Boat owners in Virginia must apply for a certificate of title at the same time an application is made for registration. You can begin the title and registration process online at GoOutdoorsVirginia.com or complete an application form available from this website. Some online transactions may require physical proof of purchase to be mailed to the agency. The online process will indicate what and where documentation should be mailed.
An application for title and registration requires a detailed description of the watercraft that includes the make, length, model year, type of vessel, hull material, type of propulsion, and the twelve-character hull identification number; the make, horsepower and serial number of the motor if in excess of 25 horsepower; and the name and address of the lienholder, if any.
Watercraft Trailers — Trailer Registration and Titles are Processed at DMV (This is a Change)
DMV now accepts the application for Boat Registration and Title with the previous title and appropriate fee. DMV will issue a 60-Day Temporary and forward the Boat Registration/Title documentation to DWR for processing. (DMV does not accept mail-in applications for Boat Registration and Titles). Please note: DMV will only accept payment by check or money order made out to the “Treasurer of Virginia.”
Required Supporting Documents
Supporting documents as proof of ownership must be submitted with an application for title registration even if the process has been started online.
New Watercraft
- The owner must provide the original Manufacturer’s or Importer’s Certificate of Origin with “First Assignment” completed and issued by dealer at time of purchase and a sales invoice showing gross purchase price, watercraft sales tax paid and a description of the watercraft.
- If watercraft sales tax is paid to a dealer, a sales invoice showing gross purchase price and watercraft sales tax paid must be submitted. With proof of tax paid on the watercraft by the applicant, credit will be given for tax paid on watercraft purchased in another state. If Watercraft Sales Tax paid in another state is less than 2%, the boat owner must pay the difference.
- If watercraft was homemade by you, an affidavit must be provided stating this fact in lieu of a Manufacturer’s or Importer’s Certificate of Origin. Copies of receipts from building materials must be submitted with the Application. (Your watercraft may be subject to inspection by a law enforcement officer.)
Used Watercraft (Certificate of Title Previously Issued)
- If titled in Virginia: the original Certificate of Title with assignment of title completed by titled owner/owners and, if purchased from a dealer, a sales invoice showing gross purchase price, watercraft sales tax paid and a description of the watercraft.
- If titled in another state: the original Certificate of Title with assignment of title completed by titled owner/owners and, if purchased from a dealer, a sales invoice showing gross purchase price, watercraft sales tax paid and a description of the watercraft.
- If titled by you in another state: the original Certificate of Title must be submitted. (Sales tax is not required to be paid.)
Used Watercraft (Previously Registered But Not Titled)
- If registered in Virginia but never titled: a dated bill of sale or Notification of Change in Status of a Numbered Vessel form (PDF) signed by the registered owner/owners.
- If registered in another state: a copy of the out-of-state registration and a bill of sale signed by the registered owner/owners.
- If registered by you in another state: a copy of the out-of-state registration. (Sales tax not required to be paid.)
Used Watercraft (Documented With the U.S. Coast Guard)
- The Certificate of Documentation and Abstract of Title or Letter of Deletion, with proof of lien release in documented owner’s name, and a bill of sale signed by the documented owner/owners.
Fees for Titling
| Type of Transaction | Fee |
|---|---|
| Titling Fee | $10 |
| Watercraft Sales Tax | 2% of gross purchase price of watercraft and motor |
| Duplicate Title | $7 (if original Title is lost, defaced, or destroyed) |
| Change of Motor on Title | $7 (original Title must be submitted) |
| Record Supplemental Lien on Previously Titled Watercraft | $10 (original Title must be submitted with Supplemental Lien Application) |
Fees for Three Year Registration
| Type of Transaction | Fee |
|---|---|
| Registration of boat less than 16 feet in length | $32 |
| Registration of boat 16 to less than 20 feet in length | $36 |
| Registration of boat 20 to less than 40 in length | $42 |
| Registration of boat 40 feet in length of longer | $50 |
| Duplicate Registration and decals (all lengths) | $14 |
Expiration and Renewal of Certificate of Number (Registration)
The registered watercraft owner’s Certificate of Number (Registration) expires every three years. Renewal reminders are sent via email to the address on record 45 days prior to expiration. The registration number assigned to your watercraft remains the same and should never be removed from your watercraft.
Notification of Change in Status or Change in Mailing Address
If a registered watercraft is sold, destroyed, abandoned, or stolen, or if there is a change in your mailing address, you are required by law to report this information within 15 days. You may do this through your Go Outdoors Virginia account or in writing to the Boat Registration & Titling Section, Department of Wildlife Resources. (You may submit an e-mail message with the necessary information to the Department at boat-reg@dwr.virginia.gov.)
Documented Vessels
Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard cannot be titled in Virginia. Though there is no requirement that documented vessels be registered, owners may register them if desired. The registration decals may be useful if traveling to another state that requires display of registration decals. Contact the Department for an application or use the application provided at this site and prominently write “Documented Vessel” at the top.
Watercraft Registered Out-of-State
Watercraft currently registered by the owner in another state and not kept in Virginia for more than 90 consecutive days are not required to be registered in Virginia.