Top What to register

All motorized boats.

What Not to Register

• Non-motorized canoe.

• Non-motorized rowboat.

• Non-motorized kayak.

Top 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.

Top 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.

Top 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

Top 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

Top Boater License

Currently, all boat operators ages 14 and 15 must successfully complete a state-approved boating safety course. By July 1 of 2009, all boat operators 20 years old or younger must have a boating safety certificate. By 2016, everyone will be required to complete the boating education requirement.

Top Boater Safety Courses

• Online: Obtain a state-approved boating safety certificate through Boater Exam.

• Classroom: Courses are offered throughout the state.

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