Registering a Boat
Boats driven on Virginia waters must be registered with the state.
Visitors from another state may use a boat registered in another state for 90 consecutive days without registering. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources allows a boat to be operated for 30 days with its former registration as long as it carries aboard a copy of the previous registration and the bill of sale.
The boat’s registration will last three years. The buyer may renew either by mail or online.
Where to Register
Registration may be completed in person or by mail at one of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) locations.
Required Documents
- An Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)
- If transferred within Virginia, a preexisting title statement is required
- Buyers of boats being registered for the first time will need an Original Manufacturer’s or Importer’s Certificate of Origin completed by the dealer; those of boats being brought from other states will need the previous title, or the previous registration
- A Bill of Sale
- Receipts showing payment of taxes and fees