Virginia boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Virginia. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and other
resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of general
purpose boat and trailer registration forms on our Forms
page.
Please visit our
State page for additional
articles and information about registering or titling boats, trailers,
and outboard motors.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
Please
read our
terms of use before proceeding.
|
Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 245,940 boats registered in Virginia. This state
ranks 19th among nationwide boat registrations. |
|
Boat Registration Numbering |
The boat
numbering prefix for the State of Virginia is "VA". |
|
Registration Agency |
Virginia
Department of Game & Inland Fisheries. |
|
Registration Requirements |
All motorized
boats are subject to registration. Coast Guard documented boats
are excluded from registration. Registration certificates renew
every 3 years. Virginia residents must register a vessel
acquired in or imported into this state within 15 days. |
|
Title Requirements |
Vessels propelled by a motor (including gasoline, diesel, and
electric motors) and sail-powered vessels over 18 feet in length
must be titled, except for those which are Coast Guard
documented. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
Virginia has
defined procedures for titling or registering boats when there
is insufficient proof of ownership. Additional information on
this subject can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Abandoned Boats |
Virginia has
defined procedures for titling and registering boats which have
been abandoned. Additional information on this subject can be
found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Boat
Registration Records |
Boat
records are maintained indefinitely in Virginia. Detailed
information on how to obtain verbal and written reports can be
found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
State Tax Requirements |
Sales tax
applies to boat transactions in the State of Virginia. |
|
Loan Perfection |
Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on the state title records. On
Coast Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be
recorded on the vessel's abstract of title. A UCC financing
statement must be filed if the boat is neither titled or
documented. |
|
Ownership Designations |
Co-owner
designations in Virginia are "and" or "or". |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may obtain title and registration certificates if the boat is
located within the State of Virginia. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
Transfers of
interest, abandonments, destructions, and thefts must be
reported within 15 days. |
|
Hull Inspections |
The boat must
be inspected by a Virginia law enforcement official if there is a
discrepancy with the hull identification number. |
|
Outboard Motors |
Virginia does
not issue titles and registrations for outboard motors. However,
they may be listed on the boat registration records. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Boat trailer
registration and titling is required in Virginia. |
|
Notary Regulations |
Virginia notary
commissions are for 4 years, no bonding is required, a notary
seal must be affixed to all documents notarized within the
state. |
|
Dealer Licensing |
Dealers and
brokers are licensed in Virginia, must have a place of business, and must
post a $5,000 bond. |
| Visitation
Period |
A visitation
period of 90 days is allowed for boats that are Coast Guard
documented, foreign titled, or registered in another state. |
