The Jefferson and Clallam counties’ auditors’ offices remind boat owners the state Department of Licensing is not sending out renewal notices for 2010 boat licenses.
Renewals are due by the end of this month.
As of Tuesday, only 705 boat owners in Clallam County have renewed their boat tabs.
This is down from 2,256 during the same time period last year.
In Jefferson County, just 532 vessel owners had renewed their boats through May 31, compared with 1,593 at that date in 2009.
Subject to fines
Any boat owner who does not renew the license is subject to fines on July 1 if the boat is on Washington state waters.
“We are experiencing a 66 percent drop in renewals from last year, so our staff is gearing up for a flood of vessel registrations this month when owners realize their tabs are due,” said Jefferson County Auditor Donna Eldridge.
“The easiest way to renew your tabs and avoid a potentially long line and long wait is to renew tabs online.”
To renew online, visit www.dol.wa.gov.
Click on the “Skip a Trip, Go Online” box in the middle of the page.
Select “Renew” then select “Vessel Decals” and follow the instructions for submitting vessel information, county of residence, whether you prefer to pick up the tabs at an auditors office or mailed to a residence or P.O. box, and credit or debit information.
To renew in person, a boat owner should jot down the WN number from the bow of the boat or bring along last year’s registration form.
Tabs can be purchased at the county auditor’s office in the Clallam or Jefferson courthouses or at Clallam County auditor sub-agencies in Sequim or Forks.
The auditors’ offices in both Jefferson and Clallam counties are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information, Clallam County residents can phone 360-417-2215 and Jefferson County residents can phone 360-385-9115.