California Mussel Sticker Help, Please

[SantaCruzin]

Howdy all!

I recently purchased a 1989 180BR from a fellow CSR member and have been having a heck of a time with the DMV. Of course the DMV is closed now due to COVID, but I have been able to use their virtual office to successfully transfer registration. I have received a new title and registration papers (boat had a '21 sticker on it when I purchased it) but my request to add the Mussel sticker has fallen on deaf ears.

Does anyone know the process for adding the Mussel sticker to my boat? I have called (given up after an hour on hold), emailed, and scoured their site without luck.

 

[blaster]

What is a mussel sticker? Do they inspect your boat for invasive species every time you launch? Zebra mussels are a big problem but it’s sad people don’t understand that’s it’s not difficult to clean and drain your boat between waterways.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

The mussel sticker is simply another GD Tax that is waged on the citizens of Ca that want to enjoy the lakes with their boat. It costs $20 every two years for the sticker but no inspection is required to get the sticker so it really is just a revenue grab. Some lakes do have random inspectors at the ramp to spot check boats in an attempt to keep a specific species of invasive mussel from cross contaminating the lakes and fresh water streams. If you don't use your boat in the lakes and only the bay or Delta, the sticker tax is not required.
CD

 

[SantaCruzin]

What is a mussel sticker? Do they inspect your boat for invasive species every time you launch? Zebra mussels are a big problem but it’s sad people don’t understand that’s it’s not difficult to clean and drain your boat between waterways.

As Carpe Diem said, it's a fee that's paid for a sticker if you plan to use any of the inland waters in CA. It does not involve inspection, simply a pass to help fund the Quagga/Zebra Mussel "eradication" efforts. At some lakes/reservoirs, you then have to pay an additional fee to be inspected before launch (I just paid $7 for the boat, $3 for the tube at Calero.)

Considering I am trying to give them money, California really isn't making it easy to figure out how to get the sticker.

 

[blaster]

That might be the new government plan. Have a required decal to fleece the rich boaters who destroy the environment.

when the boater goes out without the required sticker which they are unable to attain, the authorities will be waiting to dole out some $250 fine or the like.

sounds like a scam.