Your Vessel's Certificate of Number and Decal
Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state.
In Virginia, you must have a Certificate of Number (registration)
and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on the public
waters of Virginia. The only exceptions are:
- Non-motorized vessels
- Vessels properly registered in another state and on Virginia
waters for 90 or fewer consecutive days
- Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
- Vessels operating under valid temporary registration
The Certificate
of Number and validation decals are obtained by submitting
the proper application form and fee to:
Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
Boat Section
P. O. Box 11528
Richmond, VA 23230-1528
Application forms are available from marine dealers, offices
of the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
(VDGIF), DMV Service Centers, and agents who sell fishing
and hunting licenses. Forms also may be downloaded from the Virginia
Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website. |
Certificate of Number
You must sign the original Certificate of
Number (pocket-sized registration card) upon receipt and
carry it on board whenever the vessel is operated. |
The Certificate of Number (pocket-sized registration card)
must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement
officer whenever the vessel is being operated.
The registration number and validation decals must be displayed
as follows.
- Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed
to both sides of the bow.
- Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow.
- Number must be in at least three-inch-high vertical BLOCK letters.
- Number's color must contrast with its background.
- Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen;
for example, VA 4696 AF or VA-4696-AF.
- No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
- Decals must be affixed to each side of the vessel within six
inches of, and in line with, the registration number. Expired
decals must be removed.
If your vessel requires registration, it is illegal to operate
or allow others to operate your vessel unless it is registered
and numbered as described above.
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PWCs also are required to display the certificate's
number and validation decal. |
Other Facts About Titling and Registering
Your Vessel
- Vessels propelled by a motor (including gasoline, diesel,
and electric motors) and sail-powered vessels over 18 feet in
length must be titled.
- A Certificate of Number expires every three years. Renewal
notices are mailed to all owners of previously registered vessels
60 days before expiration. The registration number assigned to
your vessel remains the same.
- If you change your address; if you sell, abandon, or destroy
your vessel; or if your vessel is stolen, you must contact VDGIF
within 15 days.
- If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Number or decal,
you must apply to the VDGIF for a duplicate and submit a processing
fee.
- Larger recreational vessels, owned by U.S. citizens, may (at
the option of the owner) be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Call the USCG's Documentation Center at 1-800-799-8362 for more
information. (Read
more about obtaining the U.S. Coast Guard's Certificate of Documentation.)
Hull Identification Number
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique, 12-digit number
assigned by the manufacturer to vessels built after 1972.
Hull Identification Numbers:
- Distinguish one vessel from another—the same as serial
numbers distinguish one car from another.
- Are engraved in the fiberglass or on a metal plate permanently
attached to the transom.
You should write down your HIN and put it in a place separate
from your vessel in case warranty problems arise or your vessel
is stolen.
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