Boat Registration and Licenses in West Virginia

What to Register

All motorized vessels.

What Not to Register

• Canoes.

• Kayaks.

• Rowboats.

• Non-motorized sailboats.

Exemptions

• Coast Guard documented boats.

• Motorboats participating in a race.

• A boat from another country temporarily using West Virginia's waters.

• A boat registered in another state and not kept in West Virginia for more than 90 consecutive days.

• Lifeboats.

Requirements and Procedures

1. Complete an Application for a Certificate of Title for a Motor Boat.
2. Include the boat's title if it was titled in another state.
3. Pay all applicable fees.
4. Drop off at any Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or mail to the address located at the bottom of the application.

Titling

Titling and tax collection on all motorboats purchased in West Virginia became effective on July 1, 1989. Any new resident of WV is not required to title his or her motorboat unless there is a change in ownership.

Fees

Fees are based on your boat's length:

• Class A (less than 16 feet): $30

• Class 1 (between 16 and less than 26 feet): $45

• Class 2 (between 26 and less than 40 feet): $60

• Class 3 (40 feet or longer): $75

For all classes, you must also pay a 5% tax on the purchase price of both the vessel and the trailer, plus a $10 fee for the title.

Renewals and Replacements

Boat registrations are valid for three years and expire on March 31 of the year indicated on your registration.

Renew Online

Currently unavailable.

Renew by Mail

Mail a completed Application for Motorboat Renewal to the address on your renewal notification. Include either a personal property tax receipt or an affidavit of exemption from your county assessor's office.

Renew in Person

Drop off a completed Application for Motorboat Renewal at any DMV office. Bring either a personal property tax receipt or an affidavit of exemption from your county assessor's office.

Replace Lost Registration

Complete a Application for Duplicate Registrationand deliver it to any DMV office, or mail it to the address on your renewal notification form. Cost: $5

Boater License

Anyone born after December 31, 1986, must complete a Boater Education Course to operate a motorboat in West Virginia.

Boater Safety Courses

• Online: Take a state-approved course through BoaterExam.com.

• Classroom: The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources offer courses throughout the state.

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