Learn the rules for non-residents visiting Washington's waters.
Personal Boats
A personal boat is a boat that an individual person (not a business or government organization) owns.
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 either:
- Is currently registered in another state
- 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 and 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:
- Register your boat in Washington
- Remove your boat from Washington waters
Entity-owned vessels and personal-owned charters
Entity-owned boats are:
- Owned by a corporation, LLC, or partnership
- Between 30 and 200 feet long
Personal-owned charter boats are:
- Used for chartering with a captain or crew
- Between 30 and 200 feet long
- When chartered for individual engagements, at least 3 consecutive days long
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 either:
- Is currently registered in another state
- Has a current U.S. Coast Guard documentation paper
Visits longer than 60 days
Rules for visits over 60 days vary based on the length or your vessel.
Vessels less than 30 or over 200 feet long
If your vessel is less than 30 or over 200 feet long, you must either:
- Register your boat in Washington
- Remove your boat from Washington waters
Vessels between 30 and 200 feet long
If your vessel is between 30 and 200 feet in length, you must apply for a permit on or before the 61st day of your visit.
How to apply for a permit:
Follow these steps to apply for a Non-Resident Permit
1. Complete the application form
Submit a Nonresident Vessel Permit Approval Application to the Department of Revenue (DOR) for approval.
2. Visit a Vehicle/Vessel licensing office
Once the DOR approves your application, come to a vehicle and vessel licensing office and bring all of the following with you:
- The authorized DOR application
- The date the vessel first entered Washington waters
- Your unexpired state boat registration
- Valid identification from your state
Renewing your permit
You can only renew your permit once. When your permit expires, you must do one of the following:
- Apply for a new permit
- Register your boat in Washington
- Remove your boat from Washington waters
Clean your boat before you float
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.
