West Virginia boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
West 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 and
trailers.
|
Boat Registration Statistics |
There are approximately 64,510 boats registered in West Virginia.
This state ranks 39th among nationwide boat registrations. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The boat
registration number prefix for the State of West Virginia is
"WV". |
|
Registration Agency |
Division of
Motor Vehicles |
|
Registration Requirements |
Registration
applies to all boats except those which are non-motorized such
as canoes, rowboats, or sailboats that do not have an auxiliary
motor. Registration certificates are renewed every 3 years.
Coast Guard documented boats are not subject to registration. |
|
Title Requirements |
All motorized
vessels (including sailboats that have a motor) purchased in
West Virginia by the current owner after July 1, 1989, must have
a title except for those which are Coast Guard documented. |
|
Boat Registration Records |
Boat
registration records are maintained indefinitely in West
Virginia. Detailed information on how to obtain verbal and
written reports can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Tax Requirements |
Sales tax
applies to boat transactions in West 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 |
West Virginia
does not designate co-owner methods on boat registration
records. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may register a boat in West Virginia if this is the state of
principal usage. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
Transfers of
ownership, abandonments, destructions, and thefts must be
reported within 15 days. |
|
Hull Inspection |
The boat must
be inspected by a West Virginia law enforcement official if
there is a discrepancy with the hull identification number. |
|
Outboard Motors |
Outboard
motors can be listed on boat registration applications, but
are not titled or registered separately. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Boat trailer
registration and titling are required in West Virginia. |
| Notary Regulations |
West Virginia
notary
commissions are for 10 years, no bonding is required, and a seal
must be affixed to all documents notarized within the state. |
| Visitation
Period |
A visitation
period of 60 days is allowed for boats that are registered in another state,
Coast Guard documented, or registered in a foreign country. |
