What are the legal requirements for registering a boat?

To legally operate in California, any boat or vessel must be registered and display a valid vessel registration number. There are three basic requirements for registering a boat in California: 1) Ownership: You must be the owner of the boat and have a legal document or bill of sale that proves your ownership. You must also submit a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. 2) Operation: You must be able to provide proof that the boat is in good operating condition and is equipped with all the required safety equipment, such as life jackets, navigation lights, horns or whistles, and fire extinguishers. 3) Location: You must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) where the boat will be operating. Depending on the type of boat, you may need to submit a Form REG 343, which provides the registration number and identifies the owner and vessel registration information. After submitting all the required documents and forms, you will need to pay the registration fees. Once the DMV approves your application and issues your registration, you will need to display the registration number on both sides of the bow and aft of the boat. It is important to note that boat registrations are valid for two years and must be renewed when the time comes.

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