Registration & Titling Spotlight
Maria Perez-Allen, Division of Boating & Waterways, California Department of Parks
In each issue, the VIRT Committee will spotlight a Registration and Titling (R&T) Specialist that has had an impact on their division, state, or on a national level when it comes to influencing change and consistency within each state’s registration and titling departments. If you have someone you would like to nominate, please reach out to Rick Barrera.
This month's feature focuses on Maria Perez-Allen, Interim BLA, with the Division of Boating & Waterways, California Department of Parks.
Maria Perez-Allen became a member of the NASBLA VIRT Committee for the first time for the 2022 - 2023 committee cycle and wasted no time getting involved with our charges. We are excited to have her as a member of VIRT and look forward to the great work she continues to produce!
How long have you worked for the state?
I have worked for the state of California since 1999.
What is your position?
I am currently the California Boating Law Administrator (interim) and Chief of Administrative Services for Division of Boating & Waterways.
What is the best thing about your division?
The ability to connect with the diverse boating recreational stakeholders in California. I love the ability to save lives through thoughtful and targeted messaging. Staff who work with our division are passionate about recreational boating, safety, and access to California’s waterways.
How did you end up in the R&T office?
Our office is not a titling agency; however, we work very closely with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on registration and titling issues related to vessels. It is truly a collaborative effort, and we value our partnership with the California DMV!
Where are you from originally?
I am a born and raised Californian. Originally from Central California and now living in Northern California. I love my state, its diversity of waterways and eclectic people!
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I love hiking and exploring nature. California has so many diverse outdoor recreational opportunities including diverse waterways, a variety of aquatic activities (i.e., beaches, streams, lakes, etc.) and I love exploring these with my family. Where appropriate, we enjoy bringing our two beagles with us to explore.
What is the best restaurant near your office?
I am a “bring your own lunch to work” type of person, so I am not the best person for this. But my favorite lunch to bring to work is a salad with grilled chicken and a homemade vinaigrette, (I like making my own) with a side of home baked rustic bread.
What area do you think you could help other state R&T divisions out with the most?
Since California has so many unique rules, laws, programs, and partners, we could share lessons learned with other states. We often encounter challenges that impact California waterways. Some of these may be enforcement, education, marine vs. freshwater issues, invasive species, conservation efforts, as well as access for underserved communities. If you have any questions, California staff are here to help.
What is your favorite VIRT resource?
The state titling and registration requirements online dashboard. This is a quick reference tool that help our staff know how a vessel was registered in another state (and its requirements) to best determine the best course of action to register in California. This online dashboard saves countless hours in research by having a one stop shop for information.