Coast Guard Documentation
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Virginia Boat Registration Summary

          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.
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Registration Statistics There are approximately 248,000 boats registered in Virginia
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.

Virginia Boat Registration
Virginia Boat Registration

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