DMV.ORG is a privately owned website that is not owned or operated by any government agency.
DMV.ORG is not affiliated with any government agency
   



Boat Registration and Licenses

 
Sponsored By
Enter your Zip Code below to find out how much you can save on your Boat Insurance Rates.
  • Boat and PWC insurance
  • Quote and buy online--anytime
  • 24/7 quotes, claims, service


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.
 
VIRGINIA BOATING COURSE & EXAM ONLINE SPONSOR

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

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.

Is this page helpful to you?
Advertisement