Re: Registering boat in California.
WaterWitch2..............
Any boat boat operated in California must be registered, as well as it's trailer. I think items like surf ski's are exempt, as they are propelled only with paddles.
Assuming you have a clear title each for the boat and the trailer, there should be no problem in registering both. If you have recently bought a boat and trailer from a private party, you will be charged a "use tax", which is equal to the sales tax in your county. You will then pay a transfer fee on the trailer and the boat, if the boat isn't in your name.
The boat will be issued two registration stickers, one for each of the boat where the state registration nubers and letters go. If the boat is from out of state, you will be issued a new California "CF" id number....example.....
CF 1234 YZ. The year of registration sickers shall be placed to the left of the "CF" letters, on both sides of the boat. The bi-annual registration fee for the boat is $10.00. For the trailer, if it's not a California trailer,you will be issued a California "PTL "license plate."........(permant trailer license) at the registration cost of $10.00, good for 5 years years. The license fees are plus the cost of the transfer fees.
Some states have you register the outboard motor, if that is how the boat is powered, but California does not register outboard motors at all.
I hope this didn't confuse you, as it's fairly a quick and easy transfer and/or registration process. One other thing...If the boat and/or trailer are not registered in California, you will need to take the boat to the Dept. of Motor Vehicles for VIN number verification, by a DMV employee. Good luck
...Bob in Calif...
