Boat Registration

Ever dream of spending an entire day out on the lake, lounging on your very own boat? Basking in the warm sun with a fishing pole in hand, or maybe sipping an iced tea? Well, in order to enjoy a day like that, West Virginia requires you to both register and title your motor boat at your local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

Before we get into the boat registration and titling process, you first need to understand boat classifications, operation requirements, and education courses.

Vessel Classifications

The word "vessel" is used to describe all watercraft acting as, or capable of acting as, transportation on water. There are four vessel classifications:

• Class A: A watercraft less than 16 feet in length, regardless of motor or horsepower.

• Class 1: A watercraft between 16 and less than 26 feet in length, regardless of motor or horsepower.

• Class 2: A watercraft between 26 and less than 40 feet in length, regardless of motor or horsepower.

• Class 3: A watercraft 40 feet or more in length, regardless of motor or horsepower.

Operation Requirements

You must be at least 16 to operate a motorboat or other watercraft in West Virginia; however, if you're between 12 and 15, you're allowed to operate one when you're accompanied by an adult 18 or older. You're also allowed to operate unaccompanied, a motorboat with a maximum of 10 horsepower.

Mandatory Boater Education

Anyone born after December 31, 1986 must complete a Boater Education Course in order to operate a motorboat in West Virginia. Contact your local Law Enforcement Section Office of the Division of Natural Resources, or your local conservation officer, for more information. The West Virginia Boating Regulations Handbook covers laws and lists all equipment requirements.

Application for Title and Number

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. Anyone who purchased a motorboat before July 1, 1989 and wishes to title it may do so at their local DMV office or through the mail.

Vessels that don't require numbering are lifeboats of public vessels, motorboats from another country that are temporarily in WV waters, and motorboats used exclusively for racing. Also, any vessel without a motor isn't required to be registered or titled.

To register your motorboat, you must complete an application to title and number your vessel and your trailer. (To read this form, you will need a free copy of Adobe Reader.)

You can also request an application from a licensed recreational vehicle dealer, your local DMV office, or the Division of Natural Resources. Take (or mail) the completed applications, along with the titles to both the vessel and the trailer, a notarized bill of sale, and all applicable fees to the DMV.

Registration Fees

There is no fee to register any vessel that:

• Doesn't exceed three horsepower or

• Has electric motors that don't exceed 28 pounds of thrust

But, they must be registered.

All other classes must pay a fee:

• Class A: $30

• Class 1: $45

• Class 2: $60

• Class 3: $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.

Renewing Your Registration

In West Virginia, motorboats are registered for three-year periods. Your actual registration length depends on what year during that three-year cycle you purchase your boat. The certificate of number for, and registration of, your motorboat is valid until the last day of March of the year indicated on your registration card and must be renewed by April 1.

DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 30-45 days before expiration. To renew your registration, you must complete the Application for Motorboat Renewal, which you can also find at your local DMV or with your renewal notice). Then present a personal property tax receipt and the applicable fees to DMV.

Renewal fees are the same as registration fees, and are subject to the same adjustments.

Changes in Ownership or Address

Note that if there is a change in ownership, the current number and decal will expire and a new application for title must be submitted to the DMV.

You should report any change of address to the DMV within 15 days of the change.

MORE BOATING RESOURCES

• National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
• U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center
• Documenting Your Vessel FAQs
• American Sailing Association
• American Watercraft Association