How to Register a Boat in Virginia: Fees, Documents and Rules
By Jake Harlow · Updated September 2026 · Checked against the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) boat registration and titling pages.
Quick answer: in Virginia, every boat with a motor used on public waters, including a canoe, kayak or jon boat with a small electric trolling motor, must be registered and titled with DWR. Registration lasts three years and costs $37 to $55 depending on length, plus a $15 title fee and a 2% watercraft sales tax (maximum $2,000). Sailboats without a motor that are 18 feet or longer need a title only. Start online at Go Outdoors Virginia, then mail your original documents to DWR.
Which boats must be registered in Virginia?
| Boat | Register? | Title? |
|---|---|---|
| Any boat with a motor (gas, diesel or electric) on public waters | Yes | Yes |
| Canoe, kayak or jon boat with an electric trolling motor | Yes | Yes |
| Canoe, kayak or paddleboard with no motor | No | No |
| Sailboat with no motor, 18 feet or longer | No | Yes |
| Boat used only on private waters | No | No |
| Personal watercraft (jet ski) | Yes (it has a motor) | Yes |
If you use a motorboat mainly on Virginia’s public waters, it must be registered in Virginia rather than in another state. Boat trailers are registered with the Virginia DMV, not DWR. Source: DWR registration and titling FAQs.
Virginia boat registration fees (from October 1, 2026)
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Registration, under 16 feet (3 years) | $37 |
| Registration, 16 to under 20 feet (3 years) | $41 |
| Registration, 20 to under 40 feet (3 years) | $47 |
| Registration, 40 feet and over (3 years) | $55 |
| Certificate of title | $15 |
| Temporary registration certificate | $15 |
| Duplicate registration card and decals | $19 |
| Duplicate title | $12 |
| Motor change | $12 |
| Supplemental lien | $15 |
| Watercraft sales tax | 2% of the price of the boat and motor, maximum $2,000 |
DWR raised most boat registration and titling fees for 2026; the amounts above are DWR’s schedule effective October 1, 2026. Credit is given for sales tax paid in another state. There is no late fee for renewing a past-due registration. Source: DWR registering and titling procedure and watercraft titling and sales tax laws.
How to register and title a boat in Virginia
- Gather your ownership documents (see the table below).
- Complete form BRT-001, the Application to Register and Title a Boat, or start the application online through your Go Outdoors Virginia account.
- Pay the fees and sales tax: registration, the $15 title fee and 2% watercraft sales tax, unless you bought from a licensed dealer who collected it.
- Send the originals: even if you start online, mail your original documents to DWR Boat Section, P.O. Box 9930, Henrico, VA 23228, or take them to DWR headquarters (9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, except holidays).
- Put the numbers and decals on the boat when your registration card and decals arrive.
Documents you need
| How you got the boat | What to send with form BRT-001 |
|---|---|
| New from a dealer | Original Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (first assignment completed), sales invoice showing the price and sales tax paid |
| Used, with a Virginia title | Original title signed over by all titled owners (plus dealer invoice if bought from a dealer) |
| Used, with an out-of-state title | Original out-of-state title with the assignment completed |
| Used, previously registered but never titled | Bill of sale signed by the registered owner (or the out-of-state registration and a bill of sale) |
| Coast Guard documented vessel | Certificate of Documentation and Abstract of Title or Letter of Deletion, lien release and signed bill of sale |
| Homemade boat | Certification for Boat Not Previously Registered and receipts for building materials; an inspection may be required |
Bought a boat with no paperwork? See how to register a boat without a title.
Displaying your registration number and decals
- Put the number on both sides of the forward half of the boat, exactly as it appears on your registration card.
- Use block letters at least 3 inches high in a colour that contrasts with the hull, reading left to right.
- Separate “VA” and the letter suffix from the numerals with a space or hyphen, for example VA 1234 AB or VA-1234-AB.
- Place each decal within 6 inches of the number on both sides, and remove expired decals.
- Never remove the assigned number from the boat, even when you sell it.
Source: DWR watercraft registration and titling requirements.
Buying or selling a used boat
- After buying a boat that is already registered in Virginia, you can use it for 30 days with a dated bill of sale and the previous owner’s registration card (if it has not expired).
- Sellers must report the sale to DWR within 15 days, through Go Outdoors Virginia or in writing, to avoid incorrect tax bills for a boat they no longer own. The same applies if a boat is destroyed, abandoned or stolen, or you move.
- Registration expires every three years; DWR sends a renewal reminder about 45 days before expiry, and you can renew online.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a boat in Virginia?
From October 1, 2026: $37 for a three-year registration on a boat under 16 feet, $41 for 16 to under 20 feet, $47 for 20 to under 40 feet and $55 for 40 feet and over, plus a $15 title fee and 2% sales tax (up to $2,000).
Do I need to register a kayak in Virginia?
Not if it has no motor. A kayak, canoe or jon boat with any motor, including an electric trolling motor, must be registered and titled.
How long is a Virginia boat registration good for?
Three years. DWR mails a reminder about 45 days before it expires, and there is no late fee.
Can I register a boat online in Virginia?
You can start and pay online through Go Outdoors Virginia, but DWR still needs your original ownership documents by mail or in person. Renewals can be done fully online.
Who do I contact about Virginia boat registration?
DWR’s boat registration section: 866-721-6911 during business hours, or boat-reg@dwr.virginia.gov.
Other states: register a boat in Michigan and register a boat in Washington. Going fishing too? See how to get a Virginia fishing license and our guide to the best pond boats. Fees change; always confirm with DWR.
