Virginia Boat Registration and Titling Guidelines

Overview of DWR Responsibilities

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is responsible for overseeing the registration and titling of recreational boats in Virginia. This includes motorboats primarily utilized on Virginia's public waters.

Registration and Titling Requirements

• Motorized Watercraft: Any watercraft powered by machinery, such as gasoline, diesel, or electric motors, must obtain both a Certificate of Title and a Certificate of Number (Registration) in Virginia.

• Sail-Powered Vessels: Sail-powered boats exceeding 18 feet in length are solely required to be titled in Virginia; registration is not obligatory.

• Private Water Usage: Boats exclusively used on private waters are exempt from the registration and titling requirements.

• New Watercraft: New boats must be registered with the DWR before operation on Virginia's public waters.

• Used Watercraft: If a used watercraft possesses a valid Virginia registration, it can be operated for a duration of 30 days under the previous owner's registration. This requires carrying a copy of the dated bill of sale and the registration card on board.

• Expired Registration: Watercraft lacking a valid registration or with an expired registration must acquire valid registration before operation on Virginia's public waters.

• Out-of-State Vessels: Owners relocating a watercraft to Virginia from another state can operate the vessel for up to 90 consecutive days using the current, valid registration from the other state before registering it in Virginia.

Titling and Registering Your Watercraft

When titling and registering your watercraft, ensure you have all the necessary documentation and follow the appropriate procedures. Below are the key steps and requirements:

Application Form

Use the "Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)" form, which combines both registration and title application processes. This form must include the purchase price for the boat and motor, signed by the buyer(s), and provide a detailed description of the watercraft, including:

• Boat make
• Length
• Model year
• Vessel type
• Hull material
• Propulsion type
• Hull Identification Number
• Motor make, serial number, and horsepower (if exceeding 25 horsepower)
• Name and mailing address of lienholder (if applicable)

Supporting Documents

Ensure you include the following supporting documents with your application for titling and registration:

For New Watercraft

• Original Manufacturer’s Statement (or Certificate) of Origin or Importer’s Certificate of Origin with "First Assignment" completed and issued by the dealer at the time of purchase.
• Copy of the sales invoice showing the gross purchase price, watercraft sales tax paid, and a description of the boat.
• Completed and signed "Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)" by the purchaser(s).

If the Watercraft is Homemade

• Provide a "Statement for Registering and Titling a Motorboat not Previously Registered and/or Titled."
• Copies of receipts for building materials.
• Printed pictures of the watercraft from all sides.

Additional Information

Be aware that your watercraft may be subject to inspection by a law enforcement officer as part of the registration process.

Titling Used Watercraft in Virginia

If you're titling a used watercraft in Virginia, the process varies depending on various scenarios:

If Titled in Virginia

• Original Certificate of Title with assignment of title completed by the titled owner(s).
• If purchased from a watercraft dealer, ensure the dealer reassignment portion of the title is completed.
• Complete and sign the "Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)" form.
• Provide a copy of the sales invoice showing gross purchase price, watercraft sales tax paid, and a description of the watercraft.

If Titled by Someone Else in Another State

• Original Certificate of Title with assignment of title completed by the titled owner(s).
• If purchased from a dealer, ensure the dealer reassignment portion of the title is completed.
• Complete and sign the "Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)" form.
• Provide a copy of the sales invoice showing gross purchase price, watercraft sales tax paid, and a description of the watercraft.

If Titled by You in Another State (Moving the Watercraft to Virginia)

• Submit the original Certificate of Title.
• Complete and sign the "Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)" form.

If Registered by You in Another State but Not Titled (Moving the Watercraft to Virginia)

• Provide a copy of the out-of-state registration.
• Complete and sign the "Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)" form.

If Registered in Virginia But Never Titled

• Submit a copy of the dated bill of sale.
• Complete and sign the "Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)" form.

If Registered by Someone Else in Another State but Not Titled

• Provide a copy of the out-of-state registration.
• Submit a bill of sale signed and dated by the registered owner(s).
• Complete and sign the "Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)" form.

