• Boat Registration and Licenses in Virginia

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    What to register

    All motorized boats.

    What Not to Register

    • Non-motorized canoe.
    • Non-motorized rowboat.
    • Non-motorized kayak.

    Exemptions

    • Boats only used on private waters.
    • A boat registered in another state that's not kept in Virginia for more than 90 consecutive days.

    Requirements and Procedures

    The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) administers boat and personal watercraft registration.

    Registering a New Boat

    1. Complete an application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number.
    2. Collect an Original Manufacturer's or Importer's Certificate of Origin, with the "First Assignment" section completed by the dealer.
    3. Collect a sales invoice showing gross purchase price of the boat and motor separate from the trailer, and any sales tax paid.
    4. Mail to the address on the application.

    Registering a Used Boat

    Detailed instructions for every situation (registered in another state, titled in Virginia, titled by someone else in another state, etc.) can be found on the application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number.

    Fees

    Registration fees are based on the length of your boat.

    • Less than 16 feet: $27
    • 16 to less than 20 feet: $31
    • 20 to less than 40 feet: $37
    • 40 feet and longer: $45

    Renewals and Replacements

    Boat registrations are valid for three years.

    Renew Online

    Renew online using Visa or MasterCard.

    Renew by Mail

    Mail to the address on your renewal notice. Or, if you did not receive a renewal notice, complete a Boat and Title Registration form and write "RENEWAL" in large letters at the top. Mail to the address on the form.

    Renew in Person

    Drop off your renewal notice at any DGIF location.

    Replace Lost Registration

    Complete a Duplicate Certificate of Number form and mail to the address on the application. Cost: $9

    Boater License

    All boat operators 30 years old or younger must have a boating safety certificate. And all personal watercraft (PWC) operators must also taking a boating safety course, regardless of age.

    Boater Safety Courses

    • Online: Obtain a state-approved boating safety certificate through BoaterExam.com.
    • Classroom: Courses are offered throughout the state.

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