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Washington boat and trailer move

Move a Boat and Trailer to Washington

Register the vessel and its highway trailer on separate Washington records, with the boat using a 60-day clock and the trailer using the 30-day vehicle deadline.

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

    Register the boat within 60 days after moving to Washington. Register its highway trailer within 30 days; the separate 60-day allowance for an out-of-state vessel does not extend the trailer deadline.

  2. 2. Prepare the correct ownership record

    Bring the Vessel Title Application, current out-of-state registration and title, and proof of sales tax already paid. If a lienholder holds the vessel title, Washington accepts a photocopy for this transaction and directs unusual ownership cases to a vehicle and boat licensing office.

  3. 3. Complete identification and inspection

    The vessel does not use Washington's motor-vehicle emission program. Before entering Washington, decontaminate the boat, trailer, and gear for aquatic nuisance species; the highway trailer separately follows its title, VIN, weight, and brake rules.

  4. 4. Register the correct vehicle class

    Title and register vessels that are not exempt, keep the registration card aboard, and display the assigned numbers and decals. A motorized vessel under 16 feet with a motor of 10 horsepower or less is exempt only when it is used exclusively on non-federal waters.

Vehicle classification

Check the exact vehicle class

A Washington Boater Education Card is generally required for an operator age 12 or older who was born after January 1, 1955 and runs a motor of 15 horsepower or more. Check the limited visitor, recent-purchase, and out-of-state-card exemptions before operating.

Open the primary Washington 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 Washington

Open only the guide for the vehicle you are registering.

  • motorcycle
    Move a Motorcycle to Washington

    Bring an out-of-state motorcycle into Washington and keep its title, 30-day registration deadline, insurance, and rider endorsement together.

  • rv
    Move an RV or Motorhome to Washington

    Title and register the motorhome in Washington without combining it with a camper, trailer, towed car, or commercial-use rule.

  • trailer
    Move a Trailer to Washington

    Use the trailer's ownership record, weight, construction, brakes, and recreational or utility use to choose its Washington title and registration path.

Reviewed 2026-08-24

Official Washington sources

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