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California boat and trailer move

Move a Boat and Trailer to California

Register a vessel whose principal use moves to California without combining the boat, trailer, title, and tax records.

Use this order

Prepare the boat and trailer before the office visit

The government instructions are free. We show a private provider only when it is authorized for this vehicle and task.

  1. 1. Check when the application becomes due

    California requires vessel registration within 120 days after entry when the state of principal use changes to California. Penalties can apply after that period.

  2. 2. Prepare the correct ownership record

    Submit BOAT 101 and the ownership evidence required for the prior state's title system. If a lienholder holds the title, California routes the application to its registration processing unit to request it.

  3. 3. Complete identification and inspection

    Use the hull identification number rather than a vehicle VIN. Confirm any DMV-assigned HIN, carbon-monoxide sticker, and Quagga or Zebra Mussel fee requirement before use.

  4. 4. Register the correct vehicle class

    Motorized vessels and sailboats over eight feet generally register with California DMV. U.S. Coast Guard documented vessels and listed exemptions follow different treatment.

Vehicle classification

Check the exact vehicle class

Register the trailer separately through the applicable California trailer path. County property-tax treatment can also depend on where the vessel is stored or moored.

Open the primary California source before completing a form or paying a fee. The official agency decides which forms and checks apply to the specific vehicle.

Open the primary official source
No verified provider is listed for this exact transaction yet

Use the official state instructions. We do not show a near-match, unverified business, or provider with an expired authorization.

Open the official state guide
Separate state records

Other vehicles moving to California

Open only the guide for the vehicle you are registering.

  • motorcycle
    Move a Motorcycle to California

    Register an out-of-state motorcycle in California with the correct title, VIN, insurance, and under-7,500-mile import rules.

  • rv
    Move an RV or Motorhome to California

    Register an out-of-state motorhome in California while keeping its title, inspection, emissions, license, and towing requirements separate.

  • trailer
    Move a Trailer to California

    Classify an out-of-state trailer correctly before choosing California PTI or annual registration and title documents.

Reviewed 2026-08-24

Official California sources

These are the state pages and forms used to prepare this guide.