TL;DR: California requires anyone operating a motorized vessel to carry a California Boater Card (CBC). The rollout phased in by age between 2018 and 2025 — as of 2026, all operators of any age need the card. Vessel registration is handled by the DMV (not Fish and Wildlife), with three-year cycles, hull numbering rules under federal regulations, and BUI (boating under the influence) penalties that mirror DUI. This guide explains the boater card course, registration paperwork (REG 4, REG 5, REG 343), title transfers, and the alcohol limits boaters need to know.

This guide is for new and existing California boat owners and operators of any motorized vessel — powerboats, jet skis, pontoons, sailboats with auxiliary motors, and most rental craft. Sailboats without motors and non-motorized rowing or paddling craft are exempt.

The California Boater Card

Mandated by California Harbors and Navigation Code §678.11, the California Boater Card requires every operator of a motorized vessel to demonstrate basic safety knowledge. Phased in starting in 2018, the requirement is now universal as of 2026.

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To get the card, complete a state-approved boater safety course. Options:

• Online courses — BoatUS Foundation, Boat-Ed, BoaterExam, and others; $20–$50; 3–8 hours of self-paced study
• Classroom courses — offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, and various county sheriff's offices; free or low-cost
• Equivalency — a current Coast Guard captain's license, an out-of-state boater card recognized by reciprocity, or a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)-approved course satisfies the requirement

Pass the end-of-course exam and submit form BCERT-1 (California Boater Card application) to the California Division of Boating and Waterways. The card is mailed in 4–6 weeks; the temporary completion certificate is valid until it arrives.

Registering your vessel

If you own a vessel that requires registration (motorized, sailing with auxiliary motor, or stored on California waters more than 90 days), register with the DMV using form BOAT 101 (Vessel Application for Registration Number). You will also need:

• Form REG 343 (Application for Registration)
• The vessel's manufacturer's certificate of origin (new boats) or current title (used boats)
• Bill of sale showing purchase price (used for tax calculation)
• Hull identification number (HIN) — found on the starboard side near the stern, federally required since 1972
• Proof of insurance (recommended; not required by California state law but required by most marinas)

Registration is a three-year cycle with stickers due each odd-numbered year. The registration number (CF prefix in California) and current-year stickers must be visible on both sides of the bow.

Title vs registration

Vessels 16 feet or longer require a title (Certificate of Ownership) issued by the DMV. Use form REG 4 (Application for Vessel Certificate of Ownership). The title proves ownership; the registration proves the vessel is legal to operate.

When you sell a registered vessel:

• Sign the title over to the buyer (form REG 5 if endorsement space is full)
• Submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within five days to the DMV
• Provide the buyer a smog certificate if required (most California waterways exempt; ocean-only vessels exempt)

Annual fees and renewal

• Original registration: $29
• Three-year renewal: $20
• Title (16+ ft): $15 initial
• Use tax (one-time, based on purchase price): typically 7.25%–10.25% depending on county
• Annual quagga/zebra mussel sticker (most waterways): $26
• Replacement registration card: $15

Late renewals trigger a $10 penalty after the expiration date.

Boating under the influence (BUI)

• Blood alcohol concentration 0.08% or higher — automatic BUI
• Operating with a child under 14 aboard and any alcohol impairment — enhanced penalty
• Operating with drugs or any controlled substance — BUI regardless of BAC

BUI penalties:

• First offense: up to $1,000 fine plus six months in jail (rarely served); mandatory eight-hour boating safety course
• Second offense within 7 years: up to $1,000 fine, up to one year jail, mandatory boating safety course
• BUI on a vessel does not directly suspend your driver license, but a related vehicle DUI on the way to the marina does

If a BUI involves injury or death, charges escalate to felony BUI under California Penal Code §192 (boating manslaughter), with prison time and a permanent record.

Documents to bring

• Completed forms for the action you are taking (registration, title, BCERT-1)
• Manufacturer's certificate of origin or current title
• Bill of sale
• Insurance documentation
• Your California driver license
• Completion certificate for the boater safety course

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a California Boater Card if I only operate on a private lake?

Yes. The requirement covers any motorized vessel on any waterway accessible to the public, even private community lakes. Strictly private bodies of water owned entirely by you are the only exception.

Are sailboats exempt from the boater card?

Sailboats without motors of any kind are exempt. If your sailboat has an auxiliary outboard or inboard motor, the card is required when the motor is used to propel the vessel.

Can I use a Coast Guard captain's license instead of the boater card?

Yes. A current USCG Operator's License (OUPV/Six-Pack, Master, Towing, or higher) satisfies the requirement. Carry the license aboard along with your driver license.

What size vessel needs registration in California?

All motorized vessels of any size, and sailing vessels 8 feet or longer with an auxiliary motor. Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards, and small sailing dinghies under 8 feet are exempt.

Do I need to register a boat trailer separately?

Yes. Boat trailers register through the regular DMV vehicle process. Use form REG 343 for both the vessel and the trailer if buying together; the trailer has its own license plate.

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