24.035 Change From Documented To Undocumented
For a vessel released from documentation, the following must be submitted:
- The original registration requirements listed in the Original Vessel Registration section in this chapter.
- The release from documentation letter issued to the vessel owner by the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Any bill(s) of sale necessary to establish a complete chain of ownership from the owner named in the release letter.
- A new CF number must be issued (even to a previously undocumented vessel).
Replacing a Lost Release from Documentation Letter—If the release from documentation letter is lost, the owner may request a replacement by providing the name of the vessel, name of the last documented owner, and document number, if known. Requests may be sent to:
National Vessel Documentation Center
792 TJ Jackson Dr.
Falling Waters, WV 25419
Telephone: 1-800-799-8362 (7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST)
24.030 Change or Correction of Vessel Description
When the vessel certificates do not properly describe the vessel, whether through error or actual changes to the vessel, the following must be submitted:
- The Certificate of Ownership.
- A Statement of Facts REG 256 (PDF) from the vessel owner explaining the corrections needed.
- Fees due.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Line through the incorrect information on the Certificate of Ownership.
- Key the correct information.
- If the vessel does not have a valid hull identification number (HIN), correct the HIN to match the HIN on the database.
Note Certificates of Ownership exist which do not reflect the HIN on DMV records because the title was not returned in 1978 when HINs were assigned to vessels without a number.
- Process complete applications as clearing.
24.025 Change or Correction of Name
To change or correct a name, the following must be submitted:
- The Certificate of Ownership with the owner’s new name and the name and address of the lienholder/legal owner, if any, entered on the back. A signature is not required.
- A Statement of Facts REG 256 (PDF) with Section F—Name Statement completed showing a change or correction of name.
Process the application as a clearing transaction unless special handling by DMV headquarters would otherwise be required.
24.020 Change or Correction of Address (VC §9865)
The Certificate of Ownership and/or the certificate of number are not required to change or correct an address. If a change of address or vessel location occurs, the owner must:
- Notify DMV within 15 days by submitting a completed Notice of Change of Address (DMV 14) form to DMV by mail or online.
- Line out the old address and enter the new address on the certificate of number. New certificates are not issued.
24.015 California-Assigned Vessel Numbers (CF) (VC §9857)
A permanent registration number (CF number) is assigned upon registration of undocumented vessels in California. In accordance with the national vessel registration system, the registration number consists of the letters CF, four numbers, and a two-letter suffix (for example, CF 1234 AB).
Note The letters I, O, and Q will not be issued for any CF numbers.
Pleasure CF Numbers are:
- Not reserved as special numbers.
- Issued by field offices and vessel agents to pleasure and commercial vessels.
See the Original Vessel Registration and Nonresident Vessel Registration sections in this chapter for application procedures.
Special CF Numbers (CCR §190.08) are:
- Reserved for issuance to Livery for hire (rental) boats, fee-exempt vessels, city/county-owned livery boats, dealers, manufacturers, and special use.
- Issued only by the Vessel Section of Registration Processing Unit (RPU) II in DMV headquarters.
- Available to vessel agents who call the Vessel Section in RPU II.
| Alpha Suffix | Is Reserved for Issuance to |
|---|---|
| Alpha SuffixDA–DZ | Is Reserved for Issuance toVessel dealers. |
| Alpha SuffixLA, LB, LD, LE | Is Reserved for Issuance toLivery (rental) boats and boats carrying paying passengers. |
| Alpha SuffixLC | Is Reserved for Issuance toLivery boats owned by a city or county (fee exempt). |
| Alpha SuffixMA–MY | Is Reserved for Issuance toVessel manufacturers. |
| Alpha SuffixMZ | Is Reserved for Issuance toSpecial use vessels other than dealers or manufacturers. |
| Alpha SuffixXC | Is Reserved for Issuance toVessels owned by a city, county, district, or municipality (fee exempt). |
| Alpha SuffixXF | Is Reserved for Issuance toVessels owned by the federal government (fee exempt). |
| Alpha SuffixXS | Is Reserved for Issuance toVessels owned by the State (fee exempt). |
| Alpha SuffixYB | Is Reserved for Issuance toVessels owned by certain youth groups (fee exempt). |
Livery and For Hire (Rental) Boats—The following must be submitted:
- A completed Application for Registration Number, Certificate of Ownership, and Certificate of Number for Undocumented Vessel (PDF)(BOAT 101 (PDF)).
