Washington requires all motorized boats to display current registration decals, which expire June 30 every year. You can renew online through License Express (up to six months early), in person, or by mail. If your WN number contains the letters I, O, or Q, the state must reissue it — the Coast Guard bans those letters — and you must update your hull lettering.
Washington state requires all motorized boats to have a current registration card, title, and registration decals. All vessel registrations in Washington expire on June 30th every year. Operating a boat with expired decals in local waters like the Spokane River or Lake Roosevelt can result in immediate citations.
How do you renew Washington boat registration?
The Washington State Department of Licensing offers three ways to renew boat decals:
- Online: Renew through the License Express portal up to six months before the June 30th expiration.
- In Person: Visit a local vehicle and boat licensing office. Bring the current boat registration or the WN number, and proof of ownership.
- By Mail: Mail the renewal reminder notice along with a check or money order to a licensing office.
The I, O, Q Registration Error
During the renewal process, some Washington boat owners receive a notice stating their renewal is blocked or altered due to an I, O, or Q error.
The United States Coast Guard prohibits the letters I, O, and Q from being used in any state boat registration number because they are easily confused with the numbers 1 and 0. If a legacy Washington registration number (WN number) contains one of these restricted letters, the state must update it.
When this occurs, the Department of Licensing automatically changes the two-letter combination in the registration number. The four-digit number combination remains the same.
Required Actions for Boat Owners
If a registration number is changed under this rule, the boat’s physical lettering must be updated.
- Update the Hull Lettering: Remove the old registration letters from the bow sides and replace them with the newly issued WN number. The characters must contrast with the hull color and read from left to right.
- Place the New Decals: The new annual registration decals must be placed in line with and towards the stern of the new registration number.
- Avoid Citations: Taking the boat on the water with the old I, O, or Q lettering that no longer matches the current registration card constitutes a violation.
Exceptions for Documented Vessels
If a vessel is federally documented through the U.S. Coast Guard, the state will still assign a new registration number for tracking purposes. However, the boat owner is not required to display the Washington WN number on the hull.
Before the summer boating season begins, verify that the physical vessel and liability exposures are adequately covered. Call Boyd Insurance Brokerage Inc at (509) 340-2693 to audit current boat insurance policies and ensure compliance with all Washington state requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Washington boat registrations expire?
All Washington vessel registrations expire on June 30 each year. Renew online through License Express up to six months early, in person, or by mail. Registration is separate from any boating license requirements.
What is the I, O, Q boat registration error?
The U.S. Coast Guard prohibits the letters I, O, and Q in registration numbers because they’re confused with 1 and 0. If your legacy WN number contains one, Washington automatically changes the two-letter combination while keeping the four digits.
What do I do if my WN number changes?
Remove the old registration letters from the bow, apply the new WN number so it contrasts with the hull and reads left to right, and place the new decals toward the stern of the number.
Do federally documented vessels need to display the WN number?
No. Washington still assigns a registration number for tracking, but Coast Guard-documented vessels aren’t required to display the WN number on the hull.
