Vessel Licenses
Hours of Operation
San Juan County Auditor's Office
10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday
All vessel registrations are due on the last day of June. Decals may be purchased
at the Auditor's office or at the County Office at the Orcas Senior Center.
Check the chart to see if you have to register your boat and pay the excise or property
tax. Federal Documented Vessels are required to purchase registration.
AFFECTED VESSELS OWNERS
|
|
SAILBOATS |
HUMAN POWERED
Any Length |
MOTORIZED VESSELS |
DOCUMENTED VESSELS |
|
|
Under 16 Feet |
16 Feet and Over |
|
|
With Motor |
Without Motor |
With Motor |
Without Motor |
Under 16 Feet |
16 Feet and Over |
|
Excise Tax Required |
NO |
NO |
YES |
YES |
NO |
NO |
YES |
**YES |
|
Registration/titling Required |
*YES |
NO |
YES |
YES |
NO |
*YES |
YES |
Reg. Only |
Personal property tax applies to most commercial boats.
*No, if 10 horsepower or less when used only on non-federally regulated waters.
**Unless vessel qualifies for exemption.
ATTENTION NON-RESIDENT VESSEL OWNERS . . .
Non-resident vessel owners may use their vessels for personal use or enjoyment on
Washington waters up to six months in a 12-month period if the vessel is currently
registered in the state of principal use. Effective January 1, 1998;
a non-resident vessel owner must do the following to legally operate a vessel in
Washington waters for more than 60 days:
- Provide the date of entry/hull identification number or six to seven digit Coast
Guard Official Number.
- Provide proof of non-residency by showing out-of-state driver's license, or out-of-state
photo ID and out-of-state vessel registration.
- Purchase a Vessel 60 Day Temporary Identification Document for $25, plus applicable
fees on/by the 61st day of use. The Vessel 60 Day Temporary Identification Document
can be renewed for an additional 60 days on or before the first 60 days expires.
Cost for renewing is $25, plus applicable fees.