US Customs

forbin

forbin

.
Nov 4, 2013
166
Tartan 3700 Seattle - Elliot Bay
Hey all,

So I screwed up and forgot to renew my decal online in time to get it before my trip. It looks like it's still possible to pay the fee at the border check-in but I wanted to make sure from someone who may have had to do it recently...yes/no?

Brian
 
Mark Maulden

Mark Maulden

.
Jan 25, 2011
2,437
S2 11.0A Anacortes, WA
Take your trip. You can settle up upon return. I dont think they like it, but it can be done no problem
 
All U Get

All U Get

.
Oct 2, 2008
3,811
Pearson/ 530 Strafford, NH
We keep copies of the decal transaction on board since the first year we were late also. We were able to have the sticker sent to a friend in Miami where we caught up to it while cruising. CBP only asked for the number when we checked in last time. Call ahead and find out.

All U Get
 
forbin

forbin

.
Nov 4, 2013
166
Tartan 3700 Seattle - Elliot Bay
Thanks! This will probably be the only Canada trip this year so I'll probably just pay the fee at the border and get the decal for next year so I don't end up paying twice for one trip.
 
flynhi4u

flynhi4u

.
Oct 28, 2013
678
Hunter 20 Lake Monroe
Decal? We are headed to Canada this Saturday. I am not aware that we needed a decal.

Sam
 
forbin

forbin

.
Nov 4, 2013
166
Tartan 3700 Seattle - Elliot Bay
I guess after reading it again it's mainly proof that you've paid the required entry fee, which without the decal, you can pay upon arrival. Here's the site/info...

https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov/main/#

"Decals are stickers that are placed on all private aircraft and private vessels (30 feet or more in length) as proof that the User Fee for entry into the U.S. has been paid for the calendar year. Any arriving vessel or aircraft that does not have an annual decal will be required to pay the non-refundable User Fee and complete an application, which will be forwarded to the processing center. The application will be processed, and a decal will be mailed from the processing center. A decal expires on December 31st of its issue year. A new decal is issued whenever the decal is renewed."
 
Meriachee

Meriachee

.
Aug 1, 2011
3,972
Catalina 270 255 Wabamun. Welcome to the marina
That data is for entry into the US. The Canadian experience may be different.
 
forbin

forbin

.
Nov 4, 2013
166
Tartan 3700 Seattle - Elliot Bay
I assumed they were coming back!

Nothing special required going in to Canada, just passports or enhanced drivers license. Last time I stopped at the customs dock, picked up the red phone, gave them passport numbers, answered standard customs questions, and that was it.
 
Mark Maulden

Mark Maulden

.
Jan 25, 2011
2,437
S2 11.0A Anacortes, WA
Why do I as a US citizen and taxpayer have to pay to come home? I've had that question for decades....
 
Terry Cox

Terry Cox

.
Dec 25, 2000
5,932
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Some years ago when the state stopped sending boat tab renewal notifications, I let ours slip by. Went to Desolation for two months and came back with the intent to telephone clear at Semi-ah-moo where we kept our boat.

I had just crossed the border through Georgia Strait when a fast Customs boat approached along side with a Skagit County Sheriff deputy and Border Customs Agent aboard. The Deputy asked to come aboard, which I obliged. He went through my papers and ask several questions. At that point he asked why I had expired boat tabs. News to me.

He cited me for expired tabs, explained the citation fee ($300), and said that if I appeared in court, often times the judge will offer a reduced fine. So on my court date I appeared before the judge with a current boat tab and pleaded my case. The judge then turned to the prosecutor and asked for remedy. The prosecutor said that they would settle for court cost of $100, Whew! Lesson learned. Of course that fine was far better than the tab fee of over $700 at the time.

I have never had a Canada Border agent ask about boat tabs. They seem only concerned with a valid Passport and any illegal fresh foods, excessive alcohol, or firearms.
 
Last edited:
druid

druid

.
Apr 22, 2009
837
Ontario 32 Pender Harbour
It's been decades since I've tried to sail my boat into US waters, but I've always had a problem with the "tags" thing. If I go to the US via car, or plane, or bus... there's no cost, no tags, just passport. Why do I have to have tags to go over by boat?

druid
 
Meriachee

Meriachee

.
Aug 1, 2011
3,972
Catalina 270 255 Wabamun. Welcome to the marina
Car has license plate. Cameras in the lineup tell them who you are looooong before you get to the window.
 
Terry Cox

Terry Cox

.
Dec 25, 2000
5,932
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
druid said:
It's been decades since I've tried to sail my boat into US waters, but I've always had a problem with the "tags" thing. If I go to the US via car, or plane, or bus... there's no cost, no tags, just passport. Why do I have to have tags to go over by boat?

druid
Click to expand
Hi Druid, do you mean the customs decal? I'm assuming that any boat (airplane, too, I think), foreign or domestic, entering US waters will be asked to purchase a customs decal ($26) good for one calendar year, when requesting customs clearance. They have never given me a clear answer as to what happens if I choose not to purchase the decal, so I just pay.
 
Terry Cox

Terry Cox

.
Dec 25, 2000
5,932
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
forbin said:
Hey all,

So I screwed up and forgot to renew my decal online in time to get it before my trip. It looks like it's still possible to pay the fee at the border check-in but I wanted to make sure from someone who may have had to do it recently...yes/no?

Brian
Click to expand
Hi Brian, just to be clear, Canadian Customs does not require the purchase of a customs decal when a US registered boat requests clearance to enter Canadian waters. However, when you return and request clearance back into US waters, US customs will ask that you purchase a customs decal ($26). The decal, good for one calendar year, will be mailed to you and the agent will give you a receipt that indicates you purchased one.
 
forbin

forbin

.
Nov 4, 2013
166
Tartan 3700 Seattle - Elliot Bay
Terry Cox said:
Hi Brian, just to be clear, Canadian Customs does not require the purchase of a customs decal when a US registered boat requests clearance to enter Canadian waters. However, when you return and request clearance back into US waters, US customs will ask that you purchase a customs decal ($26). The decal, good for one calendar year, will be mailed to you and the agent will give you a receipt that indicates you purchased one.
Click to expand
Yeah I was worried about not having the US customs decal but if I can do it when I check in, that'll work just fine. I'll make sure I don't try to bring any illegal garlic back this time...
 
DaveJ

DaveJ

.
Apr 2, 2013
488
Catalina 310 Niagara-on-the-Lake
This is the link to the website to apply for the decal. Ensure that you have about 45 minutes to endure this 'clunky' application form, mostly it just doesn't make sense where they are hiding the info that you will need. I have been renewing each year for the past 6 years and each time something doesn't work....they change the requirements for the password, but don't hint at what the password rules are until you fill everything out...then you start over. Typical....
Also, this is for boats over 30' (Catalina 30s are 29'11" and don't need this decal)
https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov/

Cheers
 
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