel class and date of purchase is established with each registered owner transfer based on the new owner’s purchase price and date which must be entered on the application. The new vessel class is based on the current value of the vessel if the new owner received it as a gift.

24.120 Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee (VC §§9851, 9853, 9860, and 9863 and CHNC §675)

The Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Fee (Mussel fee) is due for vessels used in fresh water. Vessels not required to be registered in California and the following registered vessels are exempt from the fee:

• Vessels used only in marine waters.
• Annual exempt youth group (type license [TL] V6).
• Annual exempt government (TL V7).
• CF numbers issued to dealers (TL V3).
• CF numbers issued to manufacturers (TL V4).

Mussel Fee Paid Sticker

The Mussel Fee Paid sticker must be attached to the vessel as evidence of payment of the Mussel Fee. The Mussel Fee Paid sticker allows the vessel to be operated in all waters of the state, unless expressly prohibited. Vessels that are exempt from the fee are not required to display the sticker.

Mussel Fee Paid Sticker Issuance

The Mussel Fee may be paid at any time and processed as a separate transaction Mussel Fee Sticker Request – California DMV.

Vessel owners using the online Vehicle Registration Internet Renewal (VRIR) application will no longer include the Mussel Fee sticker as part of the vessel renewal. Instead, vessel owners will be able to purchase the Mussel Fee sticker as a separate item using the new online Quagga Sticker Request application. The Mussel Fee sticker will be mailed separately from their vessel registration.

The vessel registration renewal notice no longer displays the Mussel Fee, there is no option to purchase a Mussel Fee sticker via the renewal notice. Vessel registration renewal notices will direct customers to the online Quagga Sticker Request application to purchase Mussel Fee stickers separately.

Note The option to purchase Mussel stickers with vessel renewal via the telephone Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system has been disabled and Business partners in the BPA program will no longer issue Mussel stickers.

24.115 Proof of Ownership (CCR §190.02 and VC §9852)

The following are acceptable as proof of vessel ownership:

• A properly endorsed California Certificate of Ownership or out-of-state title.
• A bill of sale or certificate of sale with the vessel description, buyer’s name and address, legal owner (if any), location and date of sale, and seller’s signature.
• A certificate of origin, bill of lading, or invoice from a dealer for original registration applications of vessels obtained through the dealer’s inventory.

Note The Arizona Certificate of Number is proof of ownership in Arizona. Arizona does not title vessels, but does collect other state titles upon vessel registration in Arizona.

24.110 Out-of-State Vessel Registration/Titling Agencies

Other State Agencies—Title-issuing states unless otherwise indicated.

24.105 Original Vessel Registrations (VC §9852)

California must be the state of principal use shown on an application for California vessel registration. Do not accept an application if California is not the state of principal use or if the vessel is located out of state (Federal Title 33 §173.33.c).

The following must be submitted:

• A completed Application for Registration Number, Certificate of Ownership, and Certificate of Number for Undocumented Vessel (BOAT 101 (PDF)). The Certificate of Sale section must be completed if the seller is a dealer or builder/manufacturer, or when used as a bill of sale to establish the chain of ownership.
• The manufacturer’s certificate of origin, original factory invoice or original or certified copy of the sales agreement in the same name(s) as shown on the BOAT 101, marked “PAID,” and countersigned.
• The original registration and Quagga/Zebra Mussel fees. The fee must be paid upon purchase, prior to operation on the waters of this state.

Refer to Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/exemption information.

Note A Lien Satisfied/Legal Owner/Title Holder Release (REG 166 (PDF)) is required if a legal owner/lienholder is shown on the sales agreement, but not on the BOAT 101 (PDF).

A bond may be required if proof of ownership cannot be provided.

The procedures below must be followed:

• Refer to Hull Identification Numbers (HINs) section in this chapter if assignment of a HIN is necessary.
• Determine whether tax is due using the following chart:

If the Dealer/Manufacturer	You Must
If the Dealer/ManufacturerDoes not have a Seller’s Permit number	You MustCollect the use tax due.
If the Dealer/ManufacturerEnters the Seller’s Permit number on the BOAT 101	You Must• Not collect use tax. • Collect a Vessel Dealer or Manufacturer’s Sale Tax Certification (BOAT 110) and place is as the last document in the application.

Note If an applicant claims use tax was paid to the dealer/manufacturer, obtain a Statement of Facts REG 256 (PDF) and place it as the last document in the application.

• Issue the CF number and stickers.
• Give the applicant an ABCs of California Boating (BOAT) booklet.
• Advise them to affix the CF number shown on the receipt to the vessel as shown in the BOAT 3.
• For motorized vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and the companion brochure. Advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained in the BOAT 3.

