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Boat Registration and Licenses
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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
- Complete an application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number.
- Collect an Original Manufacturer's or Importer's Certificate of Origin, with the "First Assignment" section completed by the dealer.
- Collect a sales invoice showing gross purchase price of the boat and motor separate from the trailer, and any sales tax paid.
- 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
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.
Boater Safety Courses
- Online: Obtain a state-approved boating safety certificate through Boater Exam.
- Classroom: Courses are offered throughout the state.