- Appropriate proof of ownership. Refer to the Proof of Ownership section in this chapter.
- The original registration fee and use tax, if due. For use tax exemption, the Statement of Applicant in SECTION 6 of the BOAT 101 must be completed by the applicant.
Annual-Exempt Vessels and City/County-Owned Livery Boats—The following must be submitted:
- A completed BOAT 101 (PDF).
- For youth group vessels, SECTION 8— SPECIAL USE CF NUMBERS on the BOAT 101 must be completed to verify the organization’s purpose and be signed by the person in charge of the group.
Refer to Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee section in this chapter for additional/ exemption information.
Dealers and Manufacturers—Boat dealers and manufacturers may secure a special number for the purpose of demonstrating or testing unregistered vessels. The number must not be permanently-affixed to any vessel and is not transferable. The following must be submitted:
- A completed Application for Boat Registration Number Dealer-Manufacturer (BOAT 101A) form.
- “Dealer” or “Manufacturer” must be checked.
- The applicant’s Board of Equalization (BE) account (permit) number must be shown.
- The original registration fee (December applications must include the renewal fee).
Important Dealers and Manufacturers Vessel Number Renewals—A new application and registration fee must be submitted for any dealer or manufacturer vessel number not renewed prior to midnight of the expiration date. A Certificate of Non-Operation (REG 102) (PDF) form is not acceptable.
Special Use Vessels—Special use vessel applications are handled the same as dealer/manufacturer applications. An example of “special use” would be a marina borrowing vessels from vessel manufacturers throughout the United States for use in movie productions and returning the vessels to the manufacturers at the end of filming.
The following must be submitted:
- A completed BOAT 101 (PDF).
- A REG 256 (PDF) from the applicant stating where the vessel was obtained, the purpose and location of operation, approximately how long the vessel will be operated, and disposition of the vessel when the special use ends.
- The fee due.
Transfer of Special CF Numbers
Livery and fee-exempt special numbers cannot be transferred unless the new owner qualifies for the same kind of special number. The LC series cannot be transferred to a nongovernmental livery operator. The qualified buyer must submit:
- A REG 256 (PDF) explaining the qualifications of the business, agency, or youth group for the special number.
- A REG 256 for a vessel used “for hire” (passengers or property) when a use tax exemption is claimed.
Note Exempt vessels transferred between federal agencies or between state agencies are not subject to use tax.
Transfer from Special to Pleasure CF Number—A pleasure number must be issued when a livery or fee-exempt vessel is transferred to an owner not qualified for the special number. In addition to other transfer requirements, the following must be submitted:
- A REG 256 (PDF) stating the vessel will be used for pleasure only.
- The renewal fee if the former owner was fee exempt.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Change the type license (TL) code to V1.
- Issue a pleasure CF number.
- Issue the BOAT 3 booklet.
- Instruct the owner to remove the old number from the vessel and apply the new number as shown in the BOAT 3.
- For Motorized Vessels, issue one set of Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and companion brochure and advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained in the BOAT 3.
Vessel Fees—Refer to Appendix 1F.
Use Tax—Refer to Chapter 4.
24.010 Amphibious Vehicle/Vessel Dual Registration (VC §9872.5)
A vehicle/vessel combination that will be operated on or off highway and on the water must be registered for on-highway or off-highway vehicle use and registered as a vessel. DMV issues a vehicle certificate of title and registration card and a vessel certificate of number (vessel registration) for these. Two applications are required for original vehicle/vessel dual registration as follows.
Vehicle Application (process first)—The following must be submitted:
- The usual on or off-highway vehicle (OHV) registration documents (including a smog certification when appropriate).
- The fees due.
- Issue the appropriate license plates and stickers.
Vessel Application (process second)—The following must be submitted:
- A completed Application for Registration Number, Certificate of Ownership, and Certificate of Number for Undocumented Vessel (BOAT 101) (PDF) form.
- The original vessel registration fee.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Record the vehicle license number in the upper-left corner of the vessel application face document.
- Issue the CF number and stickers.
- Give the applicant an ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3) booklet and advise them that the CF number on the receipt and stickers must be affixed to the vessel as explained in the BOAT 3.
