Helpful suggestions and pointers to make California DMV registration easier from experience
Just got my boat (Saturn XD430 inflatable, brand new) registered with the state of CA. When I was trying to get it registered, I was researching information everywhere and was scarce to find. So I want to put a few pointers for those who are looking to register it in the future. This is based on my experience with California DMV and therefore other states may vary a little bit.
Suggestion # 1: Get an appointment; it will make the whole thing a breeze. I was 20 minutes earlier to my appointment. The whole thing got done in 12-15 minutes max. The place was packed without even place to sit. So you can see the difference between having an appointment and no appointment. Even if you are a little early to the DMV, if you have the appointment they will call you early.
Suggestion # 2: Fill the paperwork beforehand. This will make everything faster.
Suggestion # 3: The manufacturer of the boat (in my case Saturn inflatable) should send two documents to you. One is a bille of sale and the other one is a certificate of origin. Depending on the state you may need both. However, at my local DMV they only looked at the certificate of origin. I know that some of the low end inflatable boat manufacturers don't necessarily provide a bill of sale. At least in CA it is no big deal. I think as long as you can get the certificate of origin you are golden. I would still take both of these documents but would not worry if I don't necessarily have the bill of sale. The way you can circumvent this is in Section # 6 under the Statement of Applicant (see Suggestion #3)
Suggestion # 3: Under Section # 6 (Proof of Ownership), choose the Statement of Applicant (B) section if you are getting the boat new. If you are getting it used you may still be able to use this section. In that case, you need to give a statement as to where you got the boat from etc. For a new boat, as long as you fill this section and you have the certificate of origin you will have no problem in registering. Before I went there I was worried that they may ask to have section A filled and signed by the manufacturer/seller. But worries were unfounded as I found out. I have heard some people being sent back by asking them to have the seller/manufacturer complete and send back Part A with their signature. This will happen only if you accidentally fill out Part A. You have a choice to fill out Part A or Part B. It is much easier to do Part B. You will be out in no time.
Suggestion # 4: Stay Calm and do not believe all the horror stories that are floating on the internet regarding the DMV. I was a bit anxious before I went there. In the end there was no drama and it was a breeze. Most of the time people get mishaps at the DMV because of something that they have done incorrectly on the form or something that they are missing. In the end all you need is the registration form, the certificate of origin, the bill of sale (if you have it), means of payment (here at CA they only accept debit card / check), and Driver License and a smile on your face.
Hope this helps.
Just got my boat (Saturn XD430 inflatable, brand new) registered with the state of CA. When I was trying to get it registered, I was researching information everywhere and was scarce to find. So I want to put a few pointers for those who are looking to register it in the future. This is based on my experience with California DMV and therefore other states may vary a little bit.
Suggestion # 1: Get an appointment; it will make the whole thing a breeze. I was 20 minutes earlier to my appointment. The whole thing got done in 12-15 minutes max. The place was packed without even place to sit. So you can see the difference between having an appointment and no appointment. Even if you are a little early to the DMV, if you have the appointment they will call you early.
Suggestion # 2: Fill the paperwork beforehand. This will make everything faster.
Suggestion # 3: The manufacturer of the boat (in my case Saturn inflatable) should send two documents to you. One is a bille of sale and the other one is a certificate of origin. Depending on the state you may need both. However, at my local DMV they only looked at the certificate of origin. I know that some of the low end inflatable boat manufacturers don't necessarily provide a bill of sale. At least in CA it is no big deal. I think as long as you can get the certificate of origin you are golden. I would still take both of these documents but would not worry if I don't necessarily have the bill of sale. The way you can circumvent this is in Section # 6 under the Statement of Applicant (see Suggestion #3)
Suggestion # 3: Under Section # 6 (Proof of Ownership), choose the Statement of Applicant (B) section if you are getting the boat new. If you are getting it used you may still be able to use this section. In that case, you need to give a statement as to where you got the boat from etc. For a new boat, as long as you fill this section and you have the certificate of origin you will have no problem in registering. Before I went there I was worried that they may ask to have section A filled and signed by the manufacturer/seller. But worries were unfounded as I found out. I have heard some people being sent back by asking them to have the seller/manufacturer complete and send back Part A with their signature. This will happen only if you accidentally fill out Part A. You have a choice to fill out Part A or Part B. It is much easier to do Part B. You will be out in no time.
Suggestion # 4: Stay Calm and do not believe all the horror stories that are floating on the internet regarding the DMV. I was a bit anxious before I went there. In the end there was no drama and it was a breeze. Most of the time people get mishaps at the DMV because of something that they have done incorrectly on the form or something that they are missing. In the end all you need is the registration form, the certificate of origin, the bill of sale (if you have it), means of payment (here at CA they only accept debit card / check), and Driver License and a smile on your face.
Hope this helps.