BOAT 101A Form – California boat dealers and manufacturers rely on the BOAT 101A Form to obtain special temporary vessel registration numbers. This official DMV document enables legal demonstration, testing, and sale of unregistered boats. Whether you operate as a dealer or manufacturer, understanding the BOAT 101A ensures compliance with California Vehicle Code requirements.
What Is the BOAT 101A Form?
The BOAT 101A Form is the official Application for Boat Registration Number – Dealer—Manufacturer issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Unlike the standard BOAT 101 used by individual boat owners, this form specifically serves licensed boat dealers (V3) and manufacturers (V4).
It allows businesses to request a special California vessel registration number for temporary use on boats during demonstrations, tests, or while offering them for sale. The form was revised in February 2010 (REV. 2/2010) and remains the current version available on the DMV website as of 2026.
Who Needs to File the BOAT 101A Form?
Only qualified boat dealers and boat manufacturers as defined by the California Administrative Code may use this form:
- Boat Manufacturer (Sec. 190.06): A person engaged wholly or in part in the business of building or assembling vessels who subsequently offers these vessels for sale and receives or expects to receive money, profit, or any other thing of value.
- Boat Dealer (Sec. 190.07): A person engaged wholly or in part in the business of selling or offering for sale, buying or taking in trade for the purpose of resale, or exchanging any vessel or vessels and receives or expects to receive money, profit, or any other thing of value.
You must also hold a valid Board of Equalization (BOE) Seller’s Permit number (now handled by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration). This form is not for private boat owners or general vessel registration.
Benefits of the BOAT 101A Boat Registration Number
- Temporary Use Only: Numbers apply exclusively during demonstration or test periods.
- Removable Plaque Required: Display numbers on a 24” x 4” removable plaque.
- Validation Sticker: Must include a current-year sticker.
- Non-Transferable: Invalid upon sale of the vessel or termination of business.
- Annual Renewal: Must renew by December 31 each year or the number is cancelled (Certificate of Non-Operation is not accepted).
These special numbers (DA-DZ for dealers, MA-MY for manufacturers) help businesses operate legally without registering every vessel individually.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the BOAT 101A Form
Filling out the BOAT 101A is straightforward. Follow these steps exactly as shown on the official PDF:
- Circle the Application Type:
- (V3) Dealer or (V4) Manufacturer
- TYPE APPLICATION: 81 – Original or 82 – Original and Renewal
- Provide Business Information:
- B.E. Seller’s Permit Number
- Firm Name
- Address
- City
- County
- ZIP Code
- Check One Box:
- Boat Manufacturer (Sec. 190.06) or
- Boat Dealer (Sec. 190.07)
- Certification:
- Sign under penalty of perjury
- Enter Date
- Provide Daytime Telephone Number
- Keep a Copy: The form includes a “CUT ON LINE AND SAVE FOR YOUR RECORDS” section.
Print clearly and use the exact PDF to avoid processing delays.
Official Instructions for Using Dealer or Manufacturer Numbers
The BOAT 101A includes these mandatory rules verbatim:
- Dealer and Manufacturer numbers shall be displayed on a removable plaque measuring approximately 24” X 4” in size.
- All numbers shall be displayed in the proper sequence with a current year validation sticker.
- Numbers shall only be temporarily attached to a vessel during demonstration or test and are valid for that period only.
- Dealer and Manufacturer numbers are nontransferable and are no longer valid upon sale or termination of business.
- Numbers not renewed by December 31 will be cancelled. A Certificate of Non-Operation will not be accepted.
How to Submit the BOAT 101A Application and Current Fees?
Submit the completed BOAT 101A Form along with the applicable original registration fee (December applications must also include the renewal fee).
- Original Application: BOAT 101A + BOE permit number + original registration fee.
- Renewal: New BOAT 101A + registration fee (no Certificate of Non-Operation accepted).
Exact fee amounts are listed on the DMV vessel registration fees page and may vary by year (even/odd). Check the latest fees directly on dmv.ca.gov before mailing.
Submit applications to the California DMV following the instructions in the Agents Handbook or Vessel Numbers section. For fastest processing, verify the current mailing address or submission method on the official DMV website.
BOAT 101A Renewal and Special Use Notes
Renewals require a fresh BOAT 101A form every year before December 31. Late renewals are treated as new applications. Special-use vessels (e.g., for movie productions) follow the same BOAT 101A process plus a REG 256 Statement of Facts explaining the vessel’s origin, use, and return.
Download BOAT 101A PDF – Official California DMV Link
Get the most current version instantly:
Download BOAT 101A Form PDF
This is the exact document hosted on the official DMV site. Always use the latest upload to ensure compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions About BOAT 101A
Is BOAT 101A the same as BOAT 101?
No. BOAT 101 is for individual vessel registration; BOAT 101A is exclusively for dealer/manufacturer temporary numbers.
Can I use the number permanently?
No. It must remain temporary and removable.
What if my business is new?
New dealers and manufacturers start with Type 81 – Original and provide their BOE Seller’s Permit.
Where can I find current fees?
Visit the DMV Vessel Registration Fees page for the latest amounts.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the BOAT 101A Form, always refer to the California DMV website. This guide is based on official DMV publications and the current form as of April 2026. Proper use of your boat registration number keeps your dealership or manufacturing operation fully compliant.