California kayak, canoe and paddleboard rules
Last checked Oct 26, 2026 against the official sources listed below. Rules change; confirm with the agency before you go.
| Registration | No registration (no motor) Registration is required for sailboats over 8 feet and any boat with a motor. Human-powered kayaks, canoes and paddleboards aren't on that list. |
|---|---|
| Launch or access permits | Motorized boats may also need the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention fee sticker. |
| Life jackets, whistle and light | Federal rules apply (see below). |
| Aquatic invasive species | No paddlecraft AIS sticker or permit found on the official pages we checked. Always clean, drain and dry your boat. |
Official sources
River conditions: American R A Fair Oaks Ca
Federal rules on every state's waters
- Life jacket: a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Children under 13 must wear one while underway unless the state sets its own age rule.
- Sound signal: carry a whistle or horn; your voice doesn't count.
- Light: from sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility, have a white light (flashlight or lantern) ready to show in time to prevent a collision.
- Night signals: manually propelled boats are exempt from daytime visual distress signals but must carry night signals on coastal waters after dark.
Sources: 33 CFR Part 175 · USCG Boater's Guide to Federal Requirements · USCG Boating FAQ