Our boat
registration summary contains a quick overview of boat titling, registration, loan
perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Virginia. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and a complete
listing of resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state.
You will also find an extensive listing of generic state level boat registration,
boat trailer, and general purpose forms on our Forms Page .
Please visit our
State Page for additional
articles and information regarding state level boat registration, titling,
and operational requirements.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
State numbering.
The boat
numbering prefix for the State of Virginia is "VA".
Title certificate.
Vessels propelled by a motor (including gasoline, diesel, and
electric motors) and sail-powered vessels over 18 feet in length
must be titled.
Registration certificate.
All motorized
boats are subject to registration. Coast Guard documented boats
are excluded from registration. Registration certificates renew
every 3 years.
Sales &
use tax.
Sales tax
applies to boat transactions.
Loan perfection.
A security
interest is recorded on the state title records if the boat is
state titled an non-documented. If the boat is non-titled and
non-documented a UCC financing statement must be recorded. On
Coast Guard documented boats, a preferred vessel mortgage must
be recorded on the vessel's abstract of title.
Registration agency.
Virginia
Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, Boat Section.
Boat record search.
The Boat
Section will confirm hull numbers and verify boat certificates
in hand. Detailed reports must be obtained from a public record
service.
Ownership designations.
Co-owners are
designated with "AND" or "OR".
Residency requirements.
Titles and
registrations are available to non-residents if the boat is
located within the state.
Reporting requirements.
Transfers of
interest, abandonments, destructions, and thefts must be
reported within 15 days.
Hull number inspection.
Required if
there is a discrepancy.
Outboard motors.
Titles and
registrations are not issued to outboard motors.
Notary
public.
Notary
commissions are for 4 years, no bonding is required, a notary
seal must be affixed to all documents notarized within the
state.
Dealer & broker licensing.
Dealers and
brokers are licensed, must have a place of business, and must
post a $5,000 bond.
Visitation period.
90 days.
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and vessel transaction needs.
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