Homemade Vessels (VC §9852)—The following must be submitted:

• A completed BOAT 101 the Statement of Applicant section must be completed.

If the Applicant Is	Then
If the Applicant IsThe builder	Then• Receipts for the vessel construction materials must be presented. NOTE: A bill of sale showing “paid in full” is required for any individual component part costing $2,000 or more.
If the Applicant IsNot the builder	ThenAny bills of sale needed to establish a complete chain of ownership must be submitted with the BOAT 101.

Note A bond may be required if receipts or bills of sale for all component parts are not available. Refer to Chapter 23 for bond requirements.

The original registration and Quagga/Zebra Mussel fees. Use tax is due if the vessel was acquired from other than the builder. Refer to Appendix 1F for vessel fees.

The procedures below must be followed:

• Run an adding machine tape total on any vessel construction material receipts submitted, initial, and attach it to the BOAT 101 (PDF).
• Return the receipts to the applicant.
• Issue the CF number and stickers.
• Give the applicant a BOAT 3 booklet.
• Advise them to affix the CF number shown on the receipt must be affixed to the vessel as described in the BOAT 3.
• For motorized vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and companion brochure. Advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained in the BOAT 3.

Incomplete Applications—The procedures below must be followed:

• Never issue a CF number, sticker, or temporary operating permit on an incomplete original vessel registration application.
• Return the application to the customer.
• Advise the applicant that vessel cannot be berthed or used in the waters of this state until the application is complete and the vessel is issued a CF number and stickers.

Commercial Vessels—For a vessel over 30 feet in length, the following must be submitted:

• A letter from the U.S. Coast Guard stating the vessel is not required to be documented.

The procedures below must be followed:

If “COMMERCIAL” is circled under “Use” on the BOAT 101: Assign a commercial pleasure CF number. “COMMERCIAL” will be printed on the certificates issued for the vessel.

Commercial Deep Sea Fishing Vessels—Refer to the Commercial Deep Sea Fishing Vessels section in this chapter.

Nonresident Military Personnel—Vessels cannot be registered as nonresident military (NRM). Refer to the Nonresident Vessel Registrations section in this chapter.

Vessel/Trailer Combination Sales—When only one document, such as a bill of sale, is submitted to establish ownership for a vessel and trailer combination, the procedures below must be followed:

• Retain the document with the trailer application.
• Record the trailer license plate number on the top document of the vessel application.
• In the Proof of Ownership section on the back of the BOAT 101, write:
  • The name of document submitted, “OK,” and your initials.
  • The purchase price/market value of the vessel only and your initials.

24.100 Old Vessel Certificates

Process vessel applications with old certificates and a vessel record as follows:

If a Vessel Record Is	And old Certificates Are	You Must
If a Vessel Record Is On file	And old Certificates Are Presented	You Must Process as usual.
If a Vessel Record Is Not on file	And old Certificates Are Presented and the certificate of number is more than three years old	You Must Pick up the title or a completed Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title REG 227.

Note Photocopies of old certificates are not acceptable. When original certificates are not available, process the transaction as an unavailable records. Refer to the Unavailable Records section in this chapter for the unavailable records procedure.

24.095 Notice of Sale of Vessel Registrations (VC §9911)

The seller of a vessel must notify DMV of the sale within five calendar days by submitting a Notice of Release of Liability (REG 138) (PDF) form by mail or online. The REG 138 must be forwarded directly to DMV or auto club, not to a dealer or vessel agent (CVC §9905). Auto clubs are authorized agents for DMV.

24.090 Nonresident Vessels (VC §§9854, 9873; CRTC §6248)

California vessel registration is required within 120 days of the date of entry into California if the state of principal use changes from another state to California. Penalties are due if the registration is applied for after 120 days has passed from date of entry. Use tax is due on vessels brought into California within 12 months of the purchase date. Refer to Chapter 4 for use tax information.

Note A California-registered vessel that is registered in another state and returns, is issued a new CF number upon reregistration in California. If available, attach the old California title to the application. Fees are due prior to first use in California.

Title State Requirements (VC §9852)—The following must be submitted:

• A completed BOAT 101 (PDF).
• Proof of ownership. Nontransferable (Goldenrod) registration cannot be issued for vessels: vessels must be titled. The following are acceptable as proof of vessel ownership:
  • The out-of-state title in the applicant’s name or properly endorsed for transfer and signed by the applicant. A bill of sale is acceptable in lieu of the seller’s signature on the title. (Refer to the Lost Out-of-State Title section, if applicable.)
  • The original or certified copy of a conditional sales contract or security interest showing the purchaser and lienholder names, marked “paid”, and countersigned.
• Bills of sale needed to complete the chain of ownership.
• The original registration and Quagga/Zebra Mussel fees.

Refer to the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/exemption information.

