Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Buying and Selling a Vessel
 The
procedure for transferring ownership of a vessel is outlined here.
The steps are essentially the same whether the "former owner" is
a marine dealer, or the "new owner" is an individual
purchasing a pre-owned vessel from an individual "former owner."
If a registered vessel is sold or otherwise transferred to another
person, the registration and title must be issued or transferred
to the new owner.
- If the registration of the former owner is valid and the new
owner has in his or her possession the dated bill of sale and
the valid registration card of the former owner, the new owner
may operate the vessel for 30 days from the date of purchase.
- Otherwise, a new owner may show proof of ownership and purchase
a "Virginia Motorboat Temporary Registration Certificate" which
allows operation for 30 days. These certificates are sold by
hunting and fishing license agents.
- The 30-day periods allow time for the new owner to complete
registration and titling through the mail (allow two weeks for
processing and delivery).
To transfer the vessel's registration and title, you must submit
an application with the appropriate fee and supporting documents
(proof of ownership) to the Virginia Department of Game & Inland
Fisheries, Boat Section.
The VDGIF will send the new owner a new Certificate of Number
and title in the new owner's name.
Application for Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number
(Registration)
Registration and titling application forms can be obtained from:
- Marine dealers
- Offices of the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
(VDGIF)
- Agents who sell fishing and hunting licenses
- The Internet at www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating
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