State of California Undocumented Vessel Bond

Instructions

The State of California may require a bond to obtain a title for an undocumented vessel when the required supporting evidence of ownership is not available. The value of the vessel must be $2,000 or more to qualify for the bond.

The bond amount must be the fair market value of the vessel as determined by one of the following:

• A written appraisal provided by a California or other state-licensed yacht and shipbroker.
• A Statement of Facts form (REG 256), https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/statement-of-facts-reg-256-pdf/, giving the valuation based on Kelly Blue Book or NADA. The form must include the lowest and highest price variations added together and divided by two to get the average price of the vessel. This will be used as the fair market value.

Next you will purchase the surety bond. Make sure to use the fair market value that you looked up, to fill out the application for the bond.

Fill out the Application for Registration Number, Certificate of Ownership, and Certificate of Number for Undocumented Vessel form (Boat 101), https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2020/03/boat101.pdf

You will submit all documentation to your local DMV.

Additional Resources:

CA DMV, Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/vehicle-industry-registration-procedures-manual-2/bonds-and-certifications/undocumented-vessel-surety-bond/

‍How to Register, Renew, or Transfer a Vessel: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/how-to-register-renew-or-transfer-a-vessel-htvr-20/