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Click here to learn more about the aquatic invasive species within the Lake Tahoe Basin, and those we are defending Lake Tahoe from.

• All motorized vessels, including electric vessels and trailered non-motorized vessels, require an inspection.
• New boats and engines are tested in water before leaving the factory and are still required to be inspected.
• All non-motorized vessels, like canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, are subject to inspection and/or decontamination. All inspections are provided free of charge for non-motorized vessels. Visit Tahoe Keepers to learn how to inspect and Clean, Drain, & Dry your vessel.

• An optional appointment system has been created for your convenience and to improve operational efficiency at inspection stations. During the summer boating season, it is accessible on the Locations and Hours page.
• Appointments are an additional $15.
• Inspections will also be available on a first-come first-served basis at all inspection locations.

Be sure to have your keys, as well as anything that comes in contact with water, such as ballast bags, anchors, sea strainers, life jackets, and additional gear.

• There is a fee for motorized watercraft inspections based on the length of the vessel.
• There is no fee for inspection of electric motors or non-motorized vessels. There may be a fee if a decontamination is required.
• Please see our Stickers and Fees page for the most up to date fees.

Invasive species, like quagga, zebra, and golden mussels, pose a threat to Lake Tahoe and can be transported overland via watercraft. Learn more about invasive species here.

• Clean up any oil, dirt, and debris inside bilges and storage compartments, and remove all items inside these compartments prior to arriving for your inspection.
• Drain water from your drive unit, sea strainers, bilge, ballast tanks, live wells, and any storage compartments.
• Dry the entire vessel, including toys and gear, for as long as you can in between launches.

Make sure all systems are operational, including batteries, engine(s), pumps, etc. If you have any special adapters or a flush kit for your engine, please bring them with you to the inspection station.

All ballast tanks will require decontamination (separate fee will apply).  To expedite this process, drain your tanks and ensure the pumps are functioning properly. For vessels with ballasts, make sure to bring all ballast bags with you to the inspection station.

Decontaminations are available at our roadside inspection stations during the summer. Contact us to schedule a decontamination during the winter. Additional fees apply.

• All motorized vessels require a seal and sticker to launch in Lake Tahoe and surrounding regional waterbodies.
• Tahoe In & Out stickers are eligible for unlimited inspections during the calendar year. Additional decontamination fees may apply.
• A Single Inspection Pass is good for 1 inspection and valid for 7 consecutive days of sealing and unsealing at Tahoe launch facilities.
• Tahoe Only stickers are reserved for vessels with an intact Tahoe inspection seal.

If you launch somewhere else, you need to remove the seal and get inspected before launching in the Lake Tahoe region again.

• The only seals accepted at Lake Tahoe are Tahoe, Fallen Leaf and Echo seals.
• The only seals accepted at Fallen Leaf and Echo Lakes are seals for those respective lakes.

• If you already have a seal, you do not need an inspection. Tahoe Only stickers can be purchased at an inspection station or launch facility on Lake Tahoe, except for Fallen Leaf or Echo Lakes.
• If you would like to purchase a Tahoe In & Out annual pass, please visit one of the roadside inspection stations.

Violators of TRPA Code of Ordinances 63.4 are subject to a minimum $5,000 monetary penalty.

Violators of TRPA Code of Ordinances 63.4 are subject to a minimum $5,000 monetary penalty.

• Large or oversized commercially transported boats will need an AIS inspection prior to arriving at any launching facility in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The boat operator will need to call the Hotline, 888-824-6267, at least 72 hours in advance of arrival, Monday through Friday, to help coordinate the inspection.
• If coming from outside of Nevada or California, boat transporters can call 844-311-4873 prior to hauling to have a destination state representative reach out to facilitate and expedite the watercraft inspection process anywhere in the Western U.S. More information can be found here.

Learn how to inspect and Clean, Drain, & Dry your vessel by becoming a Tahoe Keeper.

1. Watch the video.
2. Take the quiz.
3. Once you have passed the quiz, register.
4. Pick up your decal from the TRPA office or any watercraft inspection station.
5. Go paddle on the Lake Tahoe Water Trail.

Bring a printed or mobile version of your certificate to the location to claim your decal(s).

• U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
• Sport Fishing Rules and Regulations Booklet

• Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
• United States Coast Guard
• California Division of Boating and Waterways
• Nevada Department of Wildlife

• Evinrude E-TEC
• Mercury Optimax
• Yamaha High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI)
• Nissan and Tohatsu 2-stroke Low-pressure Direct Injection (TLDI)

If you are unsure about whether your engine is allowed on the lakes in the Tahoe Region, please contact Steve Sweet, [email protected] 775-589-5250

Yes, Donner Lake has an inspection program, but it is not associated with the Lake Tahoe regional program. Visit the Truckee Police website to learn more.

Follow these links for information about additional programs in California and other western states.