The procedures below must be followed:

• Do not ask an applicant who submits an Arizona Certificate of Number for a letter verifying surrender of the title. Evidence of ownership is the Arizona Certificate of Number. Arizona will not provide a letter.
• Issue the CF number and stickers.
• Give the applicant an ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3) booklet.
• Advise them to affix the CF number shown on the receipt to the vessel as shown in the BOAT 3.

Note The U.S. Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act does not apply to vessels. Vessels cannot be registered as “nonresident military” (NRM).

• For motorized vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and companion brochure. Advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained in the BOAT 3.
• Process as clearing unless a lienholder holds the title, then send the application to the appropriate Registration Processing Unit (RPU) in DMV headquarters. The RPU will write for the title.

Lost Out-of-State Title—In addition to the items shown above, the following must be submitted:

• A Statement of Facts REG 256 (PDF) completed by the applicant which certifies that the original title is lost, and states the name of the person from whom the vessel was acquired, value of the vessel, and there are no liens or encumbrances against the vessel.
• A bond if the vessel value is $2,000 or more. Refer to Chapter 23 for bond requirements.
• The last issued certificate of number or a letter verifying the registration information from the state that last registered the vessel.

The procedures below must be followed:

• Do not ask for a letter verifying surrender of title if an Arizona Certificate of Number is submitted. Evidence of ownership is the Arizona Certificate of Number: Arizona will not provide a letter.

Nontitle State Requirements (VC §9852)—The following must be submitted:

• A completed BOAT 101 (PDF). The Statement of Applicant section must be completed.
• The out-of-state certificate of number (vessel registration card).
• If the applicant is not the owner shown on the certificate of number, a bill of sale or the Certificate of Sale (on the BOAT 101) completed by the owner of record to the applicant.
• If a certificate of number has never been issued, one of the following forms of evidence of ownership:
  • A bill of sale or dealer invoice that shows no lien and is marked “paid in full.”
  • The original or certified copy of a Conditional Sales Contract that shows the same legal owner indicated on the application or is stamped or marked “paid” and countersigned. A Lien Satisfied/Legal Owner/Title Holder Release (REG 166) (PDF) form is required if a legal owner is indicated on the Conditional Sales Contract and is not shown on the BOAT 101.
  • An out-of-state title or a letter verifying surrender of the title from another state. A letter is not needed if the applicant explains the surrender of the title on a REG 256 required below.
• A REG 256 (PDF) from the owner stating the vessel is free of all liens other than shown on the application.

Note A bond may be required if the applicant cannot furnish any of the above and the vessel is valued at $2,000 or more. Refer to Chapter 23 for bond requirements.

• The original registration, any use tax due, and Quagga/Zebra Mussel fees. Refer to Appendix 1F for vessel fees and Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/exemption information.
• Do not ask an applicant who submits an Arizona Certificate of Number to contact Arizona for a letter verifying surrender of title. Evidence of ownership is the Arizona Certificate of Number: Arizona does not provide a letter.
• Issue the CF number and stickers.
• Give the applicant a BOAT 3 booklet.
• Advise them to affix the CF number shown on the receipt to the vessel as shown in the BOAT 3.
• For motorized vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and companion brochure. Advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained in the BOAT 3.

Vessels Imported from a Foreign Country (Other Than Dealer Imports) for an Individual’s use—The following must be submitted:

• A completed BOAT 101 (PDF).
• Foreign documents which describe the vessel and are in the name of the applicant. This may be a bill of sale to the applicant or a bill of lading.
• The U.S. Customs receipt in the applicant’s name verifying the vessel cleared customs.
• The original registration fee, any use tax due, and Quagga/Zebra Mussel fees. Refer to Appendix 1F for vessel fees and Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/exemption information.
• A bond may be required if the applicant cannot furnish any of the above. Refer to Chapter 16 for bond requirements.

The procedures below must be followed:

• Issue the CF number and stickers.
• Give the applicant a BOAT 3 booklet.
• Advise them to affix the CF number shown on the receipt to the vessel as shown in the BOAT 3.
• For motorized vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and companion brochure. Advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained the BOAT 3.

Incomplete Applications—The procedures below must be followed:

• Never issue a CF number, sticker, or temporary operating permit on an incomplete application for original registration.
• Return the application to the applicant. Issue a receipt only if fees are submitted.
• Advise the applicant that the application is incomplete and the vessel cannot be berthed or used in the waters of this state until the application is completed, and the vessel is issued a CF number and stickers.

Nonresident Vessel Registration Agencies—Refer to Out-of-State Vessel Registration/Titling Agencies.

Use Tax—Refer to Chapter 4.

Vessel Bond Requirements—Refer to Chapter 23.

Vessel Fees—Refer to Appendix 1F.