Resident Screening
Every Resident Water Vessel and its trailer must be affixed with Resident Mussel Stickers prior to launching. Resident Mussel Stickers expire at the end of each calendar year.
Resident Water Vessel Definition
- Any vessel that has a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) registration identifying it as being physically located in Lake County
- A vessel whose owner can demonstrate that it is moored or stored at a commercial facility located in Lake County
- Any other means deemed acceptable by the Director of Water Resources as to proof of residency in Lake County providing that the vessel is on the Lake County Assessor's current tax roll for boats
Note
A vessel is any trailered watercraft, jet ski, or float plane capable of being launched into a water body. Does not apply to:
Nonmotorized Canoes
- Nonmotorized Kayaks
- Car-top boats
- Float tubes
- Rafts
- Wind surfers/boards
- Boogey boards
- Nonmotorized paddle boats
- Nonmotorized sail boats that are 8 feet or less in length
Resident Screening Requirements
- Prior to first launch in every calendar year
- Vessels do not need to be present at screening location to obtain Resident Mussel Stickers
- Vessels must be re-screened upon return to Lake County after having been launched in an out-of-county body of water (Note: vessel must be present for re-screening)
Resident Screening Process
- Verify that vessel is clean, drained and dry whenever it exits water
- Answer a few simple questions
- Complete and sign a Mussel Screening Application
- Show vessel DMV registration
- Pay the fee
Water vessels that are not clean, drained and dry, or appear to pose a risk to Lake County water bodies will be required to undergo a physical inspection by an Authorized Inspector.
Screening Fee
The fee for screening services is $20.
There is no charge for required re-screening of a vessel that is returning to Lake County after launching in an outside body of water.