Learn about special registration requirements for boats documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Before you get started
Unless specifically exempt (see below), you must meet all Washington state registration requirements when using a documented boat on Washington waters. This means:
- You have 60 days to register your boat after you move to Washington
- You have 15 days to register your boat in Washington if you buy it in another state
Boats used exclusively for commercial fishing must be listed with Washington State Department of Revenue.
What is a documented boat?
A documented boat is a ship with a valid marine document issued by the United States Coast Guard. The federal government uses this document to register ships of 5 net tons or more for use in times of war. Documenting your ship gives you:
- Firm evidence of nationality for international travel
- The right to engage in open trade between the states
- Access to a preferred mortgage for financing the boat
How to register your documented boat
1. Gather the required documents and forms
- A current copy of the U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation
- A completed Vessel Title Application
- A check or money order payable to the Department of Licensing to pay the fees
Note: We don't issue titles for documented boats. The federal government provides the ownership documents.
Calculate your boat registration fees.
2. Submit the required documents
Submit all the required documents in person at a vehicle and boat licensing office or by mail.
3. Properly display your decals and registration
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.
How to remove a boat from documentation
Follow these steps to remove a boat from documentation with the US Coast Guard.
Ask the Coast Guard for a "Letter of Deletion."
1. Gather the required documents and forms
Visit a vehicle/boat licensing office and bring all of the following:
- A copy of the Letter of Deletion from the U.S. Coast Guard
- Cash, check, or a money order for the $38.75 fee (most offices also accept some credit and debit cards)
If ownership has changed
If the boat has changed ownership, you will also need to complete an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest form. All registered owners who are reflected in Coast Guard records must sign this form in the presence of a notary public.
2. Submit the required materials
Submit all the required documents in person at a vehicle and boat licensing office or by mail.
Exempt boats
- Canoes, kayaks, or boats that don't have a motor or sail (strictly human-powered)
- Boats held for sale by a licensed dealer
- Military boats
- Public boats of the United States or the American Red Cross
- State-, county-, or city-owned boats which are used for government purposes
- Tugs with a marine document as a boat of the United States that are primarily engaged in commerce
- Barges with a marine document as a boat of the United States that are primarily engaged in commerce
- Bare boat charters or timeshare boats with a marine document as a boat of the United States that are primarily engaged in commerce
- Boats with propulsion machinery that:
- Draw 250 watts or less, and
- Propel the boat no faster than 10 miles per hour, and
- Are not used on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States or the high seas beyond the territorial seas for boats owned in the United States
- Boats less than 16 feet long with a motor of 10 horsepower or less which are only used on non-federal waters
- Tenders 10 HP or less used for direct transportation between a registered boat and the shore and for no other purpose
- The tender must display the number of the registered boat followed by the suffix "1"
- Boats 30 ft. or longer purchased by a nonresident that has purchased a use permit
- Boats primarily engaged in commerce that is owned by a resident of a country other than the United States
Boats registered in another state
If your boat is registered in another state, it is exempt only for the first 60 days of use. On or before the 61st day of use on Washington state waters, you (or the owner) must obtain a nonresident boat permit as required by law.
If the principal place of use changes to Washington, you must register your boat in Washington.
Boats issued a United States Customs Service Cruising License or registered in another country
Such boats are exempt from registration only for the first 60 days of use.
On or before the 61st day of use on Washington waters, you (or the owner) must obtain a boat visitor permit as required by law.
Boats owned by a nonresident in Washington exclusively for repairs, alteration, or reconstruction
- An employee of the repair facility providing these services must be on board the boat during any testing
- The owner must file an affidavit with the Department of Revenue by the 61st day to verify the boat is being serviced
- The affidavit must be filed every 60 days thereafter, as long as the boat is located on Washington waters
