How do I transfer ownership of a used boat in Virginia?
You will need to follow these steps:
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Obtain a bill of sale: The buyer and seller must complete a bill of sale to document the transfer of ownership. You can use a generic bill of sale form or the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources provides a specific form for this purpose.
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Obtain the boat's title: The seller must provide the buyer with the boat's title, which is a legal document that proves ownership. If the seller cannot locate the title, they can apply for a duplicate copy from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
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Complete the title transfer: The buyer must complete the back of the boat's title, including the purchase price, date of sale, and their contact information. The seller must sign the title to transfer ownership.
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Pay the sales tax: Virginia requires the buyer to pay a sales tax on the purchase price of the boat. The sales tax rate varies based on the county where the boat is registered.
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Register the boat: The buyer must register the boat with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources within 30 days of the purchase. To register the boat, the buyer will need to complete a registration form, provide proof of ownership, pay a registration fee, and show proof of sales tax payment.
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Obtain new registration: Once the boat is registered, the buyer will receive a new registration card and a set of registration decals. The buyer must affix the decals to the boat and carry the registration card on board whenever the boat is in use.
It's important to note that Virginia law requires all boats with a motor to be titled and registered. If the boat is exempt from registration, such as a non-motorized watercraft or a boat used solely for racing, the buyer and seller will still need to complete a bill of sale to document the transfer of ownership.
