The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF)
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) administers all boat titling and registration of recreational boats in Virginia. All motorboats used on the public waters of Virginia must be registered and titled. If the motorboat is principally used on the public waters of Virginia it must be registered and titled in Virginia as opposed to another state.
• A Certificate of Title (title) and a Certificate of Number (registration) are required for all watercraft propelled by machinery, including , but not limited to, gasoline, diesel, and electric motors. • A title alone is required for sail-powered vessels in excess of 18′ in length, even if they do not have a motor, all other non-motorized boats do not require registration or titling.
• Boats used only on private waters do not require registration or titling. • New watercraft must be registered or have a temporary registration before they may be operated on the public waters of Virginia. • Used watercraft with a current, valid registration may be operated for 30 days on the previous owner’s registration if a copy of the dated bill of sale and the registration card are carried aboard the watercraft.
• If there is no valid registration or the registration has expired, used watercraft must be registered or have a temporary registration before being operated on the public waters.