- For motorized vessels, issue one set of the Vessel Carbon Monoxide Warning Stickers and companion brochure. Advise the applicant to affix the stickers as explained in the BOAT 3.
- Record the CF number in the upper-left corner of the vehicle application face document.
- Advise the applicant that the vehicle/vessel combination will have two separate expiration dates.
Transfer of Amphibious Vehicle/Vessels with Dual Registration require separate applications as described below:
Vehicle (on or off-highway)—In addition to the usual vehicle transfer requirements, the procedures below must be followed:
Vessel—In addition to the usual vessel transfer requirements:
- Enter the vehicle license number in upper-left corner of the Certificate of Number.
- Give the applicant the BOAT 3 booklet.
- 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.
Transfer and Conversion from Dual Registration to Vessel Only—The following must be submitted:
- A completed BOAT 101 (PDF).
- The properly endorsed Certificate of Title and supporting documents.
- A Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) form completed by the applicant stating the amphibian will not be used on or off-highway.
The procedures below must be followed:
- Pick up and destroy the license plates.
- Process the application as clearing.
- Give the applicant a BOAT 3 booklet.
- 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.
Transfer and Conversion from Dual Registration to Vehicle Only—The following must be submitted:
- The properly endorsed Certificate of Title and supporting transfer documents.
- A REG 256 (PDF) stating the amphibian vehicle/vessel will no longer be used on the waters of this state and the registration has been converted and the operating indicia was picked up and destroyed or was instructed to remove the license plates and destroyed.
- Instruct the applicant to remove the CF number from the amphibian.
- Pick up and destroy the operating indicia or instruct the applicant to remove the CF number from the amphibian.
- Send the REG 256 separate from the application to the appropriate Registration Processing Unit (RPU) in DMV headquarters to prevent future billing notices or revenue collection letters from being generated.
24.005 ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3) (CHNC §651.5)
The Federal Boating Act requires DMV to issue the ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3) booklet, published by California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) to each applicant upon original registration or transfer of a vessel in California to ensure that new owners of vessels are informed of current vessel safety and registration information.
The BOAT 3 may be obtained through the normal supply requisition process and is available on the internet at dbw.parks.ca.gov.
24.000 Introduction
All undocumented vessels using California waters must display a current California registration number (CF number). Vessels may be registered or transferred through a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) field office, DMV headquarters, or an authorized vessel agent.
Amphibious Vehicle/Vessel Combination—A device which may be propelled, moved, or drawn upon both water and a highway on land.
Documented Vessel—A vessel required to be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard and issued a valid marine certificate. Commercial vessels weighing five net tons or more (net tons is a ship measurement derived from gross tonnage by deducting spaces allowed for crew and propelling power) and commercial vessels 30 or more feet in length must be documented, unless exemption is granted by the U.S. Coast Guard. Yachts or pleasure vessels maybe documented at the owner’s request.
Interstate Commerce—A vessel engaged for compensation in transporting persons or property in more than one state.
Legal Owner—The person holding the legal title to a vessel under a conditional sales contract, the mortgagee of a vessel, or the renter or lessor of a vessel.
Livery Vessel—Any vessel subject to registration under the Vehicle Code (VC), that is held primarily for the purpose of renting, leasing, or chartering to others. (California Code of Regulations (CCR) §§190.04 and 190.20)
Owner—The person having lawful possession of a vessel by virtue of legal title or equitable interest therein, which entitles them to possession. This does not include a legal owner as defined above.
Registered Owner—The person/entity shown on DMV’s records as the registered owner(s) of the vessel.
Situs—Principal location of the vessel.
State of Principal Use—The state on which waters a vessel is used, or intended to be used, most during a calendar year (California Harbor and Navigation Code (CHNC) §651[o]).
Undocumented Vessel—A vessel that is not required to have, and does not have, a valid marine document issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Use—Navigates, operates, or employs (any vessel upon the waters of this state).
Vessel—All watercraft used or capable of use for transportation on water, except:
- A seaplane on the water.
- A watercraft specifically designed to operate on a permanently-fixed course, the movement of which is guided by a mechanical device to which the watercraft is attached or controlled (for example, a ferryboat).
- A floating, stationary, residential dwelling (floating home) not designed to have power of its own, and dependent for utilities from a source on shore, with a permanent sewage hookup on shore.
