Free California Boat Bill of Sale
California registers undocumented vessels through the DMV (not a separate marine agency), using Hull ID Number (HIN) rather than VIN. The 10-day transfer rule still applies, but there's no smog requirement, and California uses the BOAT 101 form instead of REG 343 for vessels.
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California Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Same 7.25%+ base use tax as cars, but California counties can exempt vessels from district tax in some cases. An annual use tax or property tax may also apply on boats berthed in-state.
Exemption: Transfers between immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling) are exempt via REG 256. Commercial fishing vessels have separate exemptions.
Inspection Requirements
No state smog or safety inspection for boats in California. USCG safety equipment requirements still apply when operating.
California Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Verify HIN on the boat matches the title and bill of sale exactly — HIN is a 12-character code etched on the transom.
- Complete bill of sale with HIN, year/make/model, length, engine type, sale price, and both parties' signatures.
- If trailer is included: document trailer VIN separately — trailer titles transfer like car titles via REG 135.
- Seller signs title over to buyer; file REG 138 within 5 days to release vessel liability.
- Buyer completes BOAT 101 (Application for Registration of Undocumented Vessel) within 10 days at any CA DMV.
- Buyer pays 7.25%+ use tax on vessel sale price (unless family-transfer exempt via REG 256).
- Buyer obtains current CF registration stickers and bow numbers from the DMV.
- USCG-documented vessels (>5 net tons): ownership transfers through the Coast Guard, not the CA DMV.
Common Pitfalls
- HIN mismatch between title, bill of sale, and physical boat — any discrepancy triggers a DMV investigation.
- Forgetting to separately title an included trailer — trailers need their own REG 135 and title transfer.
- Registering a USCG-documented vessel through the DMV — documented boats are federally tracked, not state-titled.
- Underreporting sale price: DMV cross-references BUC/NADA boat values and challenges artificially low prices.
Pro Tip
California boat sales are simpler than cars — no smog, no inspection — but the HIN accuracy and trailer titling catch many sellers off guard. Double-check every HIN character, and title the trailer separately.