Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Your Vessel’s Title, Registration, and Registration Decals

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Washington, you must have a Washington title, registration card, and registration decals to navigate, operate, employ, or moor a vessel on Washington’s waters. Exceptions to registration and titling are:

Vessels that are not propelled by a motor or sail (canoes, kayaks, etc.)
Vessels that are less than 16 feet in length and have a motor of 10 horsepower or less and are used on non-federal waters only
Properly-registered vessels owned by residents of another state or country that use Washington waters for 60 days or fewer
To obtain a title, a registration card, and registration decals for your vessel, you must present the proper application form, fees, and proof of ownership at your county auditor or vehicle licensing subagent office. (View a list of all Washington State vehicle and vessel licensing offices organized by county.)

Registration Card

Sample of Washington registration card

The registration card must be carried on board whenever the vessel is operated.

The registration card must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the vessel is on the water.

The registration number and registration decals must be displayed as follows.

Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the bow.
Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow.
Number must be in at least three-inch-high, bold, vertical BLOCK characters.
Number’s color must contrast sharply with its background.
Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen; for example: WN 3717 ZW or WN-3717-ZW.
No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
Decals must be affixed on each side of the vessel toward the stern of the registration number and in line with the number.

If your vessel requires registration, it is illegal to operate it or allow others to operate your vessel unless it is registered and numbered as described above.

Correct placement of registration decals

PWC Certificate Of Number and Decal

PWCs also are required to display the registration number and registration decals.

Other Facts about Registering and Titling Your Vessel

A vessel’s registration is valid through June 30. It must be renewed beginning July 1 of each year. Courtesy renewal notices are usually mailed to the owner’s address prior to expiration.
All vessels that require registration must be titled also. Titles are obtained through the Washington Department of Licensing or county auditor.
The owner of a registered vessel must notify the Department of Licensing within 15 days if any of these events occur: the vessel is abandoned, destroyed, lost, or stolen; the owner’s address changes; or the registration card is lost or destroyed.
The owner of a registered vessel must notify the Department of Licensing in writing, on the appropriate form, within 5 business days of the date of sale or transfer of the vessel.
Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Call the USCG at 1-800-799-8362 for more information. Documented vessels also must be registered in Washington but are not required to display the registration number.

Registration Questions?

Contact the Washington Department of Licensing by calling 360-902-3770 - option 4, or sending a fax to 360-902-4089. You may also email questions to the Title Division of the Department of Licensing at titles@dol.wa.gov or write to:

Department of Licensing
Vessel Licensing
P.O. Box 9909
Olympia, WA 98507-8500

Hull Identification Number

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique, 12-digit number assigned by the manufacturer to vessels built after 1972.

Hull Identification Numbers:

Distinguish one vessel from another— the same as serial numbers distinguish one car from another.
Are engraved in the fiberglass or on a metal plate permanently attached to the transom.
Are required when applying for Washington registration.

You should write down your HIN and put it in a place separate from your vessel in case warranty problems arise or your vessel is stolen.

Hull identification number

Vessel Safety Check

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, or Washington State Parks officers will perform a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) of your vessel and equipment free of charge. This inspection covers federal and state requirements. If your vessel meets all VSC requirements, you will receive a VSC decal. If your vessel fails to meet all requirements, no report is made to any law enforcement agency.