Vessel Agent—A bona fide dealer, broker, or both, appointed, but not licensed, by . Refer to this chapter for additional information.
Vessel Carrying Passengers for Hire—Any vessel subject to registration under the CVC, which is held for the transportation of any person for valuable consideration, whether directly or indirectly flowing to the owner, charterer, operator, agent, or any other person interested in the vessel (CCR §190.05).
Vessel and Marine Dealer—Persons engaged in the business of selling, offering for sale, buying, or taking in trade for the purpose of resale any vessel(s) who receives or expects to receive money, profit, or any other thing of value (CCR §190.07).
Vessel and marine dealers are not licensed by DMV. Refer any questions about licenses for retail businesses selling vessels and related marine equipment to local city and county administration offices and the State Board of Equalization (BOE).
Vessel Manufacturer—Person who is engaged wholly or in part in the business of building or assembling vessels, who subsequently offers these vessels for sale and receives or expects to receive money, profit, or any other thing of value resulting from such transactions (CCR §190.06).
Waters of the State—Any waters within the territorial limits of California including private bodies of water (VC §9850 and CHNC §651[u]).
Yacht or Ship—Any vessel 16 or more feet in length under 300 gross tons used in navigating in water and designed to be propelled by machinery or sail (CHNC §701[c]).
Yacht and Ship Brokers—Brokers negotiate the purchase, sale, or exchange of yachts for compensation, but do not own the yachts. Brokers are licensed by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). Refer to this chapter for additional information (CHNC §701[a]).
Chapter 24: Vessels
24.005 ABCs of California Boating (BOAT 3)
24.010 Amphibious Vehicle/Vessel Dual Registration
24.015 California-Assigned Vessel Numbers (CF)
24.020 Change or Correction of Address
24.025 Change or Correction of Name
24.030 Change or Correction of Vessel Description
24.035 Change From Documented To Undocumented
24.040 Change From Undocumented To Documented
24.045 Commercial Deep Sea Fishing Vessels
24.050 Delinquent Property Taxes
24.055 Duplicate Certificate Number
24.060 Duplicate Certificate of Ownership
24.070 Historical Vessel Plaques
24.075 Hull Identification Numbers (HINs)
24.080 Inboard or Inboard/Outboard (Sterndrive) Emission Certification
24.095 Notice of Sale of Vessel Registrations
24.100 Old Vessel Certificates
24.105 Original Vessel Registrations
24.110 Out-of-State Vessel Registration/Titling Agencies
24.120 Quagga/Zebra Mussel Fee
24.125 Reclassifications of Vessel Class
24.170 Vessel Carbon Monoxide Stickers
24.175 Vessels Not Required to Be Registered
24.180 Vessels Required to Be Registered in California
23.055 Undocumented Vessel Surety Bond
An Undocumented Vessel Surety Bond (REG 5058) form, or a bond alternative must be submitted when the required supporting evidence of ownership is not available and at least one of the following conditions exist. (CVC §9923, CCR §190.03)
— The value of the vessel is $2000 or more.
— A release from the legal owner/lienholder cannot be obtained.
— An application is being submitted by a dealer, dismantler, or registration service.
A Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond (REG 5057 (PDF)) form is acceptable for any vessel, including a vessel from another state or country, provided the REG 5057 (PDF) correctly identifies the vessel, has a rider attached covering the vessel, and is issued by an admitted surety insurer authorized to do business in California by the Department of Insurance.
The bond must be obtained for the fair market value of the vessel, as determined by one of the following:
- A written appraisal provided by a California or other state-licensed yacht and shipbroker.
- A Statement of Facts (REG 256 (PDF)) form giving the valuation based on information provided in a recognized industry motor vehicle valuation and pricing handbook, such as the Kelley Blue Book. The REG 256 (PDF) must also include:
— The lowest and highest price variations added together and divided by two,
to get the average price of the vehicle which shall be used as the fair market value of the vehicle.
Example: 1,000+2,000=3,000, 3,000÷2=1,500. Fair market value=$1,500.
— Any information required for the diligent effort.
Note The bond must be signed by the surety and the signature must be notarized. A bond preprinted with the surety’s signature and notary acknowledgement is not acceptable.
Bond forms are available on DMV’s website at dmv.ca.gov.