Boat Registration and Licenses in West Virginia

Boat Registration & Licenses in West Virginia

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) enforces all boat regulations in the state, while the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) processes all applications for vessel titles and registrations. 

On this page, we'll teach you the basics of WV vessel titles and registrations as well as outline the legal requirements to operate watercraft in the Mountain State.

Boats to Title & Register in WV

The West Virginia DNR requires ALL motorized vessels, including personal watercraft (e.g. jet skis) to be registered. 

Additionally, you're require to title and pay the privilege tax any motorboat purchased in West Virginia. 

Exceptions to the Division of Natural Resources' registration and titling requirements include:

• Non motorized:
  • Canoes.
  • Kayaks.
  • Rowboats.
  • Sailboats.
• Boats documented with the U.S. Coast Guard. 
• Motorboats participating in WV races.
• Watercraft from other countries temporarily using West Virginia's waters.
• Boats registered in another state and not kept in West Virginia for more than 60 consecutive days.
• Lifeboats.

If you're not sure about whether you'll need to titled and/or register your boat, call the DNR at (304) 558-6200 for assistance. 

Apply for a WV Boat Title & Registration

To title and register a boat in West Virginia, you'll need to gather the following:

• A completed Application for a Certificate of Title for a Motor Boat (Form DMV-MB-6).
• A document to prove ownership for:
  • Brand new boats: Manufacturer's Statement of Origin.
  • Used boats: WV title OR out-of-state title assigned in your name.
• If you purchased the boat for less than 50% of its most recent NADA Guides value, a notarized bill of sale is required for taxation purposes. 
  • The DMV provides a Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, or Boat (Form DMV-7-TR) that you can use. 
• Payment for all applicable vessel title and registration fees. 

Then, you can drop your completed application off at any Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office OR mail it to:

• WV DMV
• P.O. Box 17710
• Charleston, WV 25317

In West Virginia, all boat registrations begin on April 1st and ends on March 31st of the cycle's final registration year. Your registration fees will depend on when in that cycle you apply for a WV boat registration.

West Virginia Boat Title & Registration Fees

Your boat registration and renewal fees vary based on your boat’s length and the year in which you register. Consult the West Virginia DMV for details and exact fees.:

• WV boat title: $15.
  • Per lien added: $10.  

• Replacement:
  
  • Boat title: $15.
  • Vessel decals OR registration card: $10.
• Sales tax (due with title application):
  
  • State: 6% of the purchase price.
  • Local: Different in each West Virginia municipality—check out the WV municipal sales and use tax rate chart for specifics.
• Personal property tax (due with registration renewal): This fee varies by county. 

The fees for an original boat registration can be confusing! If you're having trouble calculating how much you'll owe, call the WV Division of Motor Vehicles at (304) 558-3900 for help. 

WV Boat Renewals & Replacements

All West Virginia boat registrations are valid during a universal cycle, lasting up to 3 years. At the end of the vessel registration cycle, the WV DMV will mail you a renewal notice. 

When you renew your registration, you're required to show proof you paid personal property tax on the vessel (i.e. a personal property tax receipt). Luckily, certain WV counties allow you pay these taxes online. Otherwise, you can pay (and ask any additional questions) at your local county assessor's office. 

You can renew your watercraft's registration by submitting:

• A completed renewal notice OR Application for Boat Renewal, Duplicate Decal, Duplicate Registration, and Change of Address (Form DMV-14-TR).
• Proof of personal property tax paid (i.e. a personal property tax receipt).
• The necessary registration renewal fees.  

Then, you can mail the items above to:

• WV DMV
• P.O. Box 17710
• Charleston, WV 25317

Replacement WV Boat Title & Registration

Lost or damaged your WV boat title and/or registration? Don't stress! You can easily request replacements by following the instructions below.

Replacing a Boat Title

To request a duplicate vessel title send:

• A completed Affidavit of Duplicate Title for a Vehicle or Watercraft (Form DMV-4-TR).
• Payment for the $15 replacement title fee. 

Mail the items for a replacement title to:

• Receiving and Processing
• P.O. Box 17710
• Charleston, WV 25317

Replacing a Boat Registration

If you need to request a duplicate registration card AND/OR decals, provide:

• A completed Application for Boat Renewal, Duplicate Decal, Duplicate Registration, and Change of Address (Form DMV-14-TR).
• The $10 fee per replacement decal/registration card. 

Then, mail the items above to:

• Receiving and Processing
• P.O. Box 17710
• Charleston, WV 25317

If you have questions regarding vessel registration renewals OR replacements, call the WV Division of Motor Vehicles at (800) 642-9066. 

West Virginia Boater Requirements

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources requires all residents born on or after December 31, 1986, to complete a state-approved boater education course. 

Additionally, the WV DNR imposes the following age-based restrictions when it comes to boating on state waterways, which it outlines on its Boating Regulations guide.

To fulfill the DNR's boater education requirement, you'll need to complete a boating education course by any of the following methods:

• Online—See the DNR's page on boating safety programs for a list of approved providers. 
• In the classroom—Find a time and location most convenient for your schedule.  

If you have additional questions regarding boater education classes in West Virginia, call any member of the Division of Natural Resources' boating safety staff for assistance.