(1) An application for a vessel registration must be made by the owner or the owner’s authorized representative to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director on a form furnished or approved by the department. The application must contain:

(a) The name and address of each owner of the vessel;

(b) Other information the department may require; and

(c) The signature of at least one owner.

(2) The application for vessel registration must be accompanied by the:

(a) Vessel registration fee required under RCW 88.02.640(1)(k);

(b) Derelict vessel and invasive species removal fee under RCW 88.02.640(1)(b) and derelict vessel removal surcharge required under RCW 88.02.640(1)(c);

(c) Filing fee required under RCW 88.02.640(1)(f);

(d) License plate technology fee required under RCW 88.02.640(1)(g);

(e) License service fee required under RCW 88.02.640(1)(h);

(f) Watercraft excise tax required under chapter 82.49 RCW; and

(g) Beginning January 1, 2016, service fee required under RCW 46.17.040.

(3) Upon receipt of an application for vessel registration and the required fees and taxes, the department shall assign a registration number and issue a decal for each vessel. The registration number and decal must be issued and affixed to the vessel in a manner prescribed by the department consistent with the standard numbering system for vessels required in 33 C.F.R. part 174. A valid decal affixed as prescribed must indicate compliance with the annual registration requirements of this chapter.

(4) Vessel registrations and decals are valid for a period of one year, except that the director may extend or diminish vessel registration periods and vessel decals for the purpose of staggered renewal periods. For registration periods of more or less than one year, the department may collect prorated annual registration fees and excise taxes based upon the number of months in the registration period.

(5) Vessel registrations are renewable every year in a manner prescribed by the department upon payment of the fees and taxes described in subsection (2) of this section. Upon renewing a vessel registration, the department shall issue a new decal to be affixed as prescribed by the department.

(6) When the department issues either a notice to renew a vessel registration or a decal for a new or renewed vessel registration, it shall also provide information on the location of marine oil recycling tanks and sewage holding tank pumping stations. This information must be provided to the department by the state parks and recreation commission in a form ready for distribution. The form must be developed and prepared by the state parks and recreation commission with the cooperation of the department of ecology. The department, the state parks and recreation commission, and the department of ecology shall enter into a memorandum of agreement to implement this process.

(7) A person acquiring a vessel from a dealer or a vessel already validly registered under this chapter shall, within fifteen days of the acquisition or purchase of the vessel, apply to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director for transfer of the vessel registration, and the application must be accompanied by a transfer fee as required in RCW 88.02.640(1)(o).

Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 44: See note following RCW 46.68.395.

Effective date—2011 c 171 § 129: “Section 129 of this act takes effect June 30, 2012.” [ 2011 c 171 § 141.]

Expiration date—2011 c 171 § 128: “Section 128 of this act expires June 30, 2012.” [ 2011 c 171 § 140.]

Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.

Effective date—2010 c 161 § 1020: “Section 1020 of this act takes effect June 30, 2012.” [ 2010 c 161 § 1239.]

Expiration date—2010 c 161 § 1019: “Section 1019 of this act expires June 30, 2012.” [ 2010 c 161 § 1240.]

Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

Effective date—2007 c 342 § 6: “Section 6 of this act takes effect June 30, 2012.” [ 2007 c 342 § 10.]

Expiration date—2007 c 342 § 5: “Section 5 of this act expires June 30, 2012.” [ 2007 c 342 § 9.]

Findings—Intent—2005 c 464: “The legislature finds that aquatic invasive species and freshwater aquatic algae are causing economic, environmental, and public health problems that affect the citizens and aquatic resources of our state. Many highly destructive species, such as the zebra mussel, are currently not found in Washington’s waters and efforts should be made to prevent the introduction or spread of these aquatic invasive species into our state waters. Preventing new introductions is significantly less expensive and causes far less ecological damage than trying to control new infestations.

The legislature also finds that freshwater algae, particularly blue-green algae, are also seriously degrading the water quality and recreational value of a number of our lakes. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that inhibit recreational uses and pose a threat to humans and pets.

It is therefore the intent of the legislature to clarify the roles of the different state agencies involved in these issues in order to address the threat of aquatic invasive species and the problem caused by aquatic freshwater algae, and to provide a dedicated fund source to prevent and control further impacts.” [ 2005 c 464 § 1.]

Application—2005 c 464 § 2: “Section 2 of this act applies to vessel registration fees that are due or become due on or after August 1, 2005.” [ 2005 c 464 § 6.]

Expiration date—2005 c 464 § 2: “Section 2 of this act expires June 30, 2012.” [ 2005 c 464 § 7.]

Effective date—2002 c 286: See RCW 79.100.901.

Application—1993 c 244 § 38: “Section 38 of this act applies to registrations expiring June 30, 1995, and thereafter.” [ 1993 c 244 § 43.]

Intent—1993 c 244: See note following RCW 79A.60.010.

Construction—Severability—Effective dates—1983 2nd ex.s. c 3: See notes following RCW 82.04.255.