Boating is a popular activity in Mercer Island and with the Independence Day holiday approaching, the Department of Licensing doesn’t want an expired boat license to cost you a $257 fine this weekend. All of last year’s boat licenses will be expired on July 1.

Boat licenses can be renewed online at dol.wa.gov or at a neighborhood vehicle licensing office. Those who choose to renew in an office should make sure to note the registration number on the bow of the boat or watercraft and take that information to the office.

DOL also would like to remind boaters that haven’t yet signed up for email renewal reminders to visit the agency’s website at dol.wa.gov to sign up to receive a reminder next year.