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How to Catch Fish How to Tie Fishing Knots Fishing Gear and Tackle How to Fish with Lures How to Fish with Live Bait Fishing Safety Fishing Tips When to Fish Types of Fishing Fishing Terms Fishing and Conservation Fishing Resources View All

When to Saltwater Fish Saltwater Bait and Lures Saltwater Fishing Tackle Types of Saltwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing Gear Saltwater Fish Species Saltwater Fishing FAQ View All

Best Freshwater Fishing When to Freshwater Fish Freshwater Bait and Lures Learn About Freshwater Fish Species Best Freshwater Fishing Gear Freshwater Fishing FAQ View All

Fly Fishing Basics Fly Fishing Flies Fly Fishing Gear Fly Casting View All

Ice Fishing Basics Ice Fishing Gear Ice Fishing Techniques View All

Boating Basics How to Boat Boating and Water Safety Choose Your Boat Use our Boat Explorer Tool Get on the Water View All

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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

Register a Boat in Washington

You might be ready to buy a sportfishing boat so you can go on salmon fishing trips in Puget Sound or purchase an aluminum fishing boat that will make it easy to scout for trout on the Little Spokane River. No matter which type of boat you choose, you will need to get your Boater Education Card and WA boating license (or boat registration).

WASHINGTON BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

As a boat operator, you need to be certain that your boat carries the proper safety equipment required by law and that you are in compliance with federal as well as Washington state boating rules and regulations. Safety equipment can include items such as personal floatation devices (PFD), visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, and sound producing devices.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

When you register your boat you will need to pay a registration fee; however, the funds collected from boat registration fees help to promote the conservation of our natural aquatic areas.

WASHINGTON BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

All vessels that require registration must be titled through the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Boaters must title and register their vessels within 60 days of moving to Washington.
If you live in Washington and bought the boat in another state, you must title and register your vessel within 15 days of its purchase.

WA BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

Washington has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe.

WA BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

RESPONSIBLE BOATING STARTS WITH YOU

Learn how to take care of your crew and your boat, while also taking care of our valuable water resources.

BOATING AND WATER SAFETY

BOATING SAFETY COURSES

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

WA BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Washington State Recreation and Conservation site.

RENEWAL & REGISTRATION FEES