(1) Except as provided in this chapter, a person may not own or operate any vessel, including a rented vessel, on the waters of this state unless the vessel has been registered and displays a registration number and a valid decal in accordance with this chapter. A vessel that has or is required to have a valid marine document as a vessel of the United States is only required to display a valid decal.

(2) A vessel numbered in this state under the federal boat safety act of 1971 (85 Stat. 213, 46 U.S.C. 4301 et seq.) is not required to be registered under this chapter until the certificate of number issued for the vessel under the federal boat safety act expires. When registering under this chapter, this type of vessel is subject to the amount of excise tax due under chapter 82.49 RCW that would have been due under chapter 82.49 RCW if the vessel had been registered at the time otherwise required under this chapter.

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.

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