If Never Registered or Titled in Virginia or Any Other State

• Submit the "Statement for Registering and Titling a Motorboat not Previously Registered and/or Titled" form.
• Provide printed pictures of the watercraft from all sides.
• Complete and sign the "Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)" form.
• Submit a bill of sale signed and dated by the seller(s).

Transitioning from USCG Documentation to State Registration

If Documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and Switching to State Registration

• Provide the Certificate of Documentation, Letter of Deletion from the USCG (or Abstract of Title with proof of lien release in the documented owner’s name).
• Submit a signed and dated bill of sale.

Boat Motors Registration

Motor Registration Requirements

• Any size, type, or horsepower of motor on a watercraft requires registration.
• Motors in excess of 25 horsepower are listed on titles.

Duplicate Titles, Registrations, or Decals

Procedure for Obtaining Duplicates

• If a title, registration card, or decals are defaced, lost, or destroyed, obtain an "Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title or Registration."
• This form is available at all locations where the application is provided.
• You can use this form to order extra registration cards if needed.

Important Note

• Only one valid title is recognized for each watercraft.
• If a duplicate title is issued, it supersedes any previously issued title(s).

Registration Expiration and Renewal

Registration Validity and Renewal Process

• Registrations are valid for three years.
• Renewal notifications are sent via email or mail to the last known email or postal address of watercraft owners ahead of registration renewal.
• Failure to receive a renewal notification is often due to unreported address changes within the three-year period.
• To renew registration:
  • Complete the "Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)" form.
  • Mark the Type of Transaction as "Renew Registration" at the top of the application.
  • Renewals can also be done online at www.GoOutdoorsVirginia.com using your current Virginia registration number and renewal PIN.

Reporting Change in Status or Mailing Address

• By law, if a registered watercraft is sold, destroyed, abandoned, stolen, or if there's a change in mailing address, it must be reported within 15 days in writing to the DWR Boat Section.
• Changes can also be reported online at www.GoOutdoorsVirginia.com using your current Virginia registration number, Hull Identification Number, and the last name of the primary owner.
• Alternatively, a "Notification of Change in Status of a Numbered Vessel" form is available at locations where the application is provided.
• Submit the notification to DWR, Boat Section, P.O. Box 9930, Henrico, VA 23228, or email it to boat-reg@dwr.virginia.gov.

Onboard Registration Requirement

Mandatory Registration Card Onboard

• It is mandatory to have a valid registration card onboard while operating your watercraft on public waters.
• The three-year registration card serves as the official registration document and must be carried onboard during usage.
• If you purchase a used watercraft with valid registration, you have a 30-day grace period from the purchase date to operate the vessel with a dated bill of sale and the former owner’s valid registration card.

Validation Decals

Decal Information

• Decals are provided with each three-year registration issued by DWR.
• They display the month and year of expiration, along with the registration number assigned to your watercraft.
• Decals must be displayed within 6 inches of the registration number on each side of the watercraft for which they were issued.
• Only the current decal may be visible, and expired decals must be removed.

Trailers: Title, Registration, and License Plates

• Title, registration, and license plates for watercraft trailers are obtained through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• Check with DMV for rules and regulations regarding trailers.

Registration, Titling Fees, and Watercraft Sales and Use Tax

• Most individuals must pay registration, titling fees, and watercraft sales and use tax upon acquiring a watercraft. These fees are outlined on the application form.

Watercraft Registration (3 Years)

Length of Watercraft	Fee
Less than 16 feet	$32.00
16 to less than 20 feet	$36.00
20 to less than 40 feet	$42.00
40 feet and longer	$50.00
Duplicate Cards & Decals (Replacements or extra sets)	$14.00
Livery of up to 10 watercraft	$32.00
Livery of more than 10 watercraft	$26.00

Titling Fees

Type of Transaction	Fee
Original	$10.00
Duplicate	$7.00
Change of Motor on Title (Original Title must be submitted)	$7.00
Record Supplemental Lien on Previously Titled Watercraft (Original Title must be submitted)	$10.00

Watercraft Sales and Use Tax

• Watercraft Sales and Use Tax is 2% of the gross purchase price of the watercraft and motor, with a maximum of $2,